“The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter.”
Deuteronomy 28:56 is part of a larger passage known as the blessings and curses. In the preceding verses, God outlines the blessings that the Israelites will receive if they faithfully obey His commandments, and the subsequent curses that will befall them if they disobey. This particular verse describes a severe consequence of disobedience and highlights the deterioration of familial relationships.
The verse begins by referring to a “tender and delicate woman.” This is a depiction of a woman who is accustomed to a life of comfort and luxury, someone who is not used to hardships or physical labor. The verse emphasizes her fragility by stating that she would not dare to venture out and set the sole of her foot upon the ground for fear of getting dirty or injured.
However, due to the disobedience of the Israelites, this delicate woman’s circumstances change dramatically. Her eye, symbolizing her attitude or disposition, is described as being “evil” or filled with bitterness, resentment, and hostility. This negativity extends toward three primary relationships: her husband, her son, and her daughter.
The verse implies that the breakdown of the family unit is a consequence of disobedience. The woman’s relationship with her husband becomes strained, potentially leading to conflict, animosity, or even a breakdown in communication. Similarly, her relationship with her children, both her son and daughter, is affected negatively, suggesting a breakdown in the natural bond and affection between family members.
It is important to understand that Deuteronomy, as a book of the Old Testament, is situated within the context of the Mosaic Law and the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. The blessings and curses outlined in this chapter served as a means for God to encourage obedience and warn of the consequences of disobedience.
This verse reflects the gravity of the curses that would befall the Israelites if they turned away from God’s commandments. It highlights the importance of obedience and the potential impact that disobedience can have on relationships within the family unit. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of following God’s guidance and the potential consequences that can arise from straying from His path.
