Deuteronomy 28:25

KJV

The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} shall cause {H5414} thee to be smitten {H5062} before {H6440} thine enemies {H341}: thou shalt go out {H3318} one {H259} way {H1870} against them, and flee {H5127} seven {H7651} ways {H1870} before {H6440} them: and shalt be removed {H2189} into all the kingdoms {H4467} of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI your God will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you will advance on them one way and flee before them seven. You will become an object of horror to every kingdom on earth.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies; thou shalt go out one way against them, and shalt flee seven ways before them: and thou shalt be tossed to and from among all the kingdoms of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:25 stands as a severe warning within the covenant curses, foretelling Israel's catastrophic military defeat and subsequent national dispersion as a direct consequence of their disobedience. This verse vividly portrays Yahweh's active role in orchestrating their rout before enemies, leading to a chaotic, overwhelming flight in multiple directions, culminating in their forced removal and scattering across the nations of the earth. It powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over Israel's destiny, demonstrating that infidelity to His covenant leads to divinely appointed and devastating consequences, including the loss of their promised land and security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 forms the climactic and most extensive section of Moses' final address to Israel on the plains of Moab, delivered just before their entry into the Promised Land. It functions as a solemn covenant renewal, meticulously detailing the blessings for obedience to God's commands in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience") and an escalating, comprehensive catalogue of curses for disobedience in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Verse 25 is situated firmly within this curses section, specifically outlining the consequences of military defeat and national disarray. This particular judgment follows earlier warnings of disease, famine, and drought, intensifying the divine wrath to encompass national security and territorial integrity, thereby setting the stage for the ultimate curse of exile and the desolation of the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Deuteronomy is structured as an ancient Near Eastern suzerain-vassal treaty, a common diplomatic instrument of the time. In such treaties, a powerful king (suzerain) would establish the terms of his relationship with a lesser king or people (vassal), promising protection and prosperity for loyalty, and severe penalties for rebellion. Here, Yahweh is the divine Suzerain, and Israel is His chosen vassal. The concept of military success or failure being directly linked to divine favor or disfavor was widespread in the ancient world. However, for Israel, this connection was uniquely tied to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The threat of being "removed into all the kingdoms of the earth" directly challenges their identity as a people chosen by God to inherit and dwell in a specific land, a promise foundational to their national existence since the call of Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram"). The later historical realities of the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, as well as the Roman dispersion, provide chilling fulfillments of these very warnings.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:25 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing that God is not a passive observer but actively orchestrates the destinies of nations, bringing judgment upon His disobedient people. Secondly, it underscores the critical theme of **Covenant Fidelity and its Consequences**, demonstrating that the promised blessings and threatened curses are not arbitrary but are direct, divinely-appointed outcomes of Israel's adherence to or deviation from the covenant. The military defeat and subsequent dispersion are presented not as mere strategic failures but as divinely imposed judgments. Thirdly, the verse vividly foreshadows the theme of **Exile and Dispersion**, a recurring motif throughout Israel's history, finding its starkest expressions in the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, and later the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. This theme is central to understanding Israel's identity, their profound suffering, and their enduring longing for divine restoration, as articulated in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promise of Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smitten (Hebrew, _nâgaph'_):** This verb (H5062) often describes a divinely inflicted blow, plague, or defeat, rather than merely a loss in battle due to superior enemy forces. It implies God's direct and active involvement in causing the defeat, as seen when God "struck" Pharaoh and Egypt in [Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "Exodus 12:23 - The Passover"). Here, it reinforces the idea that Israel's military failure is a direct judgment from the Lord, not simply a military mishap.
* **Flee (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** This word (H5127) signifies a panicked, disorganized flight, emphasizing the utter rout and complete lack of cohesion among the Israelite forces. It is not a strategic retreat but a desperate, chaotic scattering, highlighting the shame, terror, and overwhelming nature of the defeat.
* **Removed (Hebrew, _zaʻăvâh'_):** This term (H2189), by transposition for _zᵊwāʿâ_, conveys the idea of agitation, maltreatment, or being violently driven out. In this context, it speaks to the forceful, involuntary expulsion of the people from their land, underscoring the traumatic and comprehensive nature of their dispersion into foreign territories.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency as the primary cause of Israel's misfortune. It is not merely that Israel will suffer defeat, but that Yahweh Himself will orchestrate their downfall. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over the outcomes of battles and His direct involvement in executing the covenant curses. The phrase "before thine enemies" underscores the public humiliation and extreme vulnerability of Israel, demonstrating their utter inability to stand against their adversaries when God's favor is withdrawn.
* **"thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them":** This vivid and highly evocative imagery powerfully depicts the totality and chaos of the defeat. "Going out one way" suggests a unified, perhaps confident, initial advance or engagement. However, "fleeing seven ways" is a powerful merism or hyperbole signifying complete disarray, utter panic, and an overwhelming rout in every conceivable direction. The number seven, often representing completeness or perfection in Hebrew thought, here emphasizes the absolute and inescapable nature of their military collapse, painting a picture of utter confusion and the disintegration of any semblance of order.
* **"and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth":** This final clause describes the ultimate and most severe consequence of the military defeat and national disarray: widespread national exile and dispersion. Being "removed" indicates a forceful, involuntary expulsion from their promised land, the very heart of their covenant identity. The phrase "into all the kingdoms of the earth" signifies a global scattering, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this judgment and the profound loss of their national identity, security, and cherished homeland. This prophecy found chilling and undeniable fulfillment in the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, and later in the Roman dispersion of the Jewish people.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message of impending judgment and the dire consequences of covenant infidelity. The concept of **Divine Agency** is paramount, with the phrase "The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten" clearly attributing the defeat not to mere military misfortune or strategic error, but to God's direct, active hand in judgment. The most striking device is the combination of **Hyperbole** and **Merism** in the phrase "go out one way... and flee seven ways." While "one way" represents a single, perhaps organized, point of engagement, "seven ways" is an exaggeration used to signify fleeing in every conceivable direction, emphasizing the total, overwhelming, and chaotic nature of the rout. The number seven itself carries significant **Symbolism** in Hebrew thought, representing completeness or totality, thereby underscoring the absolute and comprehensive disintegration of Israel's military forces and national cohesion. This vivid imagery creates a profound sense of chaos, despair, and inescapable judgment, making the consequences of disobedience palpably real to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse delivers a profound theological statement on the nature of God's covenant with Israel and His unwavering commitment to both blessing and judgment. It underscores the foundational principle that God is actively and sovereignly involved in the affairs of His people, and that their national well-being, security, and presence in the land are directly contingent upon their faithfulness to Him. The military defeat and subsequent dispersion are not random occurrences but divinely ordained consequences, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over history and His perfect justice in holding His people accountable. This divine judgment serves as a severe corrective, intended to bring Israel back to repentance and obedience, even through the painful and traumatic experience of exile and the loss of their cherished land. It also powerfully foreshadows the broader biblical narrative of a scattered people awaiting divine restoration and ultimate redemption.

