Deuteronomy 28:50

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:50 presents a chilling depiction of the foreign nation God would raise as an instrument of judgment against Israel for their covenant unfaithfulness. This verse specifically highlights the invaders' brutal and merciless character, emphasizing their utter disregard for human life and dignity, extending their cruelty to the most vulnerable members of society—the elderly and the young—thereby underscoring the severe and indiscriminate nature of the divine discipline for disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive and pivotal covenant renewal section of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), specifically within the lengthy list of curses (verses 15-68) that would befall Israel if they failed to uphold their obligations to Yahweh. Following a detailed exposition of blessings for obedience (verses 1-14), Moses dramatically shifts to the dire consequences of disobedience. [Deuteronomy 28:49](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49 - A Nation from Afar") introduces this terrifying, swift, and foreign-tongued nation, and verse 50 further elaborates on their specific, horrifying characteristics, building the crescendo of impending doom. This escalating description serves to impress upon the Israelites the gravity of their covenant with God and the absolute necessity of faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivered these warnings to the generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land, just before his death. The covenant framework presented in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "Deuteronomy - The Second Law") mirrors the suzerain-vassal treaties common in the Ancient Near East, where a powerful king (Suzerain) would establish terms with a lesser king or nation (vassal), outlining blessings for loyalty and curses for rebellion. In this divine covenant, Yahweh is the ultimate Suzerain, and Israel is His vassal. The description of a ruthless invading army, showing no mercy to the old or young, was not mere hyperbole; it reflected the brutal realities of ancient warfare and siege tactics. Such descriptions would have resonated deeply with a people who had witnessed or heard of the devastating effects of conquest, emphasizing the protective hand of God that would be withdrawn upon disobedience, exposing them to the very horrors from which He had previously delivered them.

* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 28:50](/deuteronomy/28-50 "Deuteronomy 28:50 - The Ruthless Invader") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** and the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. God's justice is absolute, and His warnings are not idle threats; disobedience leads to national devastation. Secondly, it highlights the **Ruthless Nature of Adversaries** whom God might use as instruments of His wrath. The invading nation's "fierce countenance" and lack of compassion for the vulnerable stand in stark contrast to God's own commands for Israel to care for the marginalized, as seen in passages like [Exodus 22:22](/exodus/22-22 "Exodus 22:22 - Do Not Oppress the Widow or Orphan") and [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God Defends the Fatherless and Widow"). This contrast implicitly emphasizes the importance of compassion and justice within a righteous society. Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **Consequences of Sin**, revealing how turning away from God's protective hand can expose a nation to unimaginable suffering, serving as a stark warning to remain faithful to His ways, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fierce countenance (Hebrew, _‘az panim'_):** This phrase, עַז פָּנִים, literally translates to "strong of face" or "bold of face." It conveys a profound sense of impudence, shamelessness, and hardened cruelty. It describes a people utterly devoid of pity, whose faces betray no emotion of compassion or remorse. This is not merely a look of anger, but a deep-seated disposition of ruthlessness and unyielding brutality, signifying an adversary that is both formidable and morally bankrupt.
* **Regard the person (Hebrew, _nakar panim'_):** The verb נָכַר (_nakar_) means "to recognize," "to discern," or "to acknowledge." When paired with פָּנִים (_panim_), "face" or "person," it means to show respect, partiality, or consideration based on someone's identity or status. In this context, "not regard the person" means they would show no deference, no recognition of worth, no respect for age or position. The elderly, typically revered in ancient societies, would be treated with the same contempt as anyone else, stripped of their societal standing and dignity.
* **Shew favour (Hebrew, _chanan'_):** The verb חָנַן (_chanan_) means "to be gracious," "to show favor," or "to have pity." It implies an act of mercy, compassion, or clemency. The negation, "nor shew favour," emphasizes a complete absence of pity or tenderness, especially towards the most vulnerable. This nation would not extend any grace, mercy, or protection to the young, who are typically seen as innocent and deserving of protection. This highlights the absolute and indiscriminate nature of their cruelty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A nation of fierce countenance":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental character of the invading force. They are not merely strong or numerous, but possess an inherent disposition of unyielding cruelty and impudence. Their very appearance would strike terror, reflecting an inner state of hardened ruthlessness and an absence of human empathy.
* **"which shall not regard the person of the old":** This specifies the first group targeted by their indiscriminate brutality. In ancient Israelite society, the elderly were traditionally accorded respect, wisdom, and honor. To "not regard the person of the old" means they would show no deference, no recognition of their age or wisdom, and no mercy based on their vulnerability. They would be treated with the same harshness as any other combatant or captive.
* **"nor shew favour to the young":** This second clause completes the picture of total lack of compassion, extending the brutality to the opposite end of the age spectrum. The young, particularly children, were considered innocent and helpless, typically deserving of protection and pity. To "not shew favour to the young" means the invaders would exhibit no tenderness, no mercy, and no clemency towards infants or children, subjecting them to the same cruel fate as adults. This underscores the invaders' complete moral depravity and the utter devastation they would bring.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:50 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the severity of the impending judgment. The primary device is **Hyperbole**, where the description of the invading nation's cruelty is exaggerated to emphasize the extreme nature of the consequences of disobedience. While ancient warfare was indeed brutal, the absolute and indiscriminate nature of the "fierce countenance" that "shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young" paints a picture of unparalleled inhumanity, designed to instill fear and motivate obedience. **Contrast** is also evident, as the ruthless behavior of the invading nation stands in stark opposition to the compassionate and just laws God commanded Israel to uphold, particularly concerning the vulnerable. The verse functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling future events as a direct consequence of covenant infidelity. Furthermore, the phrase "fierce countenance" can be seen as a form of **Personification**, attributing a human characteristic (a "face" or "countenance") to an entire nation, making the threat more vivid and immediate. The cumulative effect of these devices is to create a terrifying and unforgettable image of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though chilling, serves a profound theological purpose within the biblical narrative. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to use even wicked nations as instruments of His righteous judgment against His own disobedient people. This is not arbitrary cruelty, but a just consequence for breaking a sacred covenant, revealing God's holiness and His demand for faithfulness. It also highlights the tragic irony: the very people called to be a light to the nations, embodying justice and compassion, would suffer at the hands of those utterly devoid of such virtues, precisely because they themselves had strayed from God's righteous path. This serves as a timeless warning that spiritual and moral decay within a society can lead to its vulnerability and eventual downfall, often at the hands of those who embody the very opposite of God's character.

* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument")
* [Jeremiah 5:15-17](/jeremiah/5-15 "Jeremiah 5:15-17 - A Nation from Afar")
* [Lamentations 2:20-21](/lamentations/2-20 "Lamentations 2:20-21 - Famine and Ruthlessness in Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:50, while describing a specific historical judgment, carries timeless truths for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of our covenant relationship with God, whether under the Old Covenant for Israel or the New Covenant in Christ for the church. Disobedience has consequences, and while we no longer face physical invasion as a direct result of individual sin, spiritual apathy and moral compromise can lead to profound spiritual barrenness and a loss of God's protective hand in our lives and communities. This verse implicitly calls us to cultivate the very compassion and regard for human dignity that the invading nation lacked. It challenges us to examine if we, as individuals or as a church, truly "regard the person of the old" and "shew favour to the young," or if we allow societal trends to diminish our care for the vulnerable. Ultimately, it is a call to humble obedience, reminding us that walking in God's ways is not merely a duty but the path to true flourishing and divine protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's severe warnings in the Old Testament deepen our appreciation for His grace and mercy in Christ?**
* **In what ways might our society, or even our own hearts, be prone to "not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young" in subtle or overt ways, and how can we counter this?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of compassion, justice, and the care for the vulnerable within a faithful community, and how can we better embody these values?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "nation of fierce countenance" specifically referring to?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 28:50 does not explicitly name the nation, historical and prophetic fulfillment points primarily to the Assyrians and later the Babylonians. Both empires were known for their brutal conquest tactics, their ruthlessness, and their disregard for the lives of the conquered, including the elderly and the young. The description serves as a general, yet terrifying, archetype of a merciless invader whom God would raise up to execute His judgment against a disobedient Israel.

**How does this verse, describing such harsh judgment, relate to God's character of love and mercy?**

Answer: This verse highlights God's absolute holiness, justice, and righteousness. While God is indeed loving and merciful, His love is not sentimental; it is intertwined with His justice. Covenant unfaithfulness, particularly after repeated warnings and demonstrations of His faithfulness, incurs severe consequences. This passage demonstrates that God takes sin seriously and that His covenant demands obedience. Even in judgment, there is an underlying redemptive purpose: to call His people back to Himself and to uphold His righteous standards. It underscores that God's character encompasses both profound love and unwavering justice.

**Is this prophecy still relevant for believers today, given that we are under the New Covenant?**

Answer: Yes, this prophecy remains profoundly relevant, though its application shifts from a literal national invasion to spiritual principles. While believers in Christ are no longer under the Old Covenant's specific curses for disobedience (as Christ bore the curse for us, as seen in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), the underlying principles endure. The verse reminds us of the seriousness of sin, the consequences of spiritual apathy, and the importance of faithfulness to God's Word. It also serves as a powerful call to cultivate compassion and justice, contrasting the world's brutality with the values of God's kingdom. Spiritually, abandoning God's ways can lead to devastating consequences in our lives and communities, even if not a physical invasion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 28:50 vividly portrays the grim consequences of covenant disobedience under the Old Law, its ultimate theological trajectory points towards the radical fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The "fierce countenance" of judgment and the indiscriminate wrath described here represent the just divine anger against sin, a wrath that every human being, by nature of their sin, stands condemned to face ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). However, in the person of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), this terrifying judgment is absorbed. Christ willingly became the curse for us, redeeming us from the curse of the law by being crucified ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice, the "fierce countenance" of divine judgment is transformed into the compassionate face of a loving Savior, who "regarded the person" of every individual, from the outcast to the vulnerable, showing ultimate "favour to the young" and the old alike, by offering them eternal life through faith in Him ([Matthew 19:14](/matthew/19-14 "Matthew 19:14 - Jesus Welcomes the Children"), [Mark 10:14](/mark/10-14 "Mark 10:14 - Jesus Welcomes the Children")). Thus, the terrifying warning of Deuteronomy 28:50 ultimately magnifies the immeasurable grace and mercy of God revealed in Christ, who offers a New Covenant of peace and reconciliation, rescuing us from the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood"), [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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,