Deuteronomy 28:51

KJV

And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil, [or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall eat {H398} the fruit {H6529} of thy cattle {H929}, and the fruit {H6529} of thy land {H127}, until thou be destroyed {H8045}: which also shall not leave {H7604} thee either corn {H1715}, wine {H8492}, or oil {H3323}, or the increase {H7698} of thy kine {H504}, or flocks {H6251} of thy sheep {H6629}, until he have destroyed {H6} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will devour the offspring of your livestock and the produce of your soil, until you have been destroyed. They will leave you without grain, wine, olive oil, or your young cattle and sheep - until they have caused you to perish.

Berean Standard Bible

They will eat the offspring of your livestock and the produce of your land until you are destroyed. They will leave you no grain or new wine or oil, no calves of your herds or lambs of your flocks, until they have caused you to perish.

American Standard Version

and shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy ground, until thou be destroyed; that also shall not leave thee grain, new wine, or oil, the increase of thy cattle, or the young of thy flock, until they have caused thee to perish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:51 vividly portrays the catastrophic economic devastation Israel would suffer at the hands of an invading enemy as a direct consequence of their covenant disobedience. The verse describes a relentless consumption of all agricultural and livestock produce, leading to complete deprivation of essential staples like grain, wine, oil, and the increase of cattle and sheep. This comprehensive ruin would persist until the nation was utterly destroyed, underscoring the severity of God's judgment and the profound consequences of rejecting His commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 stands as a pivotal chapter within Moses' farewell address to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab before their entry into the Promised Land. It functions as a solemn covenant renewal, reiterating the terms of the Mosaic Covenant established at Mount Sinai. The chapter is meticulously structured, beginning with extensive blessings for obedience (vv. 1-14) and transitioning into a much longer and more detailed list of curses for disobedience (vv. 15-68). Verse 51 falls squarely within this section of curses, specifically detailing the economic and agricultural ruin that would befall the nation due to an invading enemy, an immediate precursor to their eventual exile and destruction. This verse is part of a escalating series of judgments, painting a picture of progressive societal collapse when God's favor is withdrawn.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was predominantly an agrarian society, where the "fruit of the land" (cereals, grapes, olives) and the "fruit of thy cattle" (livestock) formed the bedrock of their economy, sustenance, and wealth. Prosperity was intrinsically linked to bountiful harvests and healthy flocks, blessings directly attributed to God's provision. The mention of "corn, wine, or oil" refers to the foundational staples of the ancient Near Eastern diet and trade. "Kine" (cattle) and "flocks of sheep" represented significant capital and daily sustenance. The curses in Deuteronomy 28 reflect the common suzerain-vassal treaty format of the ancient Near East, where a dominant king (God) outlined blessings for loyalty and curses for rebellion to his vassal (Israel). The threat of foreign invasion and subsequent plundering was a very real and terrifying prospect for any ancient nation, signifying not just economic loss but also national humiliation and existential threat.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:51 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the **conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant**, where Israel's continued flourishing in the land was entirely contingent upon their faithful obedience to God's commands. The verse highlights the theme of **divine judgment** as a righteous response to persistent rebellion, demonstrating that God is not indifferent to sin and will uphold the terms of His covenant. Furthermore, it underscores Israel's profound **dependence on God** for all provision and security; without His protection and blessing, they are utterly vulnerable to external threats and internal collapse. The comprehensive nature of the destruction described also emphasizes the theme of **total deprivation** as a consequence of spiritual unfaithfulness, serving as a stark warning against apostasy, a theme echoed in the prophetic books concerning the Babylonian exile, as seen in [Jeremiah 52:6](/jeremiah/52-6 "Jeremiah 52:6 - Famine in Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eat (Hebrew, _'ākal'_):** This verb signifies not merely consumption but often a devouring, a complete and destructive act of consumption. In the context of an enemy, it implies plundering and stripping away all resources, leaving nothing behind. It's a forceful, aggressive taking that leads to the victim's ruin.
* **Fruit (Hebrew, _pərî'_):** While literally meaning "fruit," in this context, it broadly refers to the produce or yield of the land and livestock. It encompasses everything that grows or is born, representing the totality of agricultural and animal wealth. The enemy consumes the very source of life and prosperity.
