Deuteronomy 4:27

KJV

And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} shall scatter {H6327} you among the nations {H5971}, and ye shall be left {H7604} few {H4962} in number {H4557} among the heathen {H1471}, whither the LORD {H3068} shall lead {H5090} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will scatter you among the peoples; and among the nations to which ADONAI will lead you away, you will be left few in number.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah will scatter you among the peoples, and ye shall be left few in number among the nations, whither Jehovah shall lead you away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:27 presents a solemn, prophetic warning from Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. It foretells a severe consequence for future covenant disobedience, particularly widespread idolatry: the Lord Himself will scatter them among foreign nations, drastically diminishing their numbers. This declaration underscores the gravity of their covenant obligations, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty even in judgment, and foreshadows the historical exiles that would befall both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:27 is embedded within Moses' second major discourse, a crucial moment of covenant renewal and instruction for the generation poised to enter Canaan. The chapter begins with an urgent exhortation to obey God's statutes and judgments, reminding the people of the unique covenant established at Horeb (Mount Sinai) and the singular nature of Yahweh. Verses 25-26 issue a direct, emphatic warning against making idols, explicitly stating that such apostasy would lead to swift destruction from the land. Verse 27 then elaborates on this judgment, specifying "scattering" and a reduction in population as the direct, divinely orchestrated result of breaking the covenant through idolatry. This dire prediction is immediately followed by a description of the futility of worshipping man-made gods (Deuteronomy 4:28) and, significantly, a glimmer of hope for future repentance and return to the Lord (Deuteronomy 4:29-31), establishing a foundational pattern of judgment and potential restoration that permeates the Deuteronomic narrative and subsequent biblical history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a pivotal juncture, poised to inherit a land inhabited by various pagan peoples whose religious practices, including idol worship, polytheism, and even child sacrifice, were an abomination to Yahweh. Moses' address serves as a final, urgent call to remember their unique covenant with the one true God, contrasting it sharply with the syncretism and spiritual depravity they were about to encounter. In the ancient Near East, land tenure was intrinsically linked to the favor of a deity; for Israel, their continued possession of the land was uniquely conditional upon their exclusive loyalty to Yahweh and strict adherence to His laws. The warning of "scattering among the nations" (diaspora) would have been understood as the ultimate reversal of God's foundational promises to Abraham—to make them a great nation and give them a land—signifying profound divine judgment, the loss of their distinct national identity, and the forfeiture of their security.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and the Consequences of Disobedience**. This verse is a direct articulation of the covenant curses, echoing the detailed warnings found throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), where scattering is a primary consequence for rebellion against God. Secondly, it functions as a profound **Prophecy of Exile (Diaspora)**. This dire prediction was historically fulfilled centuries later with the Assyrian deportation of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC ([2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Assyrian Exile of Israel")) and the Babylonian exile of the Southern Kingdom of Judah in 586 BC ([Jeremiah 52:28-30](/jeremiah/52-28-30 "Jeremiah 52:28-30 - Babylonian Exile of Judah")). Thirdly, the phrase "whither the LORD shall lead you" highlights **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**. Even in their dispersion and suffering, Israel would not be outside of God's control; their exile was not a random misfortune but a divinely ordained consequence, part of God's overarching plan to discipline His people. This divine agency, even in judgment, sets the stage for the eventual promise of return and restoration found in [Deuteronomy 30:3-5](/deuteronomy/30-3-5 "Deuteronomy 30:3-5 - Promise of Return from Exile"). Finally, the phrase "ye shall be left few in number" introduces the crucial theme of the **Remnant**, implying that not all would be utterly destroyed, but a portion would be preserved by God, a concept woven throughout prophetic literature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scatter (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** This verb (H6327) means to dash in pieces, to break up, or to disperse. In the context of a people, it vividly conveys the image of a unified national body being violently torn apart and spread out across a wide geographical area. The active voice, "the LORD shall scatter," emphasizes God's direct and intentional agency in this judgment, signifying a forceful, divinely orchestrated dispersion rather than a mere misfortune or a consequence of human actions alone. It speaks to the dismantling of their national cohesion.
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) specifically refers to a foreign nation, often carrying the connotation of pagan or Gentile peoples. Being scattered "among the heathen" implies not only geographical dispersion but also a profound cultural and religious assimilation, where Israel would be exposed to and pressured to adopt foreign gods and customs, thereby losing their distinct identity and covenant purity. This was a severe threat to their existence as God's chosen, set-apart people.
