Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:56

Verse: "The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter."

Introduction

This verse is part of a larger discourse in the Book of Deuteronomy that addresses the blessings and curses following obedience or disobedience to God's commandments. Deuteronomy 28 succinctly presents the dire consequences of turning away from God, particularly emphasizing the deterioration of familial bonds and social stability.

Context and Overview

Deuteronomy is a covenant renewal document intended for the Israelites on the brink of entering the Promised Land. As they prepare to establish themselves in a new territory, Moses articulates the serious implications of disloyalty to God. Chapter 28 catalogues both blessings for adherence to God's law and curses for breach of that covenant.

Moses' Warning

In verse 56, Moses turns his attention to the consequences faced by women, specifically highlighting the transformation that occurs among the Israelites under dire circumstances. The tender woman, once characterized by delicacy and nurturing, will become hardened and critical, reflecting the broader societal decay.

Insights from Commentaries

Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Henry emphasizes the severe moral degradation implied in this verse. He notes that the woman referred to is one of “tenderness and delicateness,” who is traditionally associated with nurturing qualities. The transformation described indicates not only a loss of physical comforts but also a degradation of familial love and compassion due to extreme circumstances.

The admonition reveals a "cursed state" conversely tied to disobedience. Henry suggests that when societal structure breaks down due to sin, even the closest relationships suffer. The woman’s “evil eye” signifies jealousy and hostility that arise in desperate situations, leading to a breakdown of trust and affection within families.

Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

Barnes further elaborates on the symbolism of the "tender and delicate woman." He interprets her transformation as indicative of the broader suffering that befalls a nation when it turns against God. The woman, who once embodied grace and care, is depicted as undergoing an alarming psychological shift, representing a microcosm of the nation's spiritual crisis.

He highlights how this transformation affects not just the woman but her family members, implying a ripple effect of sin’s consequences. The evil eye towards her husband and children illustrates a forsaken maternal instinct, leading to severe emotional estrangement and conflict within familial structures.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Clarke offers a practical interpretation, suggesting that the social upheaval and scarcity articulated in the preceding verses lead to this familial dysfunction. He argues that under extreme duress, not only do severe states of distress arise, but they breed animosity and bitterness towards loved ones.

Clarke adds a more sobering perspective: such disintegration of societal and familial bonds reflects God's judgment. When individuals create enmity within their home—especially against their closest kin—they not only showcase personal suffering but also a collective failure to uphold God’s laws. This verse serves as a potent reminder of the personal as well as communal consequences of moral failure.

Theological Implications

The potential for transformation from tenderness to hostility serves as a stark warning about the impacts of sin. The verse echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing that the heart holds the capacity for both nurturing and destructive tendencies. In light of these commentaries, scholars are urged to consider how sin distorts relationships, particularly in times of trouble.

The role of women in society, particularly in ancient Israel, reflects broader human interactions and can serve as an analogy for the overall well-being of a community. When the nurturing role falters, the ramifications extend beyond the individual to encompass the entire social fabric.

Application for Today

For pastors and theologians, this verse serves as a poignant reminder for congregations on the importance of fidelity to God's commandments and the personal responsibility each individual carries in fostering healthy relationships. The deterioration of relationships can serve as a metaphor for the community’s spiritual health.

• Pastoral Care: Pastors must remain vigilant against the emotional and spiritual erosion resulting from societal pressures that can provoke family discord.
• Counseling Implications: When counseling families experiencing strain, it is crucial to address the underlying issues of spiritual health and disobedience to God’s ordinances.
• Teaching Points: Educators and leaders should emphasize the importance of nurturing qualities within the church community and their relation to the overall health of relationships.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 28:56 serves not only as a historical indictment of Israel’s potential failures but also as a timeless reflection of the human condition. Through the insights gleaned from the commentaries of Henry, Barnes, and Clarke, it becomes crucial for modern readers—pastors, students, and theologians alike—to understand the severe consequences of disobedience and the resultant impact on familial and societal relationships.