Deuteronomy 28:36

KJV

The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} shall bring {H3212} thee, and thy king {H4428} which thou shalt set {H6965} over thee, unto a nation {H1471} which neither thou nor thy fathers {H1} have known {H3045}; and there shalt thou serve {H5647} other {H312} gods {H430}, wood {H6086} and stone {H68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will bring you and your king whom you have put over yourselves to a nation you have not known, neither you nor your ancestors; and there you will serve other gods made of wood and stone.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will bring you and the king you appoint to a nation neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will bring thee, and thy king whom thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation that thou hast not known, thou nor thy fathers; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:36 delivers a solemn and potent prophetic warning within the covenant curses, outlining the severe consequences of Israel's potential disobedience to Yahweh. It vividly foretells a future national judgment involving forced exile to an unknown land, where both the people and their future king would be subjected to foreign rule and, most poignantly, compelled to serve lifeless idols of "wood and stone." This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to the terms of His covenant, even in judgment, revealing the profound spiritual degradation that accompanies national apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28:36 is strategically placed within the climactic covenant renewal discourse of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), a pivotal chapter that meticulously details the blessings contingent upon obedience to God's law and the escalating curses for disobedience. Moses, addressing the Israelites on the plains of Moab just prior to their entry into the Promised Land, prophetically articulates the long-term consequences of their faithfulness or rebellion. The curses in this chapter intensify progressively, moving from agricultural blight and disease to military defeat, famine, and ultimately, national dispersion and captivity among foreign nations. Verse 36 marks a significant, chilling escalation, introducing the specific horrors of exile and forced idolatry, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive and devastating nature of God's judgment when the covenant is broken.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the juncture of Moses' address, Israel was a nascent nation, operating under a tribal confederacy and not yet having established a monarchy. The prophetic mention of "thy king which thou shalt set over thee" remarkably anticipates the future establishment of the monarchy, highlighting God's divine foreknowledge and the expansive, long-term scope of His covenant. In the ancient Near East, national defeat invariably led to the deportation of conquered peoples and their leaders, who were then often coerced into adopting the customs and gods of their captors. The phrase "wood and stone" refers to the ubiquitous pagan idols of the surrounding nations—inanimate objects crafted by human hands, frequently representing various deities or natural forces. This practice was anathema to Yahwism, which demanded exclusive worship of the one true, living God, a foundational tenet unequivocally established in the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive in Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Exile**, demonstrating God's sovereign power to execute judgment upon His covenant people when they persist in rebellion. The prophecy of both the people and their king being taken captive directly foreshadows historical events such as the [Assyrian](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - Fall of Northern Kingdom") and [Babylonian exiles](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Fall of Southern Kingdom"), where Israel's kings were indeed deported. Another crucial theme is **Forced Idolatry and Spiritual Degradation**. The curse explicitly states that in exile, Israel would be compelled to "serve other gods, wood and stone," a direct violation of the first two commandments and a profound spiritual humiliation. This highlights the spiritual consequences of forsaking Yahweh, leading to a loss of true worship and a descent into pagan practices. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Loss of National Identity and Sovereignty**. The removal of "thy king" signifies a complete forfeiture of national independence and self-governance, demonstrating that the nation's unique status and divine protection were perpetually contingent upon their faithfulness to the covenant with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term, H1471, refers to a "foreign nation" or "Gentile." In this context, it emphasizes the alien and unknown nature of the land to which Israel would be exiled. It highlights the complete displacement from their promised inheritance and the familiar cultural and religious landscape, into a realm where Yahweh's presence was not acknowledged, and foreign deities reigned. This unfamiliarity would compound their sense of disorientation and vulnerability.
* **Serve (Hebrew, _‘āḇaḏ'_):** The Hebrew word H5647, _‘āḇaḏ_, carries a broad semantic range, meaning "to work," "to serve," or "to worship." While it can denote voluntary service or worship, in the context of a covenant curse and forced exile, it strongly implies involuntary servitude or compelled submission. The Israelites would not willingly choose to worship these foreign gods, but would be compelled by their circumstances—by the cultural pressures of their captors, by the sheer absence of the temple, or by the lack of means to worship Yahweh in a foreign land. This emphasizes the punitive and humiliating nature of the judgment, where their spiritual freedom would be curtailed, and they would be forced into practices abhorrent to their faith.
* **Wood and stone (Hebrew, _‘ēṣ wā’eḇen'_):** This idiomatic phrase, derived from H6086 and H68, is a common biblical descriptor for idols, emphasizing their inanimate, lifeless, and powerless nature. Unlike the living God of Israel, who acts in history and speaks to His people, these objects are inert and cannot see, hear, or help ([Psalm 115:4-7](/psalms/115-4-7 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Impotence of Idols")). The use of this simple, tangible imagery serves to highlight the absurdity and futility of worshipping such creations, contrasting sharply with the majesty and power of Yahweh. In the context of the curse, it underscores the profound spiritual degradation that awaits Israel if they abandon their covenant God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known;":** This clause unequivocally establishes God's absolute sovereignty over the impending judgment. It is Yahweh Himself (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), who "shall bring" (H3212, _yâlak_) them, indicating His active and direct role in orchestrating the exile, not merely permitting it. The inclusion of "thy king" (H4428, _melek_) "which thou shalt set over thee" (H6965, _qûwm_) is a remarkable prophecy, as Israel did not yet have a king, demonstrating God's foreknowledge of their future societal structure and His comprehensive judgment that would extend even to their chosen leadership. The destination—"a nation" (H1471, _gôwy_) "which neither thou nor thy fathers" (H1, _ʼâb_) "have known" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_)—emphasizes the profound foreignness, alienation, and terrifying unfamiliarity of the place of exile, a land without historical or cultural ties, where they would be utterly disoriented and vulnerable.
* **"and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.":** This second clause reveals the ultimate spiritual horror of the curse. The exile is not merely a physical displacement but a profound spiritual degradation. In this foreign land, they would be subjected to the worship of "other" (H312, _ʼachêr_) "gods" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), specifically identified as lifeless "wood" (H6086, _‘ēṣ_) and "stone" (H68, _ʼeben_). This "service" (H5647, _‘âḇaḏ_) would be a profound violation of the first two commandments, an act of spiritual prostitution that would defile their covenant relationship with Yahweh. It speaks to the complete loss of their unique identity as God's chosen people, reduced to participating in the very idolatry they were commanded to abhor, highlighting the severe spiritual consequences of their apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:36 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark warning. Most prominently, it functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling future events—the establishment of a monarchy, the subsequent exile, and the spiritual compromise within that exile—long before they occurred. This underscores God's omniscience and His control over history. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, directly pointing to the historical realities of the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, where Israel's kings and people were indeed deported and exposed to foreign idolatry. The phrase "wood and stone" serves as powerful **Symbolism** and a **Metonymy**, representing the entire pantheon of pagan deities and the futility of their worship. It is a concise and vivid image that encapsulates the lifelessness and impotence of idols in stark contrast to the living God. The escalating nature of the curses throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - The Covenant Curses"), culminating in such a severe and comprehensive judgment, also demonstrates a form of **Intensification**, emphasizing the gravity of disobedience and the dire consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:36 profoundly reveals the seriousness of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, underscoring that divine blessings are contingent upon obedience, and severe judgment awaits persistent rebellion. It highlights God's unwavering justice and His commitment to His own holiness, demonstrating that He will not tolerate idolatry or spiritual unfaithfulness from His chosen people. The verse also serves as a stark reminder of the nature of true worship: it must be exclusive, directed solely towards the living God, and free from the defilement of lifeless idols. The ultimate consequence of forsaking Yahweh is not merely physical exile but spiritual degradation, where the people are subjected to the very practices they were called to eradicate. This theological truth resonates throughout the Old Testament, as Israel's history repeatedly demonstrates the cycle of apostasy, judgment, and eventual restoration, all within the framework of God's sovereign plan.

* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Dispersion Among Nations")
* [Jeremiah 16:13](/jeremiah/16-13 "Jeremiah 16:13 - Serving Other Gods in Exile")
* [Daniel 1:1-2](/daniel/1-1-2 "Daniel 1:1-2 - The Babylonian Captivity of Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:36, while rooted in the Mosaic covenant and its specific historical context, offers timeless and profound principles for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual drifting and disobedience have profound consequences, even if not always in the form of national exile. For us, "serving other gods, wood and stone" may not involve physical idols, but rather the subtle, yet pervasive, idols of our age: materialism, self-worship, comfort, power, technology, or anything that subtly or overtly usurps God's rightful, supreme place in our hearts and lives. This verse calls us to vigilant self-examination, prompting us to identify and dismantle any allegiance that competes with our exclusive devotion to Christ. It underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and recognizing that true freedom and flourishing are found only in worshipping the one true God. When we compromise our faith or allow worldly values to dictate our lives, we risk a form of spiritual "exile"—a diminished relationship with God, a loss of spiritual vitality, and a susceptibility to the empty promises of contemporary "idols." The passage thus compels us to cultivate a steadfast heart, committed to wholehearted obedience and unwavering worship of our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "serving other gods" manifest in contemporary life, even without physical idols, and what are its subtle dangers?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be subtly "exiled" from God's intended flourishing due to disobedience or misplaced allegiances in our modern context?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's unwavering sovereignty, even over judgment, and how should that profound truth shape our reverence and obedience today?**

