Deuteronomy 28:57

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 (KJV)

Context

This verse stands at the climax of the covenant curses in Deuteronomy 28. Moses warns Israel that disobedience will bring enemy sieges and famine. The curse reaches its most terrible point here: a woman so desperate that she eats her own child in secret. The siege leaves no food, and even the most tender and delicate among the people are reduced to this horror.

Meaning

The phrase “her young one that cometh out from between her feet” likely refers to the afterbirth, while “her children which she shall bear” means the child itself. Jewish commentators such as Targum Jonathan, Aben Ezra, and Jarchi support this reading. The act is done “secretly” because of shame and total lack of food. This shows the complete reversal of natural love and the depth of human degradation under divine judgment. The secrecy adds to the shame, as even the act itself is hidden from others.

Biblical connections

This curse is not a command from God but a warning of what happens when people forsake Him. The following verses, Deuteronomy 28:58-59, connect these calamities to the failure to fear the glorious and fearful name of the LORD, leading to “wonderful” plagues. The severity of the curse points to the need for repentance and points forward to Christ, who bore the curse for His people on the cross.

Application

This verse reminds us that sin leads to destruction, both for individuals and for nations. It calls us to take God’s commandments seriously and to turn back to Him in humility. The horror of this curse should drive us to gratitude for God’s mercy in Christ, who suffered the full weight of judgment so that we might receive blessing.

Reflection

Consider how easily we take God’s goodness for granted. This stark picture of desperation invites us to examine our own hearts and to cling to the hope of the gospel, where God’s grace overcomes the curse of sin. Let it lead us to praise for the deliverance we have in Christ.