Psalms 106:27

KJV

To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.

KJV (with Strong's)

To overthrow {H5307} their seed {H2233} also among the nations {H1471}, and to scatter {H2219} them in the lands {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and strike down their descendants among the nations, dispersing them in foreign lands.

Berean Standard Bible

to disperse their offspring among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands.

American Standard Version

And that he would overthrow their seed among the nations, And scatter them in the lands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:27 pronounces a solemn divine judgment upon Israel's descendants: their overthrow and dispersion among the nations and lands. This verse encapsulates the severe consequences of Israel's persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness to God's covenant, particularly their idolatry and unbelief during the wilderness wanderings and subsequent periods. It serves as a prophetic declaration of the exiles and diasporas that would profoundly shape Israel's history, demonstrating God's unwavering justice in response to sin, even within His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 106 is a historical psalm, functioning as a communal confession of Israel's corporate sin and God's enduring mercy. It meticulously recounts the nation's tumultuous history from the Exodus through the wilderness and into the Promised Land, emphasizing a recurring cycle of divine deliverance, Israel's rebellion, God's judgment, and His subsequent compassion. Verses 24-26 immediately precede verse 27, detailing God's wrath at Israel's refusal to enter the Promised Land from Kadesh Barnea, leading to the decree that the wilderness generation would perish. Verse 27 extends this judgment, showing that the consequences of their unfaithfulness would not be confined to that generation but would ripple through their "seed" or descendants, resulting in a future of dispersion. This specific judgment is presented as a direct consequence of their corporate failure to trust God and obey His commands, particularly their grumbling and idolatry, which are extensively cataloged throughout the psalm, such as their provoking God to anger with their deeds in [Psalms 106:29](/psalms/106-29 "Psalms 106:29 - Provoking God to Anger").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 106:27 is the covenant relationship between God and Israel, established at Sinai and elaborated in the Mosaic Law. Central to this covenant were explicit blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience, prominently outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The threat of "scattering among the nations" (as seen in [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Scattering Among the Nations")) was a well-understood covenant curse for idolatry and apostasy. The immediate historical trigger for God's anger in the psalm's narrative is the incident at Kadesh Barnea (recounted in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Refusal to Enter Canaan")), where Israel's lack of faith led to 40 years of wandering and the death of an entire generation. Psalm 106:27, however, looks beyond this immediate judgment to the future, foreshadowing the devastating exiles to Assyria (722 BC) and Babylon (586 BC), where the Israelites were indeed dispersed among foreign "nations" and "lands" as a direct result of their continued idolatry and covenant breaking. This dispersion was the ultimate loss of their national identity, homeland, and temple, all central to their cultural and religious life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 106 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and the Consequences of Disobedience**. God's justice demands accountability for sin, especially from His covenant people. The "overthrow" and "scattering" are direct, divinely ordained consequences of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, particularly their idolatry and unbelief, as seen in their repeated provocations of God's wrath, such as their actions in [Psalms 106:29](/psalms/106-29 "Psalms 106:29 - Provoking God to Anger"). Secondly, it highlights the **Reality of Exile and Dispersion**, a recurring and painful motif in Israel's history. This verse serves as a prophetic declaration of the loss of national identity and homeland that comes from turning away from God, a theme echoed in prophetic books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah - The Book of Jeremiah") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel - The Book of Ezekiel"). Finally, it emphasizes **God's Holiness and Justice**. While Psalm 106 also extols God's enduring mercy (as declared in [Psalms 106:1](/psalms/106-1 "Psalms 106:1 - God's Enduring Mercy")), this verse reminds us that God is not indifferent to disobedience; His holy character requires that sin be addressed, even among those He has chosen.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Overthrow (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** The Hebrew verb נָפַל (_nâphal_) primarily means "to fall," but in causative forms (as implied here), it can mean "to cause to fall," "to cast down," or "to overthrow." It often carries connotations of destruction, ruin, or defeat. In this context, it signifies God's active role in bringing about the downfall or collapse of Israel's national integrity and security, leading to their being cast out from their land. It implies a violent and decisive divine action against their established order.
* **Seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** The Hebrew word זֶרַע (_zeraʻ_) literally means "seed" but is commonly used to refer to "offspring," "descendants," or "posterity." Its inclusion here is crucial, indicating that the judgment for the sins of one generation would have generational consequences, affecting future generations of Israelites. This highlights the corporate nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God and the long-term ramifications of national unfaithfulness.
* **Scatter (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** The Hebrew verb זָרָה (_zârâh_) means "to toss about," "to diffuse," or "to winnow." In the context of a nation, it signifies a violent dispersal, akin to chaff being scattered by the wind. It implies the breaking up of a unified people and their forced diffusion into foreign lands, often with connotations of judgment and loss of cohesion. This action stands in direct contrast to the covenant promise of being gathered and dwelling securely in their own land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To overthrow their seed also among the nations":** This clause declares God's intention to bring about the downfall and ruin of Israel's descendants. The phrase "among the nations" (בַגּוֹיִם, _baggoyim_) specifies the location of this judgment: not merely within their own land, but in foreign territories, signifying a loss of sovereignty and a subjugated existence. It speaks to the breaking of their national strength and identity, leading to their being cast down in the presence of other peoples.
* **"and to scatter them in the lands":** This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, reiterating and intensifying the judgment. "To scatter them" emphasizes the dispersion and fragmentation of the Israelite people, preventing them from remaining a unified nation in their own territory. "In the lands" (בָּאֲרָצוֹת, _ba'aratzot_) refers to various foreign territories, underscoring the widespread nature of their dispersion. Together, these clauses paint a vivid picture of a people dispossessed, dislocated, and fragmented as a direct consequence of their covenant violations.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 106:27 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and to scatter them in the lands") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first clause ("To overthrow their seed also among the nations"). This repetition amplifies the severity and certainty of the judgment, emphasizing both the destruction of their national cohesion and their widespread dispersion. The verse also functions as **Prophecy** or **Foreshadowing**, looking ahead to the future exiles of Israel. Although rooted in the wilderness generation's sin, the language of "seed" and "scattering among the nations" clearly points to the later historical realities of the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, demonstrating the long-term consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy** where "seed" stands for the entire future generations of Israel, highlighting the generational impact of corporate sin. The active verbs "overthrow" and "scatter" also employ **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions to God, emphasizing His direct and intentional agency in bringing about this judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 106:27 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and the serious consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. Theologically, it affirms that God is not only merciful and gracious but also righteous and holy, demanding accountability from His people. This verse connects deeply with the Mosaic covenant, particularly the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience"), where dispersion is a primary consequence for disobedience. It highlights a consistent biblical principle: sin, especially corporate and persistent rebellion against God's revealed will, leads to severe, sometimes generational, consequences. While God's mercy often delays or mitigates judgment, His justice ultimately ensures that sin is addressed. This tension between God's mercy and justice is a central theme throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating His complex and perfect character. The scattering of Israel was not an act of abandonment but a disciplinary measure intended to bring them to repentance and recognition of their dependence on Yahweh alone.

* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering Among the Nations")
* [Deuteronomy 4:27](/deuteronomy/4-27 "Deuteronomy 4:27 - Dispersion Among the Peoples")
* [Nehemiah 9:30](/nehemiah/9-30 "Nehemiah 9:30 - God's Patience and Israel's Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 106:27 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today, reminding us that while we live under grace, the principles of God's holiness and the gravity of disobedience remain. It challenges us to consider the long-term ramifications of our choices, not just for ourselves but for those who come after us. Just as Israel's unfaithfulness led to a national scattering, our spiritual apathy, idolatry, or persistent sin can lead to forms of "scattering" in our lives—fragmentation in relationships, loss of spiritual vitality, or a diminished witness in the world. This verse calls us to a deep and abiding faithfulness to our covenant with God through Christ, recognizing that true blessing comes from walking in obedience and trust. It encourages us to learn from history, to acknowledge the seriousness of sin, and to cultivate a heart of repentance and humility, lest we repeat the mistakes of those who came before us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "generational consequences" in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of sin and its impact today?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, experience a form of "scattering" or fragmentation when we drift from God's commands?**
* **How does this verse, which speaks of judgment, deepen your appreciation for God's mercy and the grace offered in Christ?**
* **What specific areas in your life or in your community might require greater faithfulness to avoid the pitfalls of "unbelief" or "idolatry" that led to Israel's scattering?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God punishes children for their parents' sins?**

