Deuteronomy 28:50

A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:

A nation {H1471} of fierce {H5794} countenance {H6440}, which shall not regard {H5375} the person {H6440} of the old {H2205}, nor shew favour {H2603} to the young {H5288}:

a nation grim in appearance, whose people neither respect the old nor pity the young.

a ruthless nation with no respect for the old and no pity for the young.

a nation of fierce countenance, that shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favor to the young,

Commentary

Deuteronomy 28:50 is part of a sobering prophetic warning given by Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. This verse describes the terrifying characteristics of a foreign nation that God would raise up as an instrument of judgment if Israel failed to uphold their covenant obligations.

Context

This verse is found within the extensive section of blessings and curses in Deuteronomy chapter 28. Following a detailed list of blessings for obedience (verses 1-14), Moses presents a much longer and more severe list of curses for disobedience (verses 15-68). Verse 49 introduces this "nation from afar" that would come swift as an eagle, speaking a language unknown to Israel. Verse 50 further elaborates on their brutal nature, emphasizing their complete lack of compassion and disregard for human life, regardless of age or vulnerability.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse underscores the severe consequences of disobedience to God's covenant. It reveals that God's justice is absolute, and covenant unfaithfulness would lead to national devastation.
  • Ruthless Adversary: The invading nation is depicted as utterly merciless. Their "fierce countenance" (see Linguistic Insights) signifies a hardened, cruel disposition. They would not show pity or respect for the most vulnerable members of society—the old and the young—indicating a complete societal breakdown under their oppression.
  • Consequences of Sin: This prophecy highlights how turning away from God's protective hand can expose a nation to unimaginable suffering at the hands of its enemies, a stark contrast to God's command to care for the vulnerable, as seen in Exodus 22:22.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fierce countenance" translates from the Hebrew 'az panim (עַז פָּנִים), which literally means "strong of face" or "bold of face." It conveys a sense of shamelessness, impudence, and extreme cruelty. This nation would be unyielding, showing no remorse or pity. The description of them "not regard[ing] the person of the old, nor shew[ing] favour to the young" powerfully emphasizes their utter lack of human compassion, extending their brutality to all demographics, from the most frail to the most innocent.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 28:50 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • The Seriousness of Covenant: God's warnings are not idle threats. The covenant between God and His people carries profound implications, both for blessing and for judgment.
  • The Value of Compassion: By describing the cruelty of the invading nation, the verse implicitly highlights the importance of compassion, mercy, and respect for all human life, especially the vulnerable. A society that abandons these values risks moral decay and invites severe consequences.
  • A Call to Obedience: Ultimately, this prophetic warning was intended to motivate Israel to faithful obedience. For believers today, it underscores the importance of heeding God's Word and walking in His ways to experience His protection and blessings, rather than the disciplinary consequences of disobedience. This echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 3:5-6, encouraging trust and reliance on God's guidance.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 47:6

    I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:17

    Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.

  • Hosea 13:16

    Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

  • Luke 19:44

    And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

  • Daniel 8:23

    And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:1

    ¶ Who [is] as the wise [man]? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.

  • Proverbs 7:13

    So she caught him, and kissed him, [and] with an impudent face said unto him,
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