Deuteronomy 28:56 – “The most gentle and sensitive woman among you—so sensitive and gentle that she would not venture to touch the ground with the sole of her foot—will begrudge the husband she loves and her own son or daughter.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Deuteronomy 28:56 describes a situation of extreme hardship and desperation that would affect even the most gentle and caring individuals. This verse focuses on a woman who, under normal circumstances, is described as extremely gentle and sensitive. However, due to the severe conditions brought about by enemy sieges and the resulting famine, she becomes hardened and unwilling to share even with her own family—her husband, son, or daughter. This verse underscores how severe suffering can twist human nature, turning a once kind and compassionate person into someone driven by survival instincts, withholding care and compassion even from loved ones.

Historical Context

Moses delivered this warning as part of his final address to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. The blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience are laid out in Deuteronomy 28, illustrating the stark choices before the Israelites. The historical backdrop for this prophecy includes the sieges of Israel and Judah, particularly the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and the Roman siege in A.D. 70. During these sieges, the cities were cut off from food and supplies, leading to extreme famine. These conditions pushed people to act against their natural instincts of care and protection for their families, fulfilling the warnings described in this verse.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Deuteronomy 28:56 highlights the depth of human suffering that can occur when people turn away from God. This verse shows that sin and disobedience not only affect our relationship with God but also distort our relationships with those closest to us. The natural bonds of love and care that hold families together can be broken when survival becomes the primary concern. This verse is a reminder that God’s protection and guidance are essential, not just for our spiritual well-being but also for maintaining the compassion and humanity that God intends for us. It teaches us that without God’s presence, even the most loving relationships can become strained under pressure.

Literary Analysis

The language of this verse contrasts the woman’s usual gentleness with the extreme selfishness and desperation she exhibits during the siege. The description of her as someone “so sensitive and gentle that she would not venture to touch the ground with the sole of her foot” emphasizes her natural delicacy and tenderness. This makes her later actions all the more shocking, highlighting the drastic transformation that occurs under severe duress. The verse uses this stark contrast to drive home the point that without God’s protection, the most basic aspects of human nature—love, kindness, and compassion—can be severely compromised.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 49:15: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?” This verse captures the unnaturalness of a mother losing compassion for her child, similar to the extreme behavior described in Deuteronomy 28:56.
• Lamentations 4:10: “With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food when my people were destroyed.” This verse reflects the fulfillment of the desperate conditions prophesied in Deuteronomy, showing the extent to which normal human behavior was distorted during the siege.
• 2 Kings 6:28-29: Describes a severe famine in Samaria where mothers were driven to cannibalism, highlighting the extreme lengths people went to for survival, mirroring the prophecy in Deuteronomy.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christians, Deuteronomy 28:56 serves as a reminder that extreme situations can lead to actions and attitudes that are completely out of character, especially when we are disconnected from God. This verse challenges us to stay grounded in our faith and connected to God’s love, especially during difficult times. It teaches that we must guard our hearts against becoming hardened by fear, stress, or desperation. The verse encourages believers to rely on God’s strength to maintain compassion, kindness, and care, even when circumstances make it difficult. It’s a call to trust God in all situations, knowing that He can sustain our humanity even when life is at its toughest.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Despite the severity of this warning, God’s love is evident because He desires to protect His people from reaching such a state of despair. God’s commands are designed to keep His people in a place of safety and well-being, where love and compassion can thrive. The warnings in this verse are meant to serve as a wake-up call, showing just how far things can fall apart when people turn away from God. His loving nature is seen in His willingness to guide, correct, and bring His people back to a place of care and tenderness. God’s goal is always to nurture relationships that reflect His love and to prevent the kind of moral and emotional breakdown described in this passage.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ came to restore what sin and disobedience have broken, offering healing and renewal for even the most desperate situations described in Deuteronomy 28:56. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us, saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus provides a way out of fear, hopelessness, and the loss of compassion that can arise in difficult circumstances. Through His life and sacrifice, Jesus not only forgives our sins but also transforms our hearts, renewing our capacity to love and care for others, even in the toughest times. In Christ, we find the strength to remain gentle, compassionate, and connected to those we love, no matter what we face.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever experienced a time when stress or hardship made it difficult for you to show compassion to those closest to you?
2. What steps can you take to ensure that you remain connected to God’s love and guidance, even during challenging times?
3. How does understanding the impact of disobedience on relationships motivate you to seek God’s help in maintaining your kindness and care for others?
4. In what ways can you rely on Jesus to help you keep a tender and compassionate heart, even when life is overwhelming?
5. How can you encourage others who are struggling in their relationships due to stress or hardship to turn back to God, finding the strength to care deeply once again?

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living under God’s guidance, trusting that His presence sustains our hearts and helps us maintain compassion, even in the most challenging circumstances of life.