### FAQ
**Why would God "force" His people to serve other gods, which seems contrary to His commands?**

Answer: It is crucial to understand that God does not actively command or desire His people to worship idols. Rather, the phrase "and there shalt thou serve other gods" describes a punitive consequence of their disobedience and apostasy. The exile itself, orchestrated by God as judgment, would place the Israelites in a foreign land where they would be immersed in pagan cultures. In such a context, they would be culturally pressured, perhaps legally compelled, or simply left with no other accessible forms of worship, to participate in the idolatrous practices of their captors. It is a description of the spiritual degradation and humiliation that results from forsaking the true God, a direct outcome of their covenant unfaithfulness, not a divine endorsement of idolatry. This is a severe form of judgment, where the very sin they committed (idolatry) becomes part of their punishment.

**Did this prophecy truly come to pass in Israel's history?**

Answer: Absolutely. This prophecy found explicit and devastating fulfillment in the history of both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. The Northern Kingdom was conquered by Assyria in 722 BC, and its people were deported to various parts of the Assyrian Empire ([2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - Fall of Northern Kingdom")). Later, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon in 586 BC, its temple destroyed, and its people, including King Jehoiachin and later King Zedekiah, were carried into exile ([2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Fall of Southern Kingdom")). During these exiles, the Israelites were indeed exposed to, and in many cases compelled to participate in, the worship of the gods of their captors, fulfilling the dire warning of serving "wood and stone."

**How is this warning relevant for Christians today, who are under grace and not the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law for salvation and are not subject to the same national covenant curses as ancient Israel, the underlying spiritual principles of Deuteronomy 28:36 remain profoundly relevant. The warning against "serving other gods, wood and stone" translates into a call to guard against all forms of idolatry in our lives today ([1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Guard Yourselves from Idols")). Modern idols are often not physical statues but rather anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts and affections—be it wealth, career, comfort, self-image, relationships, or even good causes. The principle that disobedience and misplaced allegiance lead to spiritual "exile" or a diminished relationship with God, and a form of spiritual "servitude" to empty pursuits, still holds true. This verse reminds us of the importance of exclusive devotion to Christ and the spiritual consequences of allowing anything to usurp His supreme authority in our lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:36, with its grim prophecy of exile and forced idolatry for a disobedient Israel, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in a profound reversal and spiritual triumph. While Israel's kings were led into physical exile and spiritual compromise, Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel ([Matthew 2:2](/matthew/2-2 "Matthew 2:2 - King of the Jews")), willingly entered a form of "exile" from the glory of heaven to redeem humanity. He did not lead His people into a foreign land to serve "wood and stone," but rather, through His atoning sacrifice, He delivers us from the spiritual slavery to sin and the idolatry of our own making ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Freed from Sin")). The curse of being forced to serve other gods is broken by Christ, who calls us to worship the Father in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit and Truth")). He gathers the scattered "exiles" of humanity into His new kingdom, not by force, but by grace, offering a new covenant where God's law is written on hearts, enabling true obedience and preventing the kind of apostasy that led to Israel's downfall ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the terrifying prospect of serving lifeless idols is overcome by the vibrant reality of serving the living God through Christ, our King who conquered sin and death, leading us into eternal freedom and true worship.

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

Jeremiah 16:13

Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, [neither] ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour.

2 Kings 25:11

Now the rest of the people [that were] left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away.

Deuteronomy 4:28

And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

2 Chronicles 36:20

And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:

2 Chronicles 36:6

Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon.

2 Chronicles 36:17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.

2 Chronicles 33:11

¶ Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.