Deuteronomy 7:4

KJV

For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they will turn away {H5493} thy son {H1121} from following {H310} me, that they may serve {H5647} other {H312} gods {H430}: so will the anger {H639} of the LORD {H3068} be kindled {H2734} against you, and destroy {H8045} thee suddenly {H4118}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he will turn your children away from following me in order to serve other gods. If this happens, the anger of ADONAI will flare up against you, and he will quickly destroy you.

Berean Standard Bible

because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you.

American Standard Version

For he will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of Jehovah be kindled against you, and he will destroy thee quickly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:4 delivers a solemn warning to Israel, explaining the severe consequences of intermarriage with the inhabitants of Canaan. It reveals that such unions would inevitably lead to the spiritual apostasy of their descendants, turning them away from exclusive devotion to Yahweh to serve other gods. This spiritual infidelity, in turn, would ignite the righteous anger of the LORD, resulting in swift and complete destruction for the covenant people. The verse underscores God's unwavering demand for exclusive worship and the profound danger of spiritual compromise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 7:4 is embedded within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This chapter specifically outlines the commands concerning the conquest and settlement of Canaan, emphasizing the absolute necessity of separation from the indigenous peoples. Verses [Deuteronomy 7:1-3](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-3 - Commands for Conquering Canaan") explicitly prohibit making covenants with the Canaanites, showing them no pity, and, crucially, forbidding intermarriage. Verse 4 then provides the explicit theological rationale for these stringent prohibitions: the spiritual danger of apostasy. It highlights that the primary threat was not merely physical contamination but the corruption of Israel's unique, exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh. This warning sets the stage for the declaration in [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People") that Israel is a "holy people" chosen by God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land inhabited by various polytheistic nations (Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as listed in [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - Nations to be Dispossessed")). These cultures were characterized by idolatry, often involving fertility cults, ritual prostitution, and even child sacrifice. The command to separate was not based on racial prejudice but on the profound spiritual and moral corruption of these cultures. Intermarriage was seen as the most direct pathway for the syncretism of religious practices, where Israel's exclusive worship of Yahweh would be diluted by the adoption of Canaanite deities and rituals. The historical context thus emphasizes the existential threat posed by assimilation to Israel's identity as a nation set apart for God's purposes.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. It highlights the theme of **Covenant Fidelity**, emphasizing that Israel's relationship with Yahweh was exclusive and demanded absolute loyalty, as seen in the call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and might in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment"). It underscores the ever-present **Danger of Idolatry**, which is portrayed as the ultimate spiritual betrayal and a direct affront to God's holiness. The verse also reveals God's **Divine Jealousy and Righteous Judgment**, illustrating that Yahweh is a "jealous God" who "will not tolerate rivalry for His devotion," as articulated in [Deuteronomy 6:15](/deuteronomy/6-15 "Deuteronomy 6:15 - God's Jealousy"). Finally, the phrase "turn away thy son" highlights the critical **Intergenerational Impact** of spiritual choices, showing how parental decisions profoundly affect the spiritual destiny of future generations and the collective purity of the covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turn away (Hebrew, _sûr'_):** This verb signifies a deviation, a turning aside, or a departure from a path. In this context, it implies a deliberate spiritual apostasy—a swerving from the exclusive worship of Yahweh to embrace foreign, idolatrous practices. It suggests not merely a passive drifting but an active, albeit perhaps subtle, leading astray.
* **anger (Hebrew, _ʾaph'_):** Literally meaning "nose" or "nostril," this word is often used metaphorically to denote intense displeasure, wrath, or indignation, particularly when referring to God. When the "anger of the LORD" is kindled, it signifies God's righteous and holy response to sin, especially covenant breaking and idolatry. It is not an arbitrary human emotion but a just and inevitable consequence of His unwavering commitment to His own holiness and justice.
* **suddenly (Hebrew, _mahēr'_):** This adverb means "quickly," "swiftly," or "hastily." Its inclusion emphasizes the immediacy and decisiveness of God's judgment once His anger is provoked by Israel's spiritual infidelity. It conveys the idea that the consequences of apostasy would not be delayed but would come upon them without prolonged warning or opportunity for repentance once the line was crossed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they will turn away thy son from following me":** This clause reveals the primary mechanism and consequence of intermarriage. The "they" refers to the foreign spouses or their cultural/religious influence. The danger is not just to the individual Israelite who intermarries, but critically, to the next generation ("thy son"), who would be led away from the worship and obedience of Yahweh. This highlights the insidious, intergenerational nature of spiritual compromise.
* **"that they may serve other gods":** This specifies the ultimate spiritual betrayal that results from being turned away. "Other gods" refers to the pagan deities of the Canaanites, emphasizing the direct violation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) and the covenant's demand for exclusive monotheism. This is the core sin that provokes divine wrath.
* **"so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you":** This clause describes God's righteous response to such spiritual infidelity. The "kindling" of God's anger signifies His holy indignation and a just reaction to Israel's breaking of their covenant vows. It is a direct and inevitable consequence of their apostasy, reflecting God's commitment to His own holiness and the terms of the covenant.
* **"and destroy thee suddenly":** This final clause states the severe outcome of God's kindled anger. "Destroy thee" refers to the judgment that would come upon the nation or individuals for their unfaithfulness, potentially encompassing defeat, exile, or death. The adverb "suddenly" underscores the swiftness and decisiveness of this divine retribution, emphasizing the gravity of the sin and the certainty of its consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:4 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent warning. The most prominent is **Cause and Effect**, where a clear chain of consequences is laid out: intermarriage (implied from the preceding verses) leads to the turning away of children, which leads to serving other gods, which in turn kindles the anger of the LORD, resulting in sudden destruction. This logical progression underscores the gravity of the initial transgression. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "the anger of the LORD," attributing a human emotion (anger) to God to make His righteous indignation relatable and impactful, emphasizing His personal involvement and strong disapproval of idolatry. The use of strong, definitive language like "destroy thee suddenly" functions as a powerful **Admonition** or **Warning**, designed to impress upon the Israelites the dire stakes of their obedience. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the historical failures of Israel (e.g., Solomon's later apostasy) that would indeed result from such compromises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:4 establishes a foundational theological principle: God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and His severe judgment against idolatry. It reveals the profound seriousness with which God views covenant fidelity, portraying spiritual unfaithfulness not merely as a minor transgression but as a betrayal that provokes His righteous anger. This anger is not capricious but a just response to the breaking of a sacred covenant, underscoring God's holiness and His intolerance for anything that competes for His people's ultimate devotion. The intergenerational warning also highlights God's concern for the spiritual legacy of His people, emphasizing that the choices of one generation have profound implications for the faith of the next.

