Deuteronomy 28:53
Then you will eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you.
You will eat the fruit of your womb
This phrase is a stark and sobering prophecy of the dire consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. The Hebrew root for "eat" (אָכַל, 'akal) often signifies consumption or devouring, which in this context, tragically refers to cannibalism during a siege. Historically, this was fulfilled during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Kings 6:28-29 and Lamentations 4:10. The "fruit of your womb" is a poignant metaphor for one's children, emphasizing the depth of desperation and the breakdown of natural affections that sin and judgment can cause.

the flesh of your sons and daughters
The phrase "flesh of your sons and daughters" further intensifies the horror of the situation. The Hebrew word for "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar) can mean body or meat, underscoring the physical and visceral nature of this judgment. Sons and daughters, typically symbols of hope and future, become victims of the parents' rebellion against God. This serves as a powerful reminder of the generational impact of sin and the severe consequences of turning away from divine law.

the LORD your God has given you
This phrase highlights the divine origin of the blessings that the Israelites are squandering. The Hebrew name for God used here, "Yahweh" (יְהוָה), is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel. The use of "given" (נָתַן, natan) indicates that children are a gift from God, a blessing that should be cherished and protected. The tragic irony is that what was given as a blessing becomes a source of curse due to disobedience.

in the siege and the distress
The words "siege" (מָצוֹר, matzor) and "distress" (צָרָה, tsarah) describe the conditions that lead to such extreme actions. A siege in ancient times was a prolonged military blockade that cut off supplies, leading to famine and desperation. "Distress" conveys the emotional and physical anguish experienced during such times. This serves as a historical warning of the consequences of forsaking God's protection and the resulting vulnerability to enemy forces.

to which your enemies will subject you
This final phrase underscores the role of enemies as instruments of God's judgment. The Hebrew word for "enemies" (אוֹיֵב, oyev) refers to adversaries or foes, often used in the context of divine retribution. The phrase "will subject you" (צָרַר, tsarar) implies being bound or confined, reflecting the loss of freedom and autonomy that comes with divine judgment. This serves as a sobering reminder of the protective power of obedience and the peril of rebellion against God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and warnings to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the blessings and curses based on their obedience or disobedience.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who sets forth blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

4. Enemies of Israel
Nations that would besiege and distress Israel as a consequence of their disobedience.

5. Siege
A military blockade and assault on a city, leading to extreme conditions such as famine.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Disobedience
God's warnings are not to be taken lightly. The severity of the curses reflects the seriousness of turning away from His commandments.

The Reality of Sin's Consequences
Sin leads to devastating consequences, not just spiritually but also physically and socially. The breakdown of societal norms during a siege is a vivid picture of sin's destructive power.

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
The covenant relationship with God requires faithfulness. Blessings and curses are contingent upon Israel's adherence to God's laws.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God is sovereign and just, and His actions are always in line with His character. The curses are a demonstration of His justice in response to disobedience.

Hope in Repentance
Even in the midst of dire warnings, there is always hope for repentance and restoration. God's ultimate desire is for His people to return to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the severity of the curse in Deuteronomy 28:53 reflect the seriousness with which God views disobedience?

2. In what ways do the historical accounts in 2 Kings 6 and Lamentations 4 illustrate the fulfillment of this curse?

3. How can understanding the consequences of disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:53 impact our daily walk with God?

4. What does this passage teach us about the nature of God's covenant with His people, and how can we apply this understanding to our relationship with God today?

5. How can the hope of repentance and restoration be a source of encouragement when we face the consequences of our own disobedience?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 26
This chapter also outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

2 Kings 6:24-29
Describes a historical instance during the siege of Samaria where cannibalism occurred, illustrating the fulfillment of the curse.

Lamentations 4:10
Reflects on the dire conditions during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, where such extreme actions were taken.

Jeremiah 19:9
Prophesies similar consequences for disobedience, reinforcing the severity of turning away from God.
A Nation Becoming a BeaconR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 28:15-68
The Remoter Consequences of RebellionD. Davies Deuteronomy 28:45-68
The Extremity of the CurseJ. Orr Deuteronomy 28:49-59
People
Moses
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt
Topics
Bitter, Body, Cruel, Daughters, Distress, During, Eat, Eaten, Enemies, Enemy, Flesh, Fruit, Grip, Hast, Haters, Inflict, Offspring, Oppress, Siege, Sons, Straiten, Straitness, Wherewith, Womb
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 28:53

     4438   eating
     4823   famine, physical
     5199   womb
     5341   hunger
     7326   cannibalism
     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah

