Deuteronomy 28:51 - and they will eat the fruit of your livestock, and the fruit of your ground, until you are destroyed. They also won’t leave you grain, new wine, or oil, the increase of your livestock, or the young of your flock, until they have caused you to perish.

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 28:51

What does "Deuteronomy 28:51" mean?


This verse, Deuteronomy 28:51, is part of a series of curses that will befall the Israelites if they disobey God's commandments. It describes a devastating scenario of economic and agricultural ruin caused by an invading enemy. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"and they will eat the fruit of your livestock, and the fruit of your ground, until you are destroyed": The invading army will consume all the produce of the land and the products of the livestock. They will devour the crops, fruits, and anything that the Israelites would normally harvest and eat. This relentless consumption leads to starvation and eventually, destruction.

"They also won’t leave you grain, new wine, or oil": These are staple foods and vital resources in ancient Israel. The invaders will take everything, leaving nothing for the Israelites to sustain themselves. Grain is a basic food source, new wine is a beverage and a symbol of abundance, and oil is used for cooking, lighting, and religious ceremonies.

"the increase of your livestock, or the young of your flock, until they have caused you to perish": Even the future potential of the Israelites' herds is taken away. The enemy won't allow the livestock to reproduce and rebuild their numbers. They will confiscate or slaughter the young animals, ensuring the livestock population dwindles and eventually leads to the people's demise.

In essence, this verse paints a picture of total deprivation and economic collapse inflicted by an enemy. The invaders will strip the Israelites of everything they need to survive, leaving them with nothing to eat, drink, or trade. This systematic plundering will lead to famine, weakness, and ultimately, the destruction of the nation.

Context within Deuteronomy 28: This verse is part of a larger section (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) detailing the curses for disobedience, which are far more extensive than the blessings promised for obedience. The severity of these curses highlights the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of straying from His covenant.

Interpretation: This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to God. It also highlights the vulnerability of a nation dependent on its land and resources when faced with a powerful enemy.

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