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Deuteronomy 28:55 - Extreme famine's horrific consequence?

Deuteronomy 28:55 - דברים 28:55

Hebrew Text

מִתֵּת לְאַחַד מֵהֶם מִבְּשַׂר בָּנָיו אֲשֶׁר יֹאכֵל מִבְּלִי הִשְׁאִיר־לוֹ כֹּל בְּמָצוֹר וּבְמָצוֹק אֲשֶׁר יָצִיק לְךָ אֹיִבְךָ בְּכָל־שְׁעָרֶיךָ׃

English Translation

so that he will not give to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he shall eat, when he has nothing left him; because of the siege, and of the distress, with which thy enemies shall distress thee in all thy gates.

Transliteration

Mitet le'achad meihem mibesar banav asher yokhel mibli hishir-lo kol bematsor uvematzok asher yatzik lecha oyivecha bechol-she'arecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִתֵּ֣ת <b>׀</b> לְאַחַ֣ד מֵהֶ֗ם מִבְּשַׂ֤ר בָּנָיו֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֹאכֵ֔ל מִבְּלִ֥י הִשְׁאִֽיר־ל֖וֹ כֹּ֑ל בְּמָצוֹר֙ וּבְמָצ֔וֹק אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָצִ֥יק לְךָ֛ אֹיִבְךָ֖ בְּכׇל־שְׁעָרֶֽיךָ׃
מִתֵּ֣ת ׀ לְאַחַ֣ד מֵהֶ֗ם מִבְּשַׂ֤ר בָּנָיו֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֹאכֵ֔ל מִבְּלִ֥י הִשְׁאִֽיר־ל֖וֹ כֹּ֑ל בְּמָצוֹר֙ וּבְמָצ֔וֹק אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָצִ֥יק לְךָ֛ אֹיִבְךָ֖ בְּכׇל־שְׁעָרֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

This verse appears in Devarim 28:55 as part of the Tochacha (the rebuke), where Moshe warns Bnei Yisrael of the severe consequences that will befall them if they abandon the Torah. The imagery describes the horrors of siege warfare, where desperation leads to unthinkable acts, such as consuming one's own children due to starvation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 28:55) explains that the phrase "מִתֵּת לְאַחַד מֵהֶם" ("so that he will not give to any of them") refers to a person refusing to share even a morsel of his child's flesh with his own family members during extreme famine. Rashi emphasizes the cruelty that arises from desperation, where even basic familial compassion is abandoned.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the phrase "בְּכָל־שְׁעָרֶיךָ" ("in all your gates") refers to the cities of Israel, indicating that this suffering will be widespread, affecting every fortified city under siege. The distress will be so severe that even the most basic human instincts—protecting one's children—will be overridden by starvation.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Sifrei (Devarim 303) connects this verse to the historical suffering during the siege of Yerushalayim before the Churban Bayis Rishon (Destruction of the First Temple). It describes how the horrors of famine led to acts of desperation, fulfilling this prophetic warning. The Midrash underscores that such tragedies occur when the Jewish people stray from Torah observance.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

  • Severity of the Curse: The Rambam (Hilchos Ta'anios 1:1-3) teaches that famine and siege are among the most severe punishments, as they lead to moral degradation and loss of human dignity.
  • Moral Lesson: The Kli Yakar (Devarim 28:55) explains that this verse serves as a stark warning—when people abandon Torah values, even the most unthinkable acts become possible.
  • Historical Fulfillment: The Talmud (Gittin 56a) recounts how such horrors occurred during the Roman siege of Yerushalayim, illustrating the tragic consequences of sinas chinam (baseless hatred).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Gittin 56b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the severe famine during the siege of Jerusalem, illustrating the extreme conditions where people resorted to eating their own children.
📖 Sanhedrin 96b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the punishments and sufferings that come upon a city under siege, emphasizing the dire consequences of such situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:55 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:55 describes a severe punishment where, due to extreme famine caused by enemy siege, people would resort to eating their own children. This is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke), a warning of consequences for abandoning the covenant with Hashem. Rashi explains that this horrific scenario would occur when the Jewish people stray from Torah observance.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (Deuteronomy 28), which outlines the consequences of not following Hashem's commandments. The Talmud (Megillah 31b) states that we read these curses publicly to inspire repentance. The severity of the punishments reminds us of the importance of keeping the Torah and mitzvot.
Q: How does this apply to us today?
A: While we pray that such extreme punishments never occur, the verse teaches us the gravity of our covenant with Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchos Ta'anios 1:1-3) explains that hardships are meant to awaken us to repentance. Today, we can learn to appreciate our blessings and strengthen our commitment to Torah values.
Q: What is the significance of 'in all thy gates' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'in all thy gates' refers to cities (as city decisions were made at the gates). Rashi explains this means the suffering would affect all Jewish communities. The Midrash (Sifrei) connects this to the idea that when punishment comes, it affects all aspects of society, emphasizing communal responsibility in Torah observance.
Q: Does Judaism believe this could literally happen?
A: Yes, traditional Jewish sources understand this as a literal warning, though it describes an extreme consequence of abandoning Torah. The Talmud (Gittin 56b) records instances during Roman sieges where similar horrors occurred. However, the primary purpose is spiritual awakening - as the verse concludes (28:58): 'to fear this glorious and awesome Name, Hashem your God.'