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _šāmad'_):** This verb denotes utter annihilation, eradication, or complete removal. The repetition of "until thou be destroyed" emphasizes the relentless and comprehensive nature of the devastation, indicating that the plundering will not cease until Israel's national existence is brought to an end, either through starvation, conquest, or exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land":** This clause introduces the primary action of the invading enemy: the consumption of Israel's economic base. "He" refers to the foreign invader described in preceding verses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:49](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Deuteronomy 28:49 - God's Judgment Through a Foreign Nation")). "Fruit of thy cattle" refers to the produce from livestock, such as milk, cheese, meat, and offspring. "Fruit of thy land" signifies all agricultural yield—grains, fruits, vegetables, and olives. This highlights a comprehensive seizure of all means of sustenance and wealth.
* **"until thou be destroyed":** This phrase establishes the duration and ultimate consequence of the enemy's actions. The plundering is not temporary or partial; it will continue relentlessly until the nation of Israel is utterly ruined, annihilated, or removed from the land, signifying a complete national collapse.
* **"which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil":** This specifies the core staples that would be consumed. "Corn" (grain) was the primary source of bread; "wine" (grape juice/wine) was a fundamental beverage and source of calories; "oil" (olive oil) was essential for cooking, light, anointing, and trade. The enemy would leave absolutely none of these vital provisions.
* **"[or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep":** This further details the comprehensive nature of the economic ruin, extending beyond crops to livestock. "Increase of thy kine" refers to the calves born from cattle, and "flocks of thy sheep" refers to the lambs and wool from sheep. These represented not only food but also capital, labor (oxen), and clothing. The enemy would take even the future generations of their animals.
* **"until he have destroyed thee":** This final repetition powerfully re-emphasizes the grim and unavoidable outcome. The enemy's actions are not merely punitive but aim at the complete and utter destruction of Israel as a functioning nation, culminating in their removal from the land.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:51 employs several potent literary devices to convey its dire message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the enemy consuming *all* the fruit of the land and cattle, leaving *nothing* behind, emphasizing the absolute and total nature of the deprivation. While perhaps not literally every last grain, the intent is to convey complete and utter destitution. **Repetition** of the phrase "until thou be destroyed" serves to underscore the relentless and inescapable nature of the judgment, reinforcing the severity and finality of the consequences of disobedience. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery** of a nation stripped bare, facing starvation and economic collapse, painting a grim picture of desolation and despair. This imagery is designed to evoke fear and motivate obedience by illustrating the tangible and terrifying results of covenant breaking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:51 serves as a stark theological declaration concerning the gravity of covenant fidelity and the unwavering justice of God. It reveals that God's covenant with Israel was not merely a set of suggestions but a binding agreement with tangible consequences for obedience and disobedience. The economic devastation described is not random misfortune but a direct act of divine judgment, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nations and His commitment to upholding His word. This passage underscores the principle that rebellion against God leads to a withdrawal of His protective hand and a descent into vulnerability and ruin, highlighting the profound spiritual truth that true security and prosperity are found only in faithful relationship with the Creator.

* [Lamentations 4:9-10](/lamentations/4-9 "Lamentations 4:9-10 - Famine in Jerusalem")
* [Jeremiah 14:15-16](/jeremiah/14-15 "Jeremiah 14:15-16 - Prophecy of Famine and Sword")
* [Amos 8:11-12](/amos/8-11 "Amos 8:11-12 - A Famine of Hearing the Word of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:51, though rooted in the specific context of the Mosaic Covenant, offers enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate well-being, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is deeply intertwined with our relationship with God. When we stray from His commands, neglect His wisdom, or prioritize worldly pursuits over His will, we open ourselves up to various forms of "deprivation" and "destruction." This might manifest not as literal famine, but as spiritual barrenness, emotional emptiness, relational breakdown, or a loss of purpose. The verse challenges us to examine our lives: are we living in faithful obedience, trusting in God's provision and guidance, or are we risking a spiritual "famine" by neglecting the nourishment of His Word and the vitality of His presence? It calls us to cultivate a posture of dependence, recognizing that true abundance and security flow from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a "deprivation" or "destruction" that could be linked to disobedience or a lack of trust in God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and His commitment to His covenant promises (or warnings)?**
* **What "staples" (spiritual disciplines, relationships, values) in my life am I allowing to be consumed by distractions or sin, leading to spiritual hunger?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper dependence on God for all my needs, both physical and spiritual, in light of this passage?**

