Deuteronomy 28:51
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.
Deuteronomy 28:51 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Deuteronomy talks about the consequences of disobeying God's commandments. It serves as a warning to the Israelites, informing them that if they turn away from God and worship false idols, they will face severe punishments. The verse mentions that their enemies will consume the fruit of their cattle and land, leaving them with nothing. This signifies a loss of blessings and abundance, as their crops, livestock, and produce will no longer flourish. The mention of corn, wine, oil, and livestock highlights the various ways in which the Israelites would suffer if they stray from God's path. The verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness in order to receive God's blessings and protection. Overall, it serves as a cautionary tale, reminding the Israelites of the consequences of turning away from God.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of this verse from Deuteronomy 28:51, it is interesting to note the concept of divine judgment as a consequence of disobedience. In this passage, God is warning the Israelites of the consequences of turning away from Him and breaking the covenant. The verse speaks to the destruction that will come upon the people if they do not obey His commandments. The consumption of the fruit of their cattle and land by their enemies signifies the loss of prosperity and blessings that God had bestowed upon them. The mention of corn, wine, oil, kine, and flocks symbolizes the complete devastation of their livelihood, leaving them with nothing. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and maintaining obedience to His will in order to avoid His righteous judgment. This verse highlights the severity of the consequences of disobedience and the significance of trusting in God’s guidance and seeking His favor in all aspects of life.
Deuteronomy 28:51 in other translations
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.
World English Bible
and they will eat the fruit of your livestock, and the fruit of your ground, until you are destroyed. They also won’t leave you grain, new wine, or oil, the increase of your livestock, or the young of your flock, until they have caused you to perish.
Douay-Rheims
And will devour the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruits of thy land: until thou be destroyed, and will leave thee no wheat, nor wine, nor oil, nor herds of oxen, nor flocks of sheep: until he destroy thee.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The same shall eate the fruit of thy cattell, and the fruite of thy land vntill thou be destroyed, and he shall leaue thee neyther wheate, wine, nor oyle, neither the increase of thy kyne, nor the flockes of thy sheepe, vntill he haue brought thee to nought.