What can we learn about God's justice from Deuteronomy 28:57? Setting the Scene—Deuteronomy 28:57 “ … because of the afterbirth that comes out from between her legs and her children whom she bears, she will eat them secretly for lack of anything else, in the siege and distress to which your enemy will subject you in your cities.” (Deuteronomy 28:57) Why This Stark Picture? • Deuteronomy 28 lays out covenant blessings (vv. 1-14) and curses (vv. 15-68). • Verse 57 belongs to the climax of the curses: unimaginable famine during a siege. • God is spelling out in advance what disobedience will literally cost Israel. Key Insights into God’s Justice • Sin carries real, proportionate consequences – “Whatever a man sows, he will reap” (Galatians 6:7). – The horror of cannibalism matches the horror of abandoning the Lord for idols. • God’s warnings are clear, detailed, and fair – He tells Israel exactly what will happen long before it happens (cf. Amos 3:7). – Nobody can claim ignorance; God’s justice is not arbitrary. • Divine judgment touches every level of society – Even “the most refined and delicate woman” (v. 56) becomes desperate. – Sin’s fallout is never isolated; it corrodes families, cities, and nations. • Justice is measured but unflinching – “Your enemy will subject you” (v. 57)—God often uses human agents (Babylon, Assyria, Rome) to execute His verdicts (Isaiah 10:5-6). – “Dire distress” is the last step after long-suffering patience (Nehemiah 9:26-30). • God vindicates His covenant faithfulness – Blessings for obedience, curses for rebellion (Leviticus 26:14-29 parallels this passage). – When the curses fall, they prove God keeps every word—pleasant and painful alike (Joshua 23:15-16). Historical Fulfillment Confirms Literal Justice • Northern Kingdom: Siege of Samaria (2 Kings 6:28-29). • Southern Kingdom: Siege of Jerusalem, 586 BC (Lamentations 2:20; 4:10). • AD 70: Roman siege of Jerusalem, noted by Josephus. These events mirror Deuteronomy 28 exactly, underscoring that God means what He says. Justice Tempered with Mercy • Even while announcing judgment, God leaves the door open for repentance: “If you return to the LORD … He will restore you” (Deuteronomy 30:2-3). • The same covenant God who judges also redeems (Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 103:8-10). • Ultimate justice fell on Christ, offering deliverance from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). Takeaways for Today • Never treat sin lightly; God’s justice is real and exact. • Heed His warnings now rather than face escalated consequences later. • Stand in awe: the God who promises such severe judgment also offers complete pardon through the gospel (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 10:31). |
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