Deuteronomy 28:37

And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.

And thou shalt become an astonishment {H8047}, a proverb {H4912}, and a byword {H8148}, among all nations {H5971} whither the LORD {H3068} shall lead {H5090} thee.

You will be so devastated as to become a proverb and a laughingstock among all the peoples to which ADONAI will drive you.

You will become an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule among all the nations to which the LORD will drive you.

And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all the peoples whither Jehovah shall lead thee away.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 28:37 is a solemn warning from God to the nation of Israel, found within the extensive list of curses for disobedience to the Mosaic Covenant. This verse highlights the profound shame and ridicule Israel would experience if they turned away from the LORD and His commandments, becoming a negative example to other nations.

Context

This verse is situated in Deuteronomy chapter 28, a pivotal chapter in the book of Deuteronomy, which outlines the blessings for obedience to God's covenant (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) and the severe curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Moses delivered these words to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they entered the Promised Land. The purpose was to impress upon them the critical importance of covenant fidelity and the dire consequences of apostasy. Verse 37 specifically describes the public humiliation and international disgrace that would accompany their scattering among foreign nations, a direct result of their unfaithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse powerfully illustrates that turning away from God's commands brings severe and public repercussions. It's a stark reminder that actions have consequences, especially in relation to divine covenant.
  • Public Shame and Humiliation: The terms "astonishment," "proverb," and "byword" emphasize that Israel's downfall would not be private but a spectacle for the world, serving as a cautionary tale or an object of mockery for other nations.
  • Divine Judgment: The phrase "whither the LORD shall lead thee" underscores that this judgment and scattering would be a direct act of God, fulfilling His covenant warnings. It highlights God's sovereignty over nations and His justice in upholding His covenant.
  • Covenant Fidelity: Underlying this warning is the call for unwavering faithfulness to the covenant established at Mount Sinai. God desired a unique relationship with Israel, predicated on their obedience.

Linguistic Insights

  • Astonishment (Hebrew: šammah / שַׁמָּה): This word conveys a sense of horror, desolation, and utter shock. It suggests that Israel's condition would be so dire and unexpected that it would evoke dismay and awe (in a negative sense) from onlookers.
  • Proverb (Hebrew: māšāl / מָשָׁל): More than just a wise saying, māšāl here refers to a derogatory saying or a scornful comparison. Israel would become a negative example, a common phrase used to illustrate misfortune or foolishness.
  • Byword (Hebrew: šĕnînāh / שְׁנִינָה): This term denotes a taunt, a derision, or a sharp, pointed remark. It implies that Israel would be an object of ridicule and mocking speech among the nations where they were scattered.

Strategic Cross-References

The prophetic fulfillment of this verse can be seen throughout Israel's history, particularly during the Babylonian exile and subsequent periods of scattering. Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel often echoed these sentiments:

  • Leviticus 26:33 contains a similar warning about scattering among the nations for disobedience.
  • Jeremiah 24:9 describes the people of Judah becoming "a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse" in all places.
  • Ezekiel 5:15 also speaks of Israel becoming "a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment" to the nations.
  • The Book of Lamentations 2:15 vividly portrays the astonishment and scorn directed at Jerusalem during its destruction.

Practical Application

While specifically addressed to ancient Israel, the principles in Deuteronomy 28:37 hold timeless relevance. This verse reminds us:

  • That faithfulness to God's word is paramount, and there are spiritual consequences for disobedience, both for individuals and communities.
  • God's warnings are not arbitrary but are given out of His desire for our well-being and to guide us toward a path of blessing.
  • Our conduct as believers can either bring honor or dishonor to the name of God among those who do not know Him. We are called to live in such a way that we are a positive testimony, not an object of scorn.
  • It underscores the importance of humility and repentance when we stray from God's path, seeking His mercy and restoration rather than facing the full weight of negative consequences.
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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 9:7 (6 votes)

    Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:

  • 1 Kings 9:8 (6 votes)

    And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

  • Jeremiah 24:9 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Jeremiah 25:9 (5 votes)

    Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

  • 2 Chronicles 7:20 (4 votes)

    Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it [to be] a proverb and a byword among all nations.

  • Zechariah 8:13 (3 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that] as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, [but] let your hands be strong.

  • Psalms 44:13 (3 votes)

    Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.