“and toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates.”
Deuteronomy 28:57 is part of a larger passage known as the blessings and curses of the Mosaic Covenant. In this chapter, Moses, the leader of the Israelites, presents the people with a detailed description of the blessings:that will come upon them if they obey God’s commandments and the curses:that will befall them if they disobey.
In this specific verse, Moses describes a grim consequence that will occur during times of extreme hardship and distress. It portrays a distressing situation where a woman, in the midst of a siege and scarcity of resources, resorts to eating her own child secretly. The verse emphasizes the severity of the tribulation that will befall the Israelites if they turn away from God and fall into disobedience.
It’s important to note that this verse should not be taken as a literal endorsement or instruction from God to engage in such behaviour. Rather, it serves as a warning of the severe consequences of forsaking God’s ways and the devastating effects that can result from a society’s disobedience and disregard for His laws.
The broader context of Deuteronomy 28 highlights God’s desire for His people to follow His commandments, walk in obedience, and enjoy the blessings:that come with that obedience. However, if they choose to rebel and turn away from God, they would face numerous hardships, including sieges, famine, and the loss of basic necessities, leading to extreme measures like the one described in this verse.
In summary, Deuteronomy 28:57 illustrates the extreme consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commands and the dire outcomes that can result from straying from His path.
