Deuteronomy 28:25

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.

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}.

"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.

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.

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

Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:25 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy 28 details the covenant between God and Israel, outlining the profound consequences of obedience and disobedience. This chapter serves as a pivotal warning, laying out a series of blessings for fidelity to God's commandments (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) and a dire list of curses for rebellion and idolatry (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Verse 25 falls squarely within the section describing the curses, specifically focusing on military defeat and national dispersion as consequences for breaking the covenant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Defeat: The verse explicitly states that "The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies," emphasizing that military failure is not merely due to superior enemy forces but is a direct result of God's judgment against a disobedient nation. This highlights God's active involvement in the nation's destiny, whether for blessing or for discipline.
  • Complete Rout and Disarray: The vivid imagery of going "out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them" illustrates an overwhelming and catastrophic defeat. It signifies utter confusion, panic, and a complete lack of cohesion, leading to a scattered and disorganized retreat. This phrase powerfully conveys the totality of their military collapse and the overwhelming nature of God's punitive hand.
  • National Exile and Dispersion: The final phrase, "and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth," prophesies the ultimate consequence: the exile and dispersion of the Israelite people from their promised land into foreign nations. This was a recurring theme throughout Israel's history, fulfilled notably in the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities (2 Kings 17:6, 2 Kings 25:21).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "go out one way... and flee seven ways" is a powerful Hebrew idiom expressing complete and utter defeat, chaos, and scattering. The number "seven" often signifies completeness or totality in Hebrew thought. Thus, fleeing "seven ways" means fleeing in every conceivable direction, indicating a total disintegration of order and an inescapable rout. The word for "smitten" (Hebrew: nāgaph) often implies a divine blow or plague, reinforcing the idea of God's direct hand in their misfortune.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 28:25 serves as a powerful reminder of the principle that actions have consequences, particularly in a covenant relationship with God. While the immediate context is the nation of Israel under the Old Covenant, the underlying message about obedience and its outcomes resonates universally. For believers today, it underscores the importance of:

  • Heeding God's Warnings: God's word contains both promises and warnings. Ignoring divine instruction can lead to spiritual and practical disarray, as illustrated by Israel's historical experiences with divine judgment.
  • Trusting in God's Sovereignty: This verse reminds us that God is sovereign over nations and individuals, and His purposes will prevail, whether through blessing or discipline. His control extends even to the outcomes of battles and the fate of nations.
  • Living in Obedience: While Christians are under the New Covenant of grace, the principle that righteousness leads to flourishing and sin leads to negative consequences (though not necessarily identical physical curses) remains relevant. As Galatians 6:7 states, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." This verse encourages a life of faithful walking with God, knowing that true security and blessing come from Him.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
← Back