Deuteronomy 28:55

KJV

So that he will 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So that he will not give {H5414} to any {H259} of them of the flesh {H1320} of his children {H1121} whom he shall eat {H398}: because he hath nothing left {H7604} him in the siege {H4692}, and in the straitness {H4689}, wherewith thine enemies {H341} shall distress {H6693} thee in all thy gates {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to the degree that he will refuse to share with any of them the flesh of his children whom he is eating; because if he did, he would have nothing left for himself -in the severity of the siege and distress your enemies are inflicting on you in all your towns.

Berean Standard Bible

refusing to share with any of them the flesh of his children he will eat because he has nothing left in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within all your gates.

American Standard Version

so that he will 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 distress wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in all thy gates.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:55 presents a chilling and graphic depiction of the ultimate horror that would befall the Israelites if they persistently disobeyed God's covenant: cannibalism during a severe siege. This verse, part of the extensive list of curses, portrays a desperate individual, likely a man, so utterly devoid of provisions due to extreme famine and the relentless pressure of enemy forces, that he would refuse to share even the flesh of his own children, whom he is consuming, with his closest family members. It underscores the profound breakdown of natural affection, societal order, and human dignity under the most dire circumstances imaginable, serving as a stark warning of the consequences of covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 is a pivotal chapter within Moses's final discourse to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It functions as a solemn covenant renewal ceremony, outlining in stark terms the blessings for obedience (verses 1-14) and the severe curses for disobedience (verses 15-68). Verse 55 is situated deep within the curses section, specifically among the warnings of intense famine, disease, and military defeat that would accompany a prolonged siege. The preceding verses (52-54) describe the siege itself, the extreme hunger, and the shocking act of parents eating their own children, setting the stage for the specific horror detailed in verse 55, which highlights the utter selfishness and lack of compassion born of ultimate desperation. The subsequent verses continue to describe the complete degradation and suffering of the disobedient nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The warnings in Deuteronomy 28 reflect the brutal realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare, particularly siege tactics. Cities under siege were often cut off from all supplies, leading to devastating famine, disease, and eventually, surrender or total annihilation. Cannibalism, while abhorrent, was a documented, albeit rare, consequence of extreme starvation during prolonged sieges in the ancient world, recorded in various historical accounts and even in other biblical narratives. Moses's vivid descriptions would have resonated deeply with a people familiar with such horrors, underscoring the severity of the consequences of breaking their covenant with a holy God. The concept of "gates" refers to the city gates, which were the primary points of defense and entry, symbolizing the entire city under attack.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:55 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Extreme Desperation**, portraying the absolute nadir of human suffering where natural affection is obliterated by the primal instinct for survival. Secondly, it serves as a chilling testament to the **Consequences of Disobedience**, emphasizing that persistent rebellion against God's covenant leads to a withdrawal of divine protection and an unleashing of judgment, resulting in unimaginable suffering and degradation, far beyond mere material loss. This verse underscores God's earnest desire for His people to obey and live, highlighting the severity of the curses as a deterrent. Finally, it speaks to the reality of **Covenant Faithfulness and Judgment**, demonstrating that the covenant was not merely a set of rules but a living relationship with profound implications for the nation's well-being, where blessings and curses were direct outcomes of their fidelity or infidelity, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Straitness (Hebrew, _matsôq'_):** This word literally means "narrowness," "distress," or "anguish." In the context of a siege, it vividly conveys the feeling of being hemmed in, trapped, and squeezed by the enemy, both physically and psychologically. It implies a situation of extreme pressure and limitation, where options are few and desperation mounts. The "straitness" is not just external pressure but also the internal anguish of being in an inescapable, life-threatening situation.
* **Distress (Hebrew, _hêtsîq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to press," "to vex," or "to cause anguish," this term reinforces the idea of relentless, oppressive pressure applied by the enemies. It speaks to the active torment and suffering inflicted upon the besieged, leading to their ultimate degradation and the unthinkable acts described in the verse. This word emphasizes the active, painful nature of the suffering.
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** While seemingly straightforward, "flesh" here carries a horrifying weight. It refers to the human body, specifically the edible parts. The use of this term in the context of one's own children underscores the complete collapse of natural human bonds and the sacredness of life, reducing human beings to mere sustenance in a desperate struggle for survival. It highlights the ultimate dehumanization brought about by extreme famine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that he will not give to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he shall eat:"** This clause paints a horrific picture of extreme selfishness born of ultimate desperation. The "he" refers to the man, likely the head of the household, who is so consumed by hunger that he resorts to cannibalism, eating his own children. The shocking detail is that he will *not share* even this abhorrent "food" with his wife or other surviving family members (as implied by the preceding verses that speak of the "tender and delicate man"). This signifies a complete breakdown of familial love, compassion, and societal norms, where survival instinct overrides all other bonds.
* **"because he hath nothing left him in the siege, and in the straitness,"** This part provides the rationale for the unthinkable act. The man's actions are driven by absolute necessity; he has literally "nothing left." The "siege" refers to the military blockade of the city, cutting off all supplies, and the "straitness" emphasizes the extreme pressure, confinement, and lack of resources within the besieged city. These conditions create an environment where all other sources of food have been exhausted.
* **"wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee in all thy gates."** This final clause attributes the cause of this dire situation directly to the enemies who besiege the city. "Thine enemies" highlights the external force of judgment, and "distress thee" emphasizes the active torment and anguish inflicted. "In all thy gates" signifies that this suffering will be widespread, affecting every part of the nation that is under attack, indicating a total and inescapable calamity.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:55 employs several potent literary devices to convey its chilling message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the extreme nature of the curse, depicting a scenario so horrific that it serves as a powerful deterrent. While instances of cannibalism during sieges did occur historically, the detailed, graphic nature here amplifies the terror. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid and disturbing picture of a man consuming his own children and refusing to share, evoking a visceral reaction in the audience. The phrases "flesh of his children," "nothing left him," and "straitness" create a palpable sense of desperation and horror. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as this curse would tragically find historical fulfillment in subsequent sieges of Israelite cities, particularly Samaria and Jerusalem, as recorded in later biblical books. The verse uses **Pathos** to stir deep emotion, highlighting the utter degradation and loss of humanity that results from severe disobedience to God's covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:55 stands as a stark testament to the seriousness of God's covenant and the dire consequences of persistent rebellion. It reveals a God who, while merciful, is also just and will allow the natural consequences of sin to unfold when His people defiantly turn away from Him. The horror described is not arbitrary punishment but the logical, albeit extreme, outcome of a nation severing its life-source connection to the Almighty. It underscores that true security and well-being are found only in faithful obedience to God's commands, and that a society that abandons divine law will ultimately descend into chaos and inhumanity. This verse also highlights the prophetic nature of Moses's warnings, which were tragically fulfilled in Israel's history, demonstrating God's sovereign control over nations and His faithfulness to His word, both in blessing and in judgment.