* **Few (Hebrew, _math'_):** This word (H4962) properly refers to an adult, but in this context, it implies a small quantity or a drastic reduction in number when combined with "in number" (H4557, _miçpâr_). This phrase stands in stark contrast to God's repeated promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would multiply and become as numerous as the stars or the sand on the seashore. To be "left few in number" signifies a reversal of blessing, a profound demographic and national decline, underscoring the severity of the judgment and the near-annihilation of their national identity and strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency and the nature of the impending judgment. It is not a random historical event but a direct act of Yahweh, who, in His righteousness, will disperse His disobedient people. The "nations" (H5971, _ʻam_) signify foreign, often hostile, and idolatrous environments, highlighting the loss of their promised land and their unique status as God's dwelling place. This scattering is a direct consequence of their covenant infidelity.
* **"and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen":** This clause details the demographic consequence of the scattering. The once numerous descendants of Abraham, promised to be like the dust of the earth, would be drastically reduced. The phrase "among the heathen" (H1471, _gôwy_) reinforces the idea of being diminished and assimilated into foreign cultures, losing their distinct identity and power. This reduction underscores the severity of the judgment and the reversal of God's original blessing of multiplication and national strength.
* **"whither the LORD shall lead you":** This concluding phrase powerfully reaffirms God's absolute sovereignty, even over the judgment itself. It signifies that even in their forced exile and suffering, Israel would not be beyond God's control or purpose. Their dispersion would not be a random wandering but a divinely directed movement, implying that God's hand, though disciplinary, would still guide their path, setting the stage for future repentance and potential restoration, and demonstrating that His ultimate plan for His people remains in effect.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its solemn message. Foremost is **Prophecy**, as Moses delivers a direct foretelling of future events—the exile—which would indeed come to pass centuries later, demonstrating God's omniscience and the certainty of His word. This prophetic warning functions as a **Covenant Curse**, explicitly linking disobedience to specific, severe consequences outlined within the broader Deuteronomic covenant framework, thereby reinforcing the conditional nature of their dwelling in the land. The language also contains elements of **Antithesis**, contrasting the promised multiplication of Israel with the dire prediction of being "few in number," highlighting the reversal of blessing due to sin. Finally, the verse powerfully showcases **Divine Sovereignty** through the repeated emphasis on "the LORD shall scatter" and "whither the LORD shall lead you," portraying God not as a distant observer but as the active agent orchestrating both blessing and judgment, maintaining ultimate control over the destiny of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:27 is a stark reminder of the gravity of God's covenant with Israel and the severe consequences of spiritual infidelity. It reveals a God who is faithful not only to His promises of blessing but also to His warnings of judgment. The scattering was not arbitrary but a righteous response to Israel's anticipated idolatry, a direct violation of the very first commandments. Yet, even within this dire prophecy, there is an underlying theological truth: God's judgment is often disciplinary, intended to humble His people, expose the futility of their idols, and ultimately lead them to repentance and a renewed relationship with Him. This verse sets the stage for the entire narrative of Israel's history, marked by cycles of disobedience, judgment, and eventual restoration, all under God's sovereign hand. It underscores that true security and flourishing come only through unwavering allegiance to the one true God, and that even in their dispersion, God's ultimate purpose for His people would not be thwarted.
* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Prophecy of Scattering for Disobedience")
* [Nehemiah 1:8-9](/nehemiah/1-8-9 "Nehemiah 1:8-9 - Nehemiah Recalls God's Warning and Promise of Return")
* [Ezekiel 20:23](/ezekiel/20-23 "Ezekiel 20:23 - God's Threat to Scatter Israel Among the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:27 stands as a timeless warning for all who claim to follow God. It reminds us that God takes our allegiance seriously and that spiritual compromise, particularly idolatry in its various forms, carries profound consequences. While we may not face literal national scattering today, the principles remain: unfaithfulness to God can lead to spiritual barrenness, a loss of spiritual influence, and a sense of being "scattered" from the abundant life God intends. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts for any "idols"—anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives, whether it be wealth, success, comfort, or even our own self-sufficiency. It also encourages us to see difficult circumstances not merely as misfortune, but potentially as divine discipline, intended to draw us back to Him in repentance and deeper reliance. Even in the midst of consequences, the underlying truth of God's sovereignty and His ultimate desire for restoration offers profound hope, urging us to turn to Him with all our hearts, knowing that His hand is always at work for our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" in my life or culture today that might lead to a spiritual "scattering" or diminishing of faith and fruitfulness?**
* **How can I discern between natural consequences of poor choices and divine discipline in my life, and how should I respond to each with humility and faith?**
* **In what ways does God's sovereignty, even over difficult circumstances and judgments, provide comfort or challenge to my faith and trust in His plan?**