* [Leviticus 26:17](/leviticus/26-17 "Leviticus 26:17 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 15:4](/jeremiah/15-4 "Jeremiah 15:4 - Dispersion of Judah")
* [Ezekiel 5:12](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - Judgment and Dispersion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:25 serves as a potent and sobering reminder that covenant relationships, whether national or personal, carry profound responsibilities and inherent consequences. While believers today live under the New Covenant of grace, established through Christ's atoning work, the underlying biblical principle of sowing and reaping, and the enduring importance of heeding God's warnings, remains eternally relevant. This verse challenges us to seriously consider the nature of our walk with God, recognizing that persistent spiritual disobedience can lead to a sense of disarray, a loss of peace, and a feeling of being "scattered" or disoriented in our lives, even if not in the same physical way as ancient Israel. It calls us to a deeper, more intentional commitment to obedience, not out of a legalistic fear of curses, but out of a profound love for God and a genuine desire to walk in His life-giving ways, knowing that true flourishing, security, and spiritual cohesion are found in wholehearted devotion to Him alone. It also reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and even in times of difficulty, apparent defeat, or personal struggle, His hand is at work, often for our ultimate good, spiritual refinement, and the demonstration of His righteous character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "causing" defeat challenge or affirm your understanding of His sovereignty in difficult circumstances, both historically and personally?**
* **In what ways might spiritual "scattering" or disunity manifest in a believer's life today when they drift from God's commands or neglect their covenant relationship with Him?**
* **What contemporary warnings from God's Word might we be tempted to ignore in our current context, and what might be the potential spiritual or relational consequences?**
* **How can understanding the severity and justice of these Old Testament curses deepen our appreciation for the boundless grace, mercy, and redemption found in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "flee seven ways"?**

Answer: The phrase "flee seven ways" is a powerful Hebrew idiom that signifies complete and utter defeat, chaos, and scattering. The number "seven" in Hebrew thought frequently represents completeness, totality, or perfection. Therefore, fleeing "seven ways" means fleeing in every conceivable direction, indicating a total disintegration of order, a panicked and overwhelming rout, and an inescapable defeat. It emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of the military collapse that God would bring upon disobedient Israel, leaving no avenue for organized retreat or recovery. This vivid imagery underscores the shame, terror, and profound humiliation of a nation utterly broken before its enemies, with God Himself orchestrating their downfall as a direct consequence of their covenant infidelity, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**Does this verse imply God actively causes misfortune for His people?**

Answer: Yes, within the explicit covenant framework presented in Deuteronomy, this verse unequivocally states that "The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten." This highlights God's active, direct, and sovereign involvement in the nation's destiny, both for blessing and for discipline. It is a profound theological statement affirming that God is not a distant or passive deity but one who holds His covenant people intimately accountable for their fidelity. While believers today live under the New Covenant of grace, the enduring principle that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and that He permits or orchestrates events (including difficult ones) for His ultimate purposes – whether for correction, purification, or to demonstrate His justice and holiness – remains true. For ancient Israel, these curses were a direct and divinely appointed consequence of covenant infidelity, a clear demonstration that their security, prosperity, and very presence in the land were contingent upon their obedience to Yahweh, as foundational to the entire chapter of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:25, with its dire prophecy of being "smitten," "fleeing seven ways," and being "removed into all the kingdoms of the earth," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal curse upon believers, but in the profound spiritual realities of humanity's sin, the divine judgment it incurs, and ultimately, the glorious redemption accomplished through Jesus Christ. The "smitten" state of Israel due to their covenant breaking foreshadows the ultimate "smiting" of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") on the cross, who was indeed "smitten by God and afflicted" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant")) for the sins of humanity. He bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath and judgment, becoming a curse for us so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham and the promised Spirit ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Furthermore, the imagery of "fleeing seven ways" and "being removed into all the kingdoms of the earth" powerfully speaks to the scattered and alienated state of humanity under the curse of sin, separated from God and from one another. Yet, in Christ, the scattered are miraculously gathered. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, bringing together those who were once dispersed and alienated ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). Through His atoning work, believers from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")) are brought into one unified body, the Church, fulfilling the promise of a redeemed people gathered from all corners of the earth, not in judgment, but in glorious unity, reconciliation with God, and the hope of an eternal inheritance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 23:46

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled.

Isaiah 30:17

One thousand [shall flee] at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.

Deuteronomy 28:7

The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

Jeremiah 24:9

And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

Deuteronomy 32:30

How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Leviticus 26:17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

Jeremiah 34:17

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.