Deuteronomy 28:57 - toward her young one who comes out from between her feet, and toward her children whom she bears; for she will eat them secretly for lack of all things, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemy will distress you in your gates.
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What does "Deuteronomy 28:57" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 28:57 describes a horrific consequence of the Israelites breaking their covenant with God. It's a prophecy of unimaginable suffering and desperation that will occur if they disobey and are conquered. Let's break it down:
"Toward her young one who comes out from between her feet, and toward her children whom she bears...": This establishes the subject: a mother and her children. "Young one who comes out from between her feet" refers to the birthing process. She has just given birth, or is in the final stages of pregnancy.
"...for she will eat them secretly for lack of all things...": This is the core of the verse and describes the unspeakable act of cannibalism. Driven by extreme famine and starvation during a siege, a mother will resort to eating her own children. The phrase "secretly" suggests both the shame and the desperation driving her actions. It could also imply that there is only enough food for one, and she is choosing herself to survive.
"...in the siege and in the distress with which your enemy will distress you in your gates.": This sets the context for the cannibalism. It's not simply poverty, but the specific conditions of a siege. The enemy is blockading the city, cutting off supplies, and causing immense "distress" and suffering within the city "gates." This means people are trapped, with no access to food or resources.
In essence, the verse is a stark warning. It depicts:
Extreme Famine: The siege will be so severe that all normal food sources will be exhausted.
Desperation: People will be driven to unthinkable acts to survive.
Breakdown of Societal Norms: The natural bond between mother and child, one of the strongest in human experience, will be shattered by the unbearable circumstances.
Consequences of Disobedience: The verse is presented as a direct consequence of the Israelites' failure to keep their covenant with God. It illustrates the severity of divine judgment.
Symbolic Interpretations:
While the verse describes a literal horror, it can also be interpreted symbolically:
Internal Destruction: Some see the cannibalism as representing the self-destructive nature of sin and rebellion against God. The Israelites are, in a sense, consuming themselves from within.
Loss of Hope: The extreme act symbolizes the complete loss of hope and the utter despair that will engulf the nation.
Important Considerations:
Hyperbole: Some scholars suggest that the verse might be a form of hyperbolic language to emphasize the severity of the consequences. However, it's important to note that historical accounts document instances of cannibalism during sieges, lending credence to the possibility of literal fulfillment.
Context: It's crucial to read this verse within the larger context of Deuteronomy 28, which outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 28:57 is a chilling verse that serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of disobedience and the depths of suffering that can result from abandoning God's covenant. It is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the devastating impact of sin.
Deuteronomy 28:57 - toward her young one who comes out from between her feet, and toward her children whom she bears; for she will eat them secretly for lack of all things, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemy will distress you in your gates.
What does "Deuteronomy 28:57" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 28:57 describes a horrific consequence of the Israelites breaking their covenant with God. It's a prophecy of unimaginable suffering and desperation that will occur if they disobey and are conquered. Let's break it down:
"Toward her young one who comes out from between her feet, and toward her children whom she bears...": This establishes the subject: a mother and her children. "Young one who comes out from between her feet" refers to the birthing process. She has just given birth, or is in the final stages of pregnancy.
"...for she will eat them secretly for lack of all things...": This is the core of the verse and describes the unspeakable act of cannibalism. Driven by extreme famine and starvation during a siege, a mother will resort to eating her own children. The phrase "secretly" suggests both the shame and the desperation driving her actions. It could also imply that there is only enough food for one, and she is choosing herself to survive.
"...in the siege and in the distress with which your enemy will distress you in your gates.": This sets the context for the cannibalism. It's not simply poverty, but the specific conditions of a siege. The enemy is blockading the city, cutting off supplies, and causing immense "distress" and suffering within the city "gates." This means people are trapped, with no access to food or resources.
In essence, the verse is a stark warning. It depicts:
Extreme Famine: The siege will be so severe that all normal food sources will be exhausted.
Desperation: People will be driven to unthinkable acts to survive.
Breakdown of Societal Norms: The natural bond between mother and child, one of the strongest in human experience, will be shattered by the unbearable circumstances.
Consequences of Disobedience: The verse is presented as a direct consequence of the Israelites' failure to keep their covenant with God. It illustrates the severity of divine judgment.
Symbolic Interpretations:
While the verse describes a literal horror, it can also be interpreted symbolically:
Internal Destruction: Some see the cannibalism as representing the self-destructive nature of sin and rebellion against God. The Israelites are, in a sense, consuming themselves from within.
Loss of Hope: The extreme act symbolizes the complete loss of hope and the utter despair that will engulf the nation.
Important Considerations:
Hyperbole: Some scholars suggest that the verse might be a form of hyperbolic language to emphasize the severity of the consequences. However, it's important to note that historical accounts document instances of cannibalism during sieges, lending credence to the possibility of literal fulfillment.
Context: It's crucial to read this verse within the larger context of Deuteronomy 28, which outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 28:57 is a chilling verse that serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of disobedience and the depths of suffering that can result from abandoning God's covenant. It is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the devastating impact of sin.