* [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land")
* [1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Idolatry Due to Foreign Wives")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific command against intermarriage with Canaanite nations is rooted in a unique historical context, the spiritual principles of Deuteronomy 7:4 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to a radical commitment to God, reminding us that anything that draws our ultimate devotion away from Him constitutes idolatry, whether it be career, wealth, pleasure, self, or relationships. We are challenged to cultivate spiritual discernment, carefully evaluating the influences—be they media, philosophies, or personal associations—that might subtly lead us or our families away from Christ. Parents and spiritual leaders bear a particular responsibility to guard the spiritual integrity of the next generation, intentionally discipling them and creating environments that foster genuine, uncompromised faith. The "anger of the LORD" against idolatry serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of our covenant with God and the need for unwavering fidelity to Him in all areas of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might "other gods" (e.g., success, comfort, social approval) be competing for my ultimate devotion today?**
* **What relationships or cultural influences in my life require careful discernment to ensure they are not subtly turning me or my family away from following Christ?**
* **How can I actively protect and nurture the spiritual fidelity of the next generation within my family, church, or community?**
* **Considering God's "anger" against spiritual infidelity, how does this motivate me to pursue a deeper, more exclusive commitment to Him?**

### FAQ

**Why was God so strict about intermarriage with the Canaanites?**

Answer: God's strict prohibition against intermarriage was not based on racial discrimination but on the imperative to preserve Israel's unique spiritual identity and covenant purity. The Canaanite nations practiced abhorrent forms of idolatry, including child sacrifice and ritual prostitution, which were anathema to Yahweh's holiness. The primary concern, as stated in [Deuteronomy 7:4](/deuteronomy/7-4 "Deuteronomy 7:4 - Warning Against Intermarriage and Idolatry"), was that foreign spouses would "turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods." God knew that spiritual compromise through assimilation would inevitably lead to apostasy, jeopardizing Israel's role as His chosen people and a light to the nations.

**Does this command apply to Christians today regarding marriage?**

Answer: While Christians are not commanded to physically destroy nations or avoid intermarriage based on ethnicity, the underlying spiritual principle remains profoundly relevant. The New Testament echoes this warning in [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked"), which admonishes believers not to be "unequally yoked with unbelievers." The danger is the same: spiritual compromise, being drawn away from exclusive devotion to Christ, and the potential for one's children to be influenced away from the faith. For Christians, the call is to marry within the faith, seeking a partner who shares a common commitment to Christ, ensuring spiritual unity and mutual encouragement in following God.

**What does "the anger of the LORD" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The anger of the LORD" (אַף יְהוָה, _aph Yahweh_) is an anthropomorphism, attributing a human emotion to God to convey His righteous indignation. It is not a capricious or uncontrolled outburst, but a holy and just response to sin, particularly covenant breaking and idolatry, which directly affront His holiness and sovereignty. In Deuteronomy 7:4, it signifies God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His absolute intolerance for anything that competes with Him for the exclusive worship of His people. This anger is a demonstration of His justice, leading to inevitable consequences for those who willfully turn away from Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:4's stark warning against idolatry and the resultant divine wrath finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. Israel's repeated failure to maintain exclusive devotion to Yahweh, often through the very compromises warned against here, demonstrated humanity's inability to perfectly uphold the covenant. However, in Christ, the perfect Israelite, we find the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law and maintained unwavering fidelity to the Father, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The "anger of the LORD" that was kindled against sin and idolatry was fully poured out upon Jesus on the cross, making Him the propitiation for our sins ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). Through faith in Him, believers are reconciled to God, no longer under the threat of sudden destruction for their spiritual infidelity, but brought into a new covenant of grace. Christ, the true Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), including the sin of idolatry. Now, as the new "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), turning away from all "other gods" to serve the living and true God, who has delivered us from the wrath to come ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - From Idols to Serve 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 6:15

(For the LORD thy God [is] a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 4:26

I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong [your] days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.

Judges 2:20

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;

Deuteronomy 32:16

They provoked him to jealousy with strange [gods], with abominations provoked they him to anger.

Deuteronomy 32:17

They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new [gods that] came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Judges 3:7

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.