Deuteronomy 29:25

KJV

Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then men shall say {H559}, Because they have forsaken {H5800} the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}, which he made {H3772} with them when he brought them forth {H3318} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}:

Complete Jewish Bible

People will answer, 'It's because they abandoned the covenant of ADONAI, the God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

And the people will answer, ‘It is because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.

American Standard Version

Then men shall say, Because they forsook the covenant of Jehovah, the God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:25 serves as a prophetic explanation for Israel's future desolation, revealing that foreign nations will correctly attribute their calamity to the nation's deliberate abandonment of the covenant established with the LORD at Mount Sinai. This verse underscores the profound consequences of covenant infidelity, highlighting God's justice and the historical accountability of His people for their choices, particularly their turning away from the God who miraculously delivered them from Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29:25 is situated within Moses’ third and final discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter initiates a solemn covenant renewal ceremony, a pivotal moment where the entire nation, including future generations, is brought into a binding agreement with the LORD. Verses 22-28 form a prophetic section describing a future scenario where foreign observers, witnessing the devastation of the land, will inquire about the cause of such widespread destruction. Verse 25 provides the definitive answer to this rhetorical question, explaining that the desolation is a direct and just consequence of Israel's deliberate forsaking of the covenant made with God following their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, thereby linking their future suffering directly to their past and ongoing obligations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting on the plains of Moab is significant, marking the culmination of forty years of wilderness wandering and the threshold of the Promised Land. This location served as a crucial transition point, where the generation born in the wilderness was called to reaffirm the covenant made with their parents at Sinai. The concept of "covenant" (`berit`) in the ancient Near East often mirrored suzerain-vassal treaties, where a powerful king (suzerain) established terms with a lesser king or people (vassal), outlining obligations, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience. Israel's covenant with the LORD was unique in its divine initiation and moral demands, but its structure would have been culturally intelligible. The reference to "God of their fathers" reinforces the continuity of God's redemptive history, linking the Sinai covenant to the patriarchal promises and the foundational act of deliverance from Egypt, which was a defining moment in Israel's identity and relationship with God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Covenant Fidelity and Consequences**, illustrating that the covenant is not merely a suggestion but a binding agreement with severe repercussions for disobedience, as extensively detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Justice and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is righteous in His judgments; the future desolation is not arbitrary but a just response to Israel's deliberate apostasy, fulfilling the warnings given beforehand. This reinforces God's control over history and His commitment to upholding His word. Finally, the verse speaks to **Historical Accountability and Memory**, serving as a prophetic explanation for future generations and foreign nations, ensuring that the reason for Israel's plight—their turning away from the God who brought them out of [the land of Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")—would be clearly understood and remembered.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsaken (Hebrew, _‘azav_):** This verb signifies a deliberate abandonment, desertion, or rejection. It implies a conscious act of turning away from something previously held dear or committed to. In this context, it is not merely neglect or accidental oversight but a willful breaking of allegiance and loyalty to the LORD and His covenant. This highlights the severity of Israel's future apostasy as a betrayal of their foundational relationship with God.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _berit_):** More than just an agreement, a `berit` is a solemn, binding relationship established by an oath, often involving mutual obligations and consequences for breach. Here, it refers specifically to the covenant initiated by God at Sinai, which defined Israel's identity as God's chosen people and outlined the terms of their relationship with Him, including moral laws, worship regulations, and promises of blessing or curse. To forsake this `berit` was to reject the very foundation of their national and spiritual existence.
* **God of their fathers (Hebrew, _YHWH Elohei Avoteihem_):** This phrase emphasizes the continuity and historical depth of God's relationship with Israel. It links the present covenant with the foundational promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, underscoring that the God who established the covenant at Sinai is the same faithful God who chose and promised to bless their ancestors. Forsaking this covenant is therefore not just a breach of a new agreement but a rejection of a long-standing, generational relationship with the one true God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then men shall say,"**: This phrase introduces the prophetic explanation that will be given by future observers, both Israelites and foreign nations, who witness the desolation of the land. It sets up a rhetorical question-and-answer scenario, where the cause of Israel's suffering is clearly articulated for all to understand.
* **"Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers,"**: This is the core accusation and the primary reason for the judgment. It identifies the root cause of Israel's future calamity as a deliberate and willful abandonment of their sacred agreement with God. The mention of "the LORD God of their fathers" emphasizes the historical continuity and the deep-rooted nature of this foundational relationship that has been betrayed.
* **"which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt:"**: This clause specifies the particular covenant being referenced—the one established at Mount Sinai (or Horeb) immediately following the Exodus. It grounds the covenant in God's mighty act of redemption, highlighting that Israel's obligation was a direct response to God's unparalleled grace and deliverance from slavery. Their forsaking of the covenant is thus a profound act of ingratitude and rebellion against their Deliverer.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:25 employs several powerful literary devices. **Prophecy** is central, as Moses foretells a future scenario where the land is desolate and foreign nations inquire about its cause. This future event serves as a stark warning to the present generation. The verse is part of a larger **Rhetorical Question and Answer** structure (29:24-28), where the question of "Why?" is posed, and verse 25 provides the definitive, divinely revealed answer, leaving no room for misinterpretation. The use of **Covenant Language** ("forsaken the covenant," "made with them") reinforces the legal and binding nature of Israel's relationship with God, drawing on the familiar suzerain-vassal treaty model. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Historical Recapitulation**, as the verse explicitly links the future judgment to a past, foundational event ("brought them forth out of the land of Egypt"), reminding the audience of God's redemptive acts and their corresponding obligations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:25 articulates a fundamental theological principle: God's covenant faithfulness demands human fidelity, and there are direct, severe consequences for deliberate disobedience. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice, His commitment to His word (both promises and warnings), and the corporate responsibility of His people. It underscores that the relationship between God and Israel was not merely a spiritual ideal but a binding agreement with tangible outcomes, shaping their destiny in the land. The future desolation is not arbitrary but a direct result of breaking this sacred bond, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable for their choices, especially when they turn away from the very source of their identity and blessing. This principle of cause and effect, rooted in covenant, resonates throughout biblical history, explaining periods of judgment and exile.

* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel's Covenant Obligation") - Details the terms of the covenant at Sinai, emphasizing Israel's role as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" contingent on obedience.
* [Jeremiah 11:10](/jeremiah/11-10 "Jeremiah 11:10 - Judah's Covenant Breaking") - Prophesies a later fulfillment of this warning, lamenting how both Judah and Israel have broken the covenant God made with their fathers.
* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering for Disobedience") - Foretells the scattering of Israel among the nations and the desolation of their land as a consequence of covenant breaking, echoing the warnings in Deuteronomy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:25, though rooted in ancient Israel's covenant with God, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a sober reminder that our relationship with God is not to be taken lightly; it is a sacred bond that calls for faithfulness and obedience. Just as Israel's future was inextricably linked to their adherence to the covenant, so too are our spiritual well-being and flourishing connected to our commitment to God's revealed will. While Christians live under the New Covenant, established through the blood of Jesus Christ, the principle remains: deliberate turning away from God, whether through spiritual apathy, idolatry (placing anything above God), or persistent unrepentant sin, can lead to spiritual barrenness and a diminished experience of God's blessings. This verse challenges us to regularly examine our hearts, ensuring that our lives reflect a genuine love for God and a steadfast commitment to His ways, lest we, too, forsake the rich blessings of our relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly "forsaking" my commitment to God, perhaps through neglect or misplaced priorities?**
* **How does understanding the consequences of Israel's covenant breaking deepen my appreciation for the grace and forgiveness offered in the New Covenant?**
* **What specific actions can I take to strengthen my fidelity to God and ensure my life reflects my covenant relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "forsake the covenant" in this context?**

Answer: To "forsake the covenant" (Hebrew: _‘azav berit_) means to deliberately abandon, reject, or turn away from the binding agreement God made with Israel. This covenant, established at Mount Sinai after their deliverance from Egypt, outlined Israel's obligations to worship the LORD alone, obey His laws, and live as His holy people. Forsaking it involved idolatry, disobedience to God's commands, and a general turning away from their unique relationship with Him. It was a willful act of disloyalty and a breach of the sacred trust, leading to the consequences detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and fulfilled in historical events like the Babylonian exile.

**How does this verse relate to God's justice and mercy?**

Answer: This verse primarily highlights God's justice. It demonstrates that God is righteous in holding His people accountable for their choices and that there are clear, predetermined consequences for covenant infidelity. The desolation described is not arbitrary but a direct and just outcome of Israel's deliberate rebellion. However, even within the context of judgment, God's mercy is subtly present in the very act of warning. Moses' prophetic discourse, including this verse, serves as a compassionate warning, giving Israel the opportunity to choose obedience and avoid these dire outcomes. Furthermore, the broader biblical narrative reveals God's persistent mercy in offering paths to repentance and restoration even after judgment, as seen in the return from exile and the promise of a [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant Promised").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:25 powerfully underscores the tragic reality of human failure to uphold God's covenant, a failure that ultimately necessitated a new and better covenant. Israel's repeated "forsaking" of the Sinai covenant, as prophesied here, illustrates humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill the righteous demands of God's law. This brokenness points directly to the need for a divine solution. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this need, inaugurating the [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant") through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and resurrection. He is the true Israel, the faithful Son who never forsook the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross, thereby fulfilling the law's righteous requirements on our behalf (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His blood, a covenant of grace is established, where our relationship with God is secured not by our imperfect obedience to the law, but by faith in Christ's perfect obedience. The Spirit of God, given through this New Covenant, empowers believers to live in a way that truly honors God, writing His laws not on tablets of stone but on the heart (cf. [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - Law Written on the Heart")), ensuring a fidelity that the Old Covenant could not produce. Thus, the warning of Deuteronomy 29:25, while highlighting Israel's historical failure, ultimately magnifies the glory of Christ, who perfectly kept the covenant and established a lasting one for all who believe.

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

Hebrews 8:9

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

Jeremiah 40:2

And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD thy God hath pronounced this evil upon this place.

Jeremiah 40:3

Now the LORD hath brought [it], and done according as he hath said: because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come upon you.

Jeremiah 22:9

Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.

1 Kings 19:10

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

1 Kings 19:14

And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

Isaiah 24:1

¶ Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.