* [Leviticus 26:29](/leviticus/26-29 "Leviticus 26:29 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [2 Kings 6:28-29](/2_kings/6-28 "2 Kings 6:28-29 - Famine in Samaria")
* [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Suffering in Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:55, while depicting an extreme and ancient horror, carries profound and timeless lessons for all who seek to live in relationship with God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the profound seriousness of God's warnings and the devastating, dehumanizing trajectory of persistent sin and rebellion. When individuals or societies turn away from divine truth and moral order, the fabric of humanity can unravel, leading to unimaginable suffering and a loss of basic dignity and compassion. This verse calls us to profound introspection: are we truly heeding God's instructions in our lives, or are we allowing subtle forms of disobedience to take root, potentially leading to spiritual "famine" and "straitness"? It compels us to cherish the life and abundance that come from walking in obedience, and to recognize that true freedom and flourishing are found not in autonomy from God, but in faithful submission to His loving will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of this curse highlight the importance of covenant faithfulness in our own lives?**
* **In what ways might spiritual "famine" or "straitness" manifest in a person's life when they drift away from God?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the destructive nature of sin, both personally and societally?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God to avoid the "nothing left" desperation described here?**

### FAQ

**What is the historical fulfillment of this prophecy?**

Answer: The horrifying scenario described in Deuteronomy 28:55 found tragic historical fulfillment on multiple occasions in Israel's history, demonstrating the accuracy of Moses's prophetic warnings. One prominent instance is during the siege of Samaria by the Arameans, as recorded in [2 Kings 6:28-29](/2_kings/6-28 "2 Kings 6:28-29 - Famine in Samaria"), where two women made a pact to boil and eat their own sons due to extreme famine. Another vivid fulfillment occurred during the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem, mournfully recounted in the [Book of Lamentations](/lamentations/4 "Lamentations 4 - The Desolation of Jerusalem"), particularly [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Compassionate Women Boil Their Children"), which states, "The hands of compassionate women have boiled their own children; they became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people." These historical events serve as a grim testament to the consequences of persistent covenant infidelity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:55, with its terrifying portrayal of the curses of the Old Covenant, points powerfully to the absolute necessity of a New Covenant and the redemptive work of Christ. The curse of utter desolation, famine, and the breakdown of all natural bonds underscores humanity's desperate need for a deliverer from the consequences of sin. The Law, while holy and good, could only condemn and reveal the depth of human depravity under judgment; it could not save. Christ, however, entered into the ultimate "straitness" and "distress" on our behalf, becoming a curse for us (as [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares), so that we might inherit the blessings of Abraham. He endured the spiritual famine and abandonment on the cross, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Through His sacrifice, the ultimate curse of separation from God is reversed, and humanity is offered not the degrading "flesh" of desperation, but the life-giving "flesh" and "blood" of Christ Himself, the true bread of life ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53 "John 6:53-56 - Eating Jesus' Flesh and Drinking His Blood")), who nourishes us unto eternal life and restores us to the Father, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where God's law is written on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New 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

Jeremiah 52:6

And in the fourth month, in the ninth [day] of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

Jeremiah 5:10

¶ Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they [are] not the LORD'S.

Jeremiah 34:2

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire: