What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 28:32?

Your sons and daughters

“Your sons and daughters…” (Deuteronomy 28:32)

• The verse starts with the most precious earthly relationships. In Israelite culture, children were viewed as a heritage from the LORD (Psalm 127:3–5).

• God highlights what disobedience will cost: not merely crops or property, but the very next generation (Exodus 20:5–6).

• The warning echoes earlier covenant language—obedience brings blessing on children (Deuteronomy 6:2), but rebellion endangers them (Leviticus 26:22).

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Will be given to another nation

“…will be given to another nation…”

• “Given” stresses that Israel would not merely lose battles; their children would be handed over, powerless to resist (2 Kings 17:6; 2 Chron 28:8).

• “Another nation” points to exile and foreign domination—Assyria, Babylon, later Rome—fulfilling the curse historically (Jeremiah 13:19; Lamentations 1:5).

• God had promised the land as Israel’s inheritance (Genesis 15:18–21), yet disobedience would reverse the promise, sending heirs away.

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While your eyes grow weary looking for them day after day

“…while your eyes grow weary looking for them day after day…”

• Parents would watch the road, hoping for their children’s return, but see only emptiness (Jeremiah 31:15; Isaiah 51:20).

• The phrase captures prolonged grief, not a brief loss—ongoing, exhausting sorrow (Psalm 119:82).

• It underscores how sin’s consequences linger, affecting emotions, family life, and national morale (Proverbs 10:1; Lamentations 2:11).

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With no power in your hand

“…with no power in your hand.”

• Human strength, diplomacy, or military might would be useless; God alone could rescue (Deuteronomy 32:36–39).

• The phrase reminds Israel that covenant violation strips away divine protection (Joshua 7:12; Psalm 44:9).

• It foreshadows the need for a greater Deliverer who alone can break the cycle of judgment (Isaiah 59:16; Galatians 3:13).

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summary

Deuteronomy 28:32 warns that persistent disobedience would tear children from parents, send them into foreign captivity, leave families grief-stricken and helpless, and expose the nation’s absolute dependence on God. The verse calls every generation to faithful obedience, knowing that only in covenant faithfulness are families and futures secure.