Deuteronomy 28:15-68

     5827   curse
     6026   sin, judgment on
     7520   dispersion, the

Deuteronomy 28:49-57

     7216   exile, in Assyria

Deuteronomy 28:51-57

     5529   sieges

Deuteronomy 28:53-54

     6691   mercy, human

Deuteronomy 28:53-57

     5809   compassion, human
     5946   sensitivity
     6702   peace, destruction

Library
A Choice of Masters
'Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; 48. Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies ... in want of all things: and He shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until He have destroyed thee.'--DEUT. xxviii. 47, 48 The history of Israel is a picture on the large scale of what befalls every man. A service--we are all born to obedience, to depend on and follow some person or thing. There is only a choice of services; and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Blessing and Cursing
(Preached at the Chapel Royal, Whitehall, Ash Wednesday, 1860.) Deuteronomy xxviii. 15. It shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. Many good people are pained by the Commination Service which we have just heard read. They dislike to listen to it. They cannot say 'Amen' to its awful words. It seems to them
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons

Strength Profaned and Lost
'But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison-house. 22, Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven. 23. Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. 24. And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sin of Unbelief
However, the lord on whom the king leaned expressed his disbelief. We hear not that any of the common people, the plebeians, ever did so; but an aristocrat did it. Strange it is, that God has seldom chosen the great men of this world. High places and faith in Christ do seldom well agree. This great man said, "Impossible!" and, with an insult to the prophet, he added, "If the Lord should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be." His sin lay in the fact, that after repeated seals of Elisha's
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Promises and Threatenings
'And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do. 2. That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 3. And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before Me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put My name there for ever; and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Secondly, for Thy Words.
1. Remember, that thou must answer for every idle word, that in multiloquy, the wisest man shall overshoot himself. Avoid, therefore, all tedious and idle talk, from which seldom arises comfort, many times repentance: especially beware of rash answers, when the tongue outruns the mind. The word was thine whilst thou didst keep it in; it is another's as soon as it is out. O the shame, when a man's own tongue shall be produced a witness, to the confusion of his own face! Let, then, thy words be few,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition.
(a) The supreme and unique revelation of God to man is in the Person of the Incarnate Son. But though unique the Incarnation is not solitary. Before it there was the divine institution of the Law and the Prophets, the former a typical anticipation (de Incarn. 40. 2) of the destined reality, and along with the latter (ib. 12. 2 and 5) for all the world a holy school of the knowledge of God and the conduct of the soul.' After it there is the history of the life and teaching of Christ and the writings
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

The Second Coming of Christ.
^A Matt. XXIV. 29-51; ^B Mark XIII. 24-37; ^C Luke XXI. 25-36. ^b 24 But in those days, ^a immediately after the { ^b that} ^a tribulation of those days. [Since the coming of Christ did not follow close upon the destruction of Jerusalem, the word "immediately" used by Matthew is somewhat puzzling. There are, however, three ways in which it may be explained: 1. That Jesus reckons the time after his own divine, and not after our human, fashion. Viewing the word in this light, the passage at II. Pet.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Writings of St. Ambrose.
The extant writings of St. Ambrose may be divided under six heads. I. Dogmatic; II. Exegetic; III. Moral; IV. Sermons; V. Letters; VI. A few Hymns. I. Dogmatic and Controversial Works. 1. De Fide. The chief of these are the Five Books on the Faith, of which the two first were written in compliance with a request of the Emperor Gratian, a.d. 378. Books III.-V. were written in 379 or 380, and seem to have been worked up from addresses delivered to the people [V. prol. 9, 11; III. 143; IV. 119]. This
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

The Hindrances to Mourning
What shall we do to get our heart into this mourning frame? Do two things. Take heed of those things which will stop these channels of mourning; put yourselves upon the use of all means that will help forward holy mourning. Take heed of those things which will stop the current of tears. There are nine hindrances of mourning. 1 The love of sin. The love of sin is like a stone in the pipe which hinders the current of water. The love of sin makes sin taste sweet and this sweetness in sin bewitches the
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
^A Matt. XXIV. 1-28; ^B Mark XIII. 1-23; ^C Luke XXI. 5-24. ^a 1 And Jesus went out from the temple [leaving it to return no more], and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him ^b as he went forth ^a to show him the buildings of the temple. ^b one of his disciples saith unto him, Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings! ^c 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said [The strength and wealth of the temple roused
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
The duty of Covenanting is founded on the law of nature; but it also stands among the arrangements of Divine mercy made from everlasting. The promulgation of the law, enjoining it on man in innocence as a duty, was due to God's necessary dominion over the creatures of his power. The revelation of it as a service obligatory on men in a state of sin, arose from his unmerited grace. In the one display, we contemplate the authority of the righteous moral Governor of the universe; in the other, we see
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day.
Now the sanctifying of the Sabbath consists in two things--First, In resting from all servile and common business pertaining to our natural life; Secondly, In consecrating that rest wholly to the service of God, and the use of those holy means which belong to our spiritual life. For the First. 1. The servile and common works from which we are to cease are, generally, all civil works, from the least to the greatest (Exod. xxxi. 12, 13, 15, &c.) More particularly-- First, From all the works of our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Deuteronomy 28:53 NIV
Deuteronomy 28:53 NLT
Deuteronomy 28:53 ESV
Deuteronomy 28:53 NASB
Deuteronomy 28:53 KJV

Deuteronomy 28:53 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Deuteronomy 28:52
Top of Page
Top of Page