Deuteronomy 28 is a chapter full of curses that will befall the Israelites if they disobey God. Verse 50 describes one aspect of the invading nation that will bring about these curses:
"a nation of fierce facial expressions, that doesn’t respect the elderly, nor show favor to the young,"
Let's break down the meaning:
"a nation of fierce facial expressions": This phrase suggests a people who are intimidating, ruthless, and without compassion. Their faces convey aggression and a lack of empathy. It paints a picture of a people who are cold and unfeeling.
"that doesn’t respect the elderly": In ancient Israelite society, the elderly were highly respected for their wisdom, experience, and connection to the past. This nation, however, disregards that tradition and treats the elderly with disrespect, possibly even with cruelty or neglect. This disregard for wisdom and tradition is a sign of moral decay.
"nor show favor to the young": Similarly, the young, seen as the future of the nation, were normally treated with care and protection. This nation shows no kindness or special consideration to the young, implying a brutal disregard for the future and a lack of parental affection.
In summary, the verse describes an invading nation characterized by:
Ruthlessness and Intimidation: Their "fierce facial expressions" point to a lack of compassion and a willingness to use force.
Disrespect for Traditional Values: Their disregard for the elderly undermines the wisdom and guidance of the past.
A Bleak Future: Their lack of favor for the young suggests a lack of investment in the future and a general sense of hopelessness.
The verse acts as a warning:
The harsh treatment described highlights the severity of God's punishment for disobedience. By contrasting the invading nation's cruelty with the values of respect and compassion expected of the Israelites, the verse emphasizes the consequences of straying from God's covenant. It suggests a complete breakdown of social order and moral values.
In essence, this verse is a bleak depiction of a society devoid of compassion, respect, and hope. It serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of abandoning God's law.
Deuteronomy 28 is a chapter full of curses that will befall the Israelites if they disobey God. Verse 50 describes one aspect of the invading nation that will bring about these curses:
"a nation of fierce facial expressions, that doesn’t respect the elderly, nor show favor to the young,"
Let's break down the meaning:
"a nation of fierce facial expressions": This phrase suggests a people who are intimidating, ruthless, and without compassion. Their faces convey aggression and a lack of empathy. It paints a picture of a people who are cold and unfeeling.
"that doesn’t respect the elderly": In ancient Israelite society, the elderly were highly respected for their wisdom, experience, and connection to the past. This nation, however, disregards that tradition and treats the elderly with disrespect, possibly even with cruelty or neglect. This disregard for wisdom and tradition is a sign of moral decay.
"nor show favor to the young": Similarly, the young, seen as the future of the nation, were normally treated with care and protection. This nation shows no kindness or special consideration to the young, implying a brutal disregard for the future and a lack of parental affection.
In summary, the verse describes an invading nation characterized by:
Ruthlessness and Intimidation: Their "fierce facial expressions" point to a lack of compassion and a willingness to use force.
Disrespect for Traditional Values: Their disregard for the elderly undermines the wisdom and guidance of the past.
A Bleak Future: Their lack of favor for the young suggests a lack of investment in the future and a general sense of hopelessness.
The verse acts as a warning:
The harsh treatment described highlights the severity of God's punishment for disobedience. By contrasting the invading nation's cruelty with the values of respect and compassion expected of the Israelites, the verse emphasizes the consequences of straying from God's covenant. It suggests a complete breakdown of social order and moral values.
In essence, this verse is a bleak depiction of a society devoid of compassion, respect, and hope. It serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of abandoning God's law.