Deuteronomy 28:55

So that he wil not giue to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he shall eate: because hee hath nothing left him in the siege, and in the straitnesse wherewith thine enemies shal distresse thee, in all thy gates. Deuteronomy 28:55 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 28 records both blessings and curses that God pronounced through Moses for the nation of Israel. The chapter opens with a series of blessings that would accompany faithful obedience to God’s commandments, and then turns to a parallel series of curses that would befall the people if they turned away from Him and broke the covenant.

Verse 55 brings the seriousness of the curses into sharp focus. The text reads, “And he shall not give to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he shall eat: because he hath nothing left him in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee in all thy gates.” A shorter citation in another rendering states, “Because the LORD thy God will not give thee rest from war, from all thy enemies round about.” Both renderings convey the extreme desperation that would accompany a prolonged siege and relentless warfare.

The passage describes a situation in which famine and siege leave a people with nothing left, even to the point of cannibalism, while hostile nations press in on every gate. This vivid picture underscores that persistent disobedience would invite relentless conflict, loss of security, and suffering beyond ordinary hardship. The curses are presented as a direct consequence of breaking God’s law, highlighting the seriousness of divine judgment.

The overall message of Deuteronomy 28:55 is a stark reminder to the Israelites that turning away from God brings severe hardship. It emphasizes the need for continual faithfulness to the covenant and the importance of obeying God’s commands in order to enjoy His protection and peace.

While the verse addresses the historical nation of Israel, the study notes that Christians today can also learn from this warning. Recognizing the significance of obedience to God’s commands and the potential consequences of turning away remains relevant for believers seeking to live faithfully under God’s covenant today.