Deuteronomy 28:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} shall cause {H5414} thine enemies {H341} that rise up {H6965} against thee to be smitten {H5062} before thy face {H6440}: they shall come out {H3318} against thee one {H259} way {H1870}, and flee {H5127} before {H6440} thee seven {H7651} ways {H1870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI will cause your enemies attacking you to be defeated before you; they will advance on you one way and flee before you seven ways.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:7 stands as a potent divine promise within the covenant blessings, assuring ancient Israel that their faithful adherence to God's commands would invoke His direct intervention, leading to decisive and overwhelming victory over their adversaries. This verse vividly portrays God's active role in scattering their enemies, transforming an organized assault into a panicked, multi-directional rout, thereby underscoring the security and triumph that accompany covenant obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28:7 is strategically positioned within the covenant blessings outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Following the general assurances of prosperity and divine favor for obedience (verses 1-6), this verse specifically addresses military triumph, forming a crucial component of the comprehensive well-being promised to Israel. It operates as a direct and tangible outcome of their faithful adherence to the Mosaic covenant, setting the stage for the stark contrast of curses that would follow in the event of disobedience (verses 15-68). The immediate verses preceding it, such as [Deuteronomy 28:4](/deuteronomy/28-4 "Deuteronomy 28:4 - Blessings on Offspring and Produce"), speak of fruitfulness, while this verse pivots to security and defense against external threats, highlighting the holistic nature of God's provision.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This promise was given to the Israelites as they stood on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. Having wandered for forty years, this generation was about to face established, often hostile, Canaanite nations. The book of Deuteronomy itself serves as a covenant renewal, reiterating the Law and the terms of their relationship with Yahweh before the conquest began. In a world where military might determined survival and dominance, the assurance of divine intervention against enemies was not merely a spiritual comfort but a practical necessity, promising security in a volatile region. The concept of a deity fighting for their people was not unique, but the *nature* of Yahweh's intervention, tied to moral obedience and covenant fidelity, set Israel apart from surrounding nations whose gods were often seen as capricious or less directly involved in the moral lives of their adherents.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, emphasizing that Israel's success is not contingent on their own strength or military prowess, but on the direct action of the LORD, who "shall cause" their enemies to be defeated. This echoes earlier divine promises of protection, as seen in [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD will fight for you"), where God declares He will fight for His people. Secondly, the verse vividly portrays **Overwhelming and Decisive Victory**. The imagery of enemies scattering "seven ways" after coming "one way" is a powerful hyperbole signifying a complete and chaotic rout, a total vanquishing of opposition that leaves no room for doubt about God's superior power. This theme is foundational to Israel's identity as a people whose battles are fought by God, a concept reiterated in [Joshua 23:10](/joshua/23-10 "Joshua 23:10 - One Man Chasing a Thousand"), where one Israelite can chase a thousand enemies because the LORD fights for them. Finally, and critically, this promise is deeply embedded within the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and its Consequences**. Like all blessings in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), this triumph is conditional upon Israel's obedience to God's statutes and commands, reinforcing the principle that a right relationship with Yahweh yields tangible benefits, including security and triumph over all forms of opposition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smitten (Hebrew, _nâgaph_):** The root נָגַף (_nâgaph_, H5062) means "to strike, smite, plague, defeat." In the Niphal stem, as used here ("to be smitten," נִגְּפִים _nigg'phim_), it often denotes a divine act of striking down or inflicting a defeat, particularly in a military context. This emphasizes that the defeat of the enemies is not merely a human achievement but a direct, powerful intervention by God, often implying a sudden and overwhelming blow that causes a rout or plague.
* **One way (Hebrew, _ʼechâd_):** The Hebrew term אֶחָד (_ʼechâd_, H259) signifies "one," "a single unit," or "unity." In this context, it describes the enemies' initial approach as unified, organized, and focused. It paints a picture of a cohesive military force advancing with a singular purpose, making the subsequent scattering all the more dramatic and highlighting the contrast between their initial strength and ultimate disarray.
* **Seven ways (Hebrew, _shebaʻ_):** The number שֶׁבַע (_shebaʻ_, H7651), "seven," holds significant symbolic weight in biblical numerology, often representing completeness, perfection, or totality. Here, it is used hyperbolically to convey the absolute and utter disarray of the defeated enemies. Instead of retreating in an orderly fashion, they scatter in every conceivable direction, indicating a total, chaotic, and irreversible rout, leaving no doubt as to the completeness of their defeat and the overwhelming nature of God's victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face":** This opening clause unequivocally attributes the victory to divine agency. It is not Israel's might, but the LORD's direct intervention that will bring about the defeat of their adversaries. The phrase "rise up against thee" highlights the aggressive posture of the enemies, while "to be smitten before thy face" signifies a public, undeniable, and direct defeat witnessed by Israel, affirming God's protective presence and power. The passive construction "to be smitten" (Niphal) further underscores that God is the active agent causing the smiting, not merely enabling Israel's efforts.
* **"they shall come out against thee one way":** This phrase vividly depicts the initial state of the enemy: unified, organized, and purposeful in their aggression. They gather their forces and advance as a single, formidable unit, suggesting a well-planned and potentially overwhelming assault. This sets up a dramatic contrast with their subsequent chaotic retreat, emphasizing the magnitude of God's intervention required to break such a cohesive force.
* **"and flee before thee seven ways":** This powerful and hyperbolic imagery describes the total and utter rout of the enemy. Instead of a disciplined retreat, they scatter in every conceivable direction, symbolizing complete disarray, panic, and overwhelming defeat. The number "seven" here signifies totality and completeness, emphasizing that the victory granted by the LORD will be absolute, leaving the enemies utterly vanquished and dispersed, unable to regroup or pose a further threat. This chaotic flight underscores the divine terror that falls upon them.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine victory. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the vivid contrast of enemies coming "one way" and fleeing "seven ways." This exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally but powerfully illustrates the overwhelming and complete nature of the defeat God will inflict upon Israel's adversaries, transforming an organized attack into utter chaos. This is further reinforced by **Parallelism**, specifically antithetical parallelism, where the unified advance ("one way") is directly contrasted with the scattered retreat ("seven ways"), heightening the dramatic effect of God's intervention and the stark reversal of fortunes. The verse also utilizes strong **Imagery**, painting a clear mental picture of an organized army dissolving into a panicked, multi-directional flight, evoking a sense of divine terror and confusion among the adversaries. Finally, the phrase "The LORD shall cause thine enemies... to be smitten" exemplifies **Divine Agency**, attributing direct action and causation to God, portraying Him as the active warrior who fights on behalf of His people, rather than Israel achieving victory solely through their own strength or military strategy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:7 is a profound theological statement on God's active role as the divine warrior and protector of His covenant people. It highlights the principle that true security and victory are ultimately derived from God's sovereign power and His faithfulness to His promises, rather than human strength or military might. This verse reinforces the concept of a conditional covenant, where obedience unlocks divine favor and protection, demonstrating God's commitment to uphold His end of the agreement. It also foreshadows the broader biblical narrative of God consistently intervening on behalf of His people against overwhelming odds, a theme that resonates throughout Israel's history and finds its ultimate expression in the spiritual victories achieved through Christ. The divine promise here establishes a pattern of God's unwavering commitment to His people when they walk in His ways.

* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD Will Fight for You")
* [Joshua 23:10](/joshua/23-10 "Joshua 23:10 - One Man Chasing a Thousand")
* [Psalm 3:6](/psalms/3-6 "Psalm 3:6 - I Will Not Fear Though Tens of Thousands Assail Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Deuteronomy 28:7 was given to ancient Israel in a specific historical and military context, its underlying principles offer timeless spiritual and practical application for believers today. It calls us to recognize God as our ultimate Protector and Defender, reminding us that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges or spiritual adversaries, our hope and strength reside in His sovereign power. This verse encourages a posture of faithful obedience, not as a means to earn God's favor, but as a response of trust that positions us to experience His divine intervention. It assures us that God can turn any organized opposition—whether spiritual attacks, personal struggles, or societal pressures—into utter disarray, granting us overwhelming victory and peace. This promise fosters a deep sense of security, knowing that the LORD fights for us, transforming fear into confidence and chaos into triumph, and empowering us to face life's battles with divine assurance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "enemies" or challenges are you facing today that feel overwhelming or insurmountable?**
* **How does the promise of God fighting for you, as seen in this verse, encourage or challenge your current perspective on your struggles?**
* **In what areas of your life might a renewed commitment to faithful obedience open the door for God's powerful and decisive intervention?**

### FAQ
**Is this promise of military victory still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Deuteronomy 28:7 concerned literal military victory for ancient Israel under the Mosaic Covenant, its underlying theological principles remain profoundly relevant for Christians. We understand "enemies" not primarily as physical armies, but as spiritual adversaries (e.g., [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")), the challenges of sin, temptation, and the various trials of life. The verse assures us that God remains our ultimate defender and can grant overwhelming victory over these spiritual and personal battles when we walk in faith and obedience. The promise shifts from a national, physical triumph to an individual, spiritual one, yet the divine power and commitment to scatter opposition remain constant, offering profound comfort and assurance to believers.

**Does "one way" and "seven ways" have a literal meaning?**

Answer: The phrases "one way" and "seven ways" are not meant to be taken literally as precise numerical counts of paths. Instead, they function as a powerful **hyperbole** and **rhetorical device** to convey the dramatic contrast between the enemies' initial organized advance and their subsequent complete and chaotic rout. "One way" signifies their unified, disciplined approach, while "seven ways," drawing on the biblical symbolism of "seven" for completeness or perfection, illustrates their utter disarray, scattering in every conceivable direction. It emphasizes the totality and decisiveness of the defeat God would inflict, making it clear that the enemy would be completely vanquished and unable to regroup. This vivid imagery serves to underscore the overwhelming nature of divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:7, with its promise of overwhelming victory over enemies through divine intervention, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant promised physical triumph for a physical nation, Christ ushers in a New Covenant that offers spiritual victory for all who believe. He is the ultimate "Lord" who "causes" our true enemies—sin, death, and the devil—to be "smitten before our face." The organized advance of evil, which seemed to have a singular purpose in the world, was utterly defeated and scattered by Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. On the cross, Jesus disarmed the spiritual forces of evil, triumphing over them (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His victory was not merely a scattering in "seven ways" but a definitive, eternal conquest that guarantees triumph for those who are "in Christ." Through Him, believers are empowered to overcome temptation and spiritual opposition, knowing that the battle has already been won by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who conquered death itself, as celebrated in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ"). Thus, the promise of Deuteronomy 28:7 is transformed from a temporal military assurance into an eternal spiritual reality, secured by the finished work of Christ, our victorious Lord, who ensures that no enemy, spiritual or otherwise, can ultimately prevail against His redeemed people.

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

2 Samuel 22:38

I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.

2 Samuel 22:41

Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.

Leviticus 26:7

And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

Leviticus 26:8

And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

Psalms 89:23

And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

2 Chronicles 32:21

And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

2 Chronicles 32:22

Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all [other], and guided them on every side.