What does Deuteronomy 28:50 mean?
"A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:" - Deuteronomy 28:50
Deuteronomy 28:50 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young."
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy that contains blessings and curses for the people of Israel. The first part of the chapter lists the blessings that will come upon the Israelites if they obey the commandments of God. However, the latter part of the chapter describes the curses that will befall them if they stray from God's commandments.
In this particular verse, the focus is on a nation of fierce countenance that will not show regard for the elderly or favor to the young. This can be interpreted as a description of an enemy nation that will come against the Israelites, showing no mercy or compassion for any members of their society. This threat serves as a warning to the Israelites of the consequences of turning away from God and disobeying His commands. The nations that come against them will be ruthless and indifferent to the suffering of their people, regardless of age or status.
The imagery of a "nation of fierce countenance" is particularly striking, as it conveys a sense of dread and intimidation. This description serves to emphasize the severity of the threat that the Israelites will face if they turn away from God. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness.
The disregard for the elderly and the young also carries significant symbolism. In many cultures, the elderly and the young are considered the most vulnerable and precious members of society. The fact that the enemy nation in this verse shows no favor or compassion towards them highlights the depth of their cruelty and lack of humanity. It serves as a stark warning of the brutal nature of the judgment that will befall the Israelites if they turn away from God.
In a broader context, this verse also speaks to the broader themes of justice, mercy, and the consequences of disobedience. The concept of justice is central to the passage, as it illustrates the retribution that will be brought upon the Israelites for their disobedience. It also emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and compassion, as the enemy nation described in the verse does the opposite.
Furthermore, this verse underscores the broader theme of the relationship between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of the covenant between God and the Israelites, and the consequences that come with breaking that covenant. The harsh judgment described in the verse underscores the severity of the consequences of turning away from God, emphasizing His role as a just and righteous judge.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 28:50 is a powerful and evocative verse that serves as a warning to the Israelites of the consequences of turning away from God. It speaks to the broader themes of justice, mercy, and the covenant between God and His people, and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness. The vivid imagery, stark warning, and profound symbolism of this verse make it a potent and resonant part of the larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy.
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Deuteronomy 28:50 - "A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:"
"A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:" - Deuteronomy 28:50
Deuteronomy 28:28 - "The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:"
Jeremiah 50:28 - "The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple."
Deuteronomy 32:50 - "And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:"
Deuteronomy 28:5 - "Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store."
Deuteronomy 28:17 - "Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store."
Deuteronomy 32:28 - "For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them."
"The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:" - Deuteronomy 28:28
Deuteronomy 28:16 - "Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field."
Deuteronomy 28:3 - "Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field."
Deuteronomy 28:42 - "All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume."
Deuteronomy 28:46 - "And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever."
Deuteronomy 28:34 - "So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see."
Deuteronomy 22:28 - "¶ If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;"
Deuteronomy 28:27 - "The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed."
Deuteronomy 28:23 - "And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron."
Deuteronomy 28:41 - "Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity."
Deuteronomy 28:47 - "Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;"
Deuteronomy 28:19 - "Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out."
Deuteronomy 28:10 - "And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee."
Deuteronomy 28:38 - "Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it."
Deuteronomy 28:6 - "Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out."
Deuteronomy 28:18 - "Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep."
Deuteronomy 29:28 - "And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day."
Deuteronomy 28:37 - "And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee."
"Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store." - Deuteronomy 28:17
Deuteronomy 28:44 - "He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail."
"Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store." - Deuteronomy 28:5
Deuteronomy 28:2 - "And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God."