### FAQ

**What does "fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land" specifically refer to?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the entire agricultural and livestock yield of the Israelite people. "Fruit of thy land" encompasses all crops, such as grains (corn), grapes (wine), and olives (oil), which were the primary staples of their diet and economy. "Fruit of thy cattle" refers to the produce from their livestock, including milk, cheese, meat, and the increase (offspring) of their herds and flocks, like calves and lambs. Together, these phrases describe the complete economic base and means of sustenance for ancient Israel.

**Why are "corn, wine, or oil" specifically mentioned as being consumed?**

Answer: "Corn" (grain), "wine," and "oil" were the three foundational agricultural staples of the ancient Near East and Israel. Grain provided bread, the most basic food. Wine was a common beverage and source of calories. Olive oil was essential for cooking, lighting, anointing, and trade. By explicitly listing these, the verse emphasizes the comprehensive and devastating nature of the enemy's plundering – they would leave no vital resource untouched, leading to widespread famine and destitution. This highlights the complete stripping away of Israel's economic and dietary foundations.

**Does this verse imply that all suffering or economic hardship is a direct result of personal sin?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 28:51 clearly links national economic devastation to Israel's covenant disobedience, it's crucial to interpret this within its specific covenantal context. For ancient Israel under the Mosaic Covenant, there was a direct, often immediate, correlation between national obedience/disobedience and material blessings/curses in the Promised Land. For believers today, while sin certainly has destructive consequences (e.g., [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")), not all suffering or economic hardship is a direct, punitive consequence of individual sin. We live in a fallen world (e.g., [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")), and hardship can arise from various factors, including the sin of others, natural disasters, or simply living in a broken world. However, the principle of God's sovereignty and our ultimate dependence on Him for all provision remains.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:51, with its stark portrayal of utter deprivation and destruction as a consequence of covenant breaking, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Christ, as the perfect Israelite, perfectly fulfilled the Law and bore the curse of disobedience on our behalf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares that "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." Where Israel faced physical and economic destruction for their unfaithfulness, Christ endured the ultimate spiritual devastation—separation from God—so that we might experience blessing and life. Second, this verse highlights Israel's dependence on physical provisions ("corn, wine, oil"). Jesus, however, reveals Himself as the true and ultimate provision, declaring, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He offers a spiritual sustenance that transcends physical commodities, satisfying the deepest longings of the soul and protecting us from spiritual famine, as seen in [Amos 8:11](/amos/8-11 "Amos 8:11 - A Famine of Hearing the Word of the Lord"). Finally, while the Old Covenant promised prosperity in the land for obedience, the New Covenant promises spiritual blessings in Christ, regardless of our earthly circumstances (e.g., [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Through Him, we are no longer vulnerable to the curses of the Law, but are heirs to an imperishable inheritance, secured by His sacrifice and resurrection, ensuring that our spiritual "fruit" will never be consumed, and our ultimate "destruction" is averted.

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

Deuteronomy 28:33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

Isaiah 62:8

The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:

Ezekiel 12:19

And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, [and] of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein.

Jeremiah 15:13

Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and [that] for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.

Jeremiah 17:3

O my mountain in the field, I will give thy substance [and] all thy treasures to the spoil, [and] thy high places for sin, throughout all thy borders.

Leviticus 26:26

[And] when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver [you] your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

Isaiah 1:7

Your country [is] desolate, your cities [are] burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and [it is] desolate, as overthrown by strangers.