the afterbirth that comes from between her legs and the children she bears, because she will secretly eat them for lack of anything else in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within your gates. the afterbirth that comes from between her legsThis phrase refers to the extreme conditions of famine and desperation described in the curses for disobedience. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the afterbirth was considered unclean and not something to be consumed. The mention of such an act highlights the severity of the situation. Historically, sieges were brutal, often leading to starvation. This imagery is meant to shock and convey the dire consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Ezk 16:4 On the day of your birth your cord was not cut… and the children she bears, The reference to children underscores the depth of the tragedy. Children, seen as blessings and the future of a family, are here depicted as victims of the dire circumstances. This echoes the warnings found in Leviticus 26:29 and 2 Kings 6:28-29, where similar situations of cannibalism during sieges are recorded. The loss of children in such a manner would have been a profound cultural and emotional devastation. Lam 2:20 Look, O LORD, and consider: Whom have You ever treated… because she will secretly eat them The secrecy implies shame and desperation. Eating one's own offspring is a taboo act, indicating the complete breakdown of societal norms and maternal instincts due to extreme hunger. This act is a fulfillment of the curses for disobedience, showing the depth of moral and social decay when God's laws are abandoned. 2Ki 6:28-29 Then the king asked her, “What is the matter?”… for lack of anything else in the siege and distress The siege and distress refer to the military tactics used by enemies to cut off supplies and starve a city into submission. Historically, sieges were common in the ancient world, and the distress caused by them is well-documented. This phrase emphasizes the total deprivation and hopelessness faced by the people, serving as a warning of the consequences of forsaking God's protection. Jer 19:9 I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters,… that your enemy will inflict on you within your gates. The phrase "within your gates" indicates that the threat is not just external but has penetrated the very heart of the community. The enemy's presence within the gates signifies a complete breach of security and divine protection. This is a fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where God warns that disobedience will lead to foreign domination and suffering. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the need for faithfulness to God to maintain His protection and blessings. 2Ki 25:1-2 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and warnings to the Israelites. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, receiving the blessings and curses based on their obedience or disobedience. 3. Enemies of Israel The foreign nations that would besiege and distress Israel if they turned away from God. 4. Siege A military blockade and assault on a city, leading to extreme conditions such as famine. 5. Cities of Israel The locations where the Israelites would experience the consequences of disobedience. Teaching Points The Seriousness of DisobedienceThe graphic nature of the curses in Deuteronomy 28 highlights the severe consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Reality of Sin's Consequences Sin leads to destruction and despair, not only spiritually but also physically and socially. The passage illustrates how far-reaching the effects of sin can be, impacting entire communities. God's Sovereignty and Justice God is just and sovereign, and His warnings are not empty threats. The fulfillment of these curses in Israel's history demonstrates that God’s word is true and His justice is certain. The Call to Repentance Even in the face of dire warnings, there is always a call to repentance. God desires His people to turn back to Him, and He provides opportunities for restoration and forgiveness. The Hope of Redemption While the curses are severe, they point to the need for a Savior. Jesus Christ offers redemption and restoration, breaking the cycle of sin and its consequences. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the severity of the curses in Deuteronomy 28:57 reflect the seriousness with which God views disobedience?2. In what ways can the historical fulfillment of these curses serve as a warning for us today? 3. How do the consequences of sin, as described in this passage, manifest in our personal lives and communities? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that we remain obedient to God’s commands and avoid the pitfalls of disobedience? 5. How does the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ provide a solution to the dire consequences of sin depicted in Deuteronomy 28:57? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 26This chapter also outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. 2 Kings 6:24-29 This passage describes a historical siege of Samaria, where extreme famine led to desperate actions, illustrating the fulfillment of the warnings in Deuteronomy. Lamentations 4:10 Reflects on the dire consequences of Jerusalem's siege, where compassionate women boiled their own children, echoing the warnings in Deuteronomy 28.
People MosesPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Afterbirth, Anything, Baby, Bear, Bears, Birth, Bitter, Body, Cities, Cruel, Distress, During, Eat, Enemy, Gates, Grip, Haters, Inflict, Intends, Issues, Lack, Lacking, Legs, Meal, Newly, Offspring, Oppress, Secret, Secretly, Seed, Siege, Sons, Straiten, Straitness, Towards, Towns, Wherewith, Within, WombDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 28:57 5827 curse 5809 compassion, human Library A Choice of Masters'Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; 48. Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies ... in want of all things: and He shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until He have destroyed thee.'--DEUT. xxviii. 47, 48 The history of Israel is a picture on the large scale of what befalls every man. A service--we are all born to obedience, to depend on and follow some person or thing. There is only a choice of services; and … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Blessing and Cursing Strength Profaned and Lost The Sin of Unbelief Promises and Threatenings Secondly, for Thy Words. Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition. The Third Commandment That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History. The Second Coming of Christ. Paul's Departure and Crown; Writings of St. Ambrose. Backsliding. The Hindrances to Mourning Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold. The Right Understanding of the Law In Death and after Death The Prophet Amos. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 28:57 NIVDeuteronomy 28:57 NLT Deuteronomy 28:57 ESV Deuteronomy 28:57 NASB Deuteronomy 28:57 KJV Deuteronomy 28:57 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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