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Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 28 - Verse 26

28:26
And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away.

Meaning

This verse, found in the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament, describes a gruesome fate for those who do not heed the warnings of the Lord. In this context, the verse is a warning of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The imagery of one's carcass being left as food for the birds of the air and beasts of the earth is meant to evoke a sense of horror and dread. It serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate fate that awaits those who turn away from God's ways. The phrase "and no man shall fray them away" emphasizes the helplessness and abandonment of the individual in this state of judgment. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful message of the importance of following God's will and the severe consequences that come from straying from it.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the idea of a body being left unburied and vulnerable to scavenging creatures is a graphic representation of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The imagery used here is a common theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing the ultimate dishonor and disgrace that comes from rejecting God's will. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with God's teachings to avoid such a fate. The phrase "all fowls of the air" and "beasts of the earth" underscores the idea that no one will come to the person's rescue or honor their memory, highlighting the severity of the punishment for straying from God's path. This verse serves as a stark warning against turning away from God and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

American Standard Version

And thy dead body shall be food unto all birds of the heavens, and unto the beasts of the earth; and there shall be none to frighten them away.
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