### FAQ
**Was this scattering a form of punishment or discipline?**

Answer: It was both. The scattering was a punitive consequence for Israel's breaking of the covenant through idolatry and disobedience, fulfilling the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). However, from God's perspective, this judgment also served as a profound form of divine discipline, intended to humble Israel, expose the futility of their idols, and ultimately lead them to repentance and a renewed relationship with Him. This dual nature of judgment as both punishment for sin and discipline for growth is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God Disciplines Those He Loves"), where God disciplines those He loves for their good, that they may share in His holiness.

**How does this verse relate to the modern State of Israel?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 4:27 specifically prophesied the historical exiles of Israel, which were fulfilled by the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, and later by the Roman dispersion in 70 AD. The return of the Jewish people to the land in the 20th century and the establishment of the modern State of Israel is a complex theological topic. Many see it as a partial fulfillment of later prophecies of restoration, such as those found in [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel") and [Jeremiah 30-31](/jeremiah/30-31 "Jeremiah 30-31 - Prophecies of Restoration"). While Deuteronomy 4:27 speaks of the scattering, other passages speak of a future ingathering, demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people and His ultimate plan for their restoration, both physical and spiritual.

**Does God still "scatter" people today in the same way?**

Answer: The specific covenant curses and national scattering described in Deuteronomy 4:27 were unique to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh as a nation, tied to their physical possession of the Promised Land. While God's principles of consequences for disobedience and His sovereignty over nations remain, He does not typically "scatter" entire nations of believers today in the same direct, physical sense of exile from a promised land. However, the spiritual principles endure: unfaithfulness can lead to spiritual barrenness, a loss of peace, and a sense of being "scattered" from God's presence or purpose. God's discipline for His people today, as outlined in the New Testament, is primarily aimed at spiritual refinement, growth in holiness, and drawing us closer to Him, not national exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:27, with its dire prophecy of scattering, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the historical exiles of Israel but also in the broader redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, by its sin, was scattered from God's presence, alienated and lost like sheep without a shepherd ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Harassed and Scattered Sheep")). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came precisely to gather these scattered sheep, both from the house of Israel and from among the Gentiles, into one flock under one Shepherd ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and Other Sheep")). His own suffering and death on the cross, a moment of profound scattering for His disciples ([Matthew 26:31](/matthew/26-31 "Matthew 26:31 - Jesus Predicts Disciples' Scattering")), was paradoxically the means by which a new, unified people of God would be gathered from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation Worshiping God")). The "remnant" preserved in Deuteronomy finds its ultimate expression in the church, composed of believing Jews and Gentiles, gathered in Christ, who is the cornerstone uniting all believers into one spiritual temple ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Household")). Furthermore, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, promises a transformation of the heart ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), ensuring that God's people, empowered by the Spirit, will no longer be scattered from Him by idolatry, but will remain eternally united with Him through faith in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Deuteronomy 28:62

And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 28:64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.

Leviticus 26:33

And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

Nehemiah 1:3

And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province [are] in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also [is] broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

Nehemiah 1:8

Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, [If] ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:

Nehemiah 1:9

But [if] ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, [yet] will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

Ezekiel 32:26

There [is] Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude: her graves [are] round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living.