Deuteronomy 28:54

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

L'homme d'entre vous le plus délicat et le plus habitué à la mollesse aura un oeil sans pitié pour son frère, pour la femme qui repose sur son sein, pour ceux de ses enfants qu'il a épargnés;

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a time of severe hardship where even the most gentle and delicate people will turn against their loved ones. Moses is speaking, warning the Israelites about the consequences of disobeying God's commands. The key message is that severe scarcity can lead to betrayal and loss of compassion.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have the best toys and food, but suddenly there's nothing left. Even the sweetest kid might start taking things from their family. This verse tells us that when things get really hard, people might do mean things they wouldn't normally do.

Historical Background

Moses wrote this in the book of Deuteronomy, which is a collection of his speeches to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. It was around 1400-1300 BCE, and he was warning them of the hardships that would come if they didn't follow God's laws. The Israelites were a nomadic people, and Moses was preparing them for life in a new land.

Living It Out Today

Today, think about how people might treat each other differently in tough economic times. A family business might see siblings fighting over control, or roommates might argue over limited resources. This verse reminds us to stay compassionate and united during hard times.

Topics

• hardship
• compassion
• family
• warning
• consequences
• disobedience

Related Verses

• Leviticus 26:29
• Ezekiel 5:10
• Matthew 24:7
• Luke 21:11
• Romans 8:35

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean by 'tender among you, and very delicate'?

It refers to people who are usually kind and sensitive, and who have not experienced much hardship or suffering.

How does this verse relate to the Israelites?

Moses was warning the Israelites that if they disobeyed God, they would face severe hardships that would even cause the most compassionate among them to betray their loved ones.

What are some modern examples of this verse?

In times of economic crisis, people might turn on each other in desperation. Families might fight over limited resources or businesses might see partners competing against each other.

Why is it important to understand this verse?

Understanding this verse helps us to prepare for tough times and to remember the importance of maintaining compassion and unity, even in the face of scarcity and hardship.