Answer: This verse speaks to the corporate and generational consequences of a nation's persistent unfaithfulness, rather than individual punishment for individual sins. While the immediate generation faced judgment, their actions established a pattern of rebellion that led to future national disasters, impacting their "seed" or descendants. The Bible also teaches individual accountability, as seen in [Ezekiel 18:20](/zekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - The Soul Who Sins Shall Die"), but it acknowledges that the choices of one generation can create a spiritual and historical trajectory that affects future generations, leading to collective suffering or blessings. The "scattering" was a national consequence for a national pattern of sin.

**How does this verse, which describes judgment, relate to God's mercy in Psalm 106?**

Answer: Psalm 106 is a profound exploration of both God's justice and His enduring mercy. While verse 27 highlights the severe judgment for Israel's unfaithfulness, the psalm repeatedly emphasizes God's compassion and patience, even in the face of their rebellion, as demonstrated in [Psalms 106:7-8](/psalms/106-7 "Psalms 106:7-8 - God's Steadfast Love"). The judgment of scattering was not an act of complete annihilation but a disciplinary measure, often accompanied by the promise of a remnant and future restoration, as God declared His plans for a hopeful future in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Plans for Hope and a Future"). God's mercy is seen in His preservation of a remnant and His ultimate plan to gather His people again, even after dispersion.

**Did this prophecy of scattering literally come true in Israel's history?**

Answer: Yes, absolutely. Psalm 106:27 prophetically describes the historical reality of the Assyrian exile (722 BC) and the Babylonian exile (586 BC), where large portions of the Israelite and Judean populations were indeed "scattered among the nations" and "in the lands" of their captors. This dispersion continued even after the return from Babylon, with many Jews remaining in the Diaspora. The ultimate and most widespread scattering occurred after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70, leading to the global Jewish Diaspora that lasted for nearly two millennia. This verse serves as a testament to the accuracy of biblical prophecy and the fulfillment of God's covenant warnings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 106:27, with its somber pronouncement of judgment and scattering due to Israel's sin, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, fully absorbed the "overthrow" and "scattering" that humanity deserved for its sin. On the cross, He became the ultimate "seed" (as identified in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed of Abraham is Christ")) who was "overthrown" and "scattered" from the presence of God, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (recorded in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). He bore the full weight of the covenant curses, including the curse of dispersion, so that those who believe in Him might be gathered rather than scattered. Second, Christ's mission was to reverse the scattering caused by sin. He came to "gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad" (as stated in [John 11:52](/john/11-52 "John 11:52 - Jesus Gathers the Scattered Children of God")). Through His atoning work, He brings together people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" (celebrated in [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Redeems from Every Nation")) into one new spiritual "seed," the Church, transcending national and ethnic boundaries. Finally, while Israel's physical scattering was a consequence of their unfaithfulness, Christ's death and resurrection establish a new covenant where faithfulness is secured not by human effort but by the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live in obedience and unity, gathered under the headship of the one true Shepherd (as promised in [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")). Thus, what began as a judgment of dispersion is ultimately transformed by Christ into a glorious gathering of all peoples into God's eternal family.

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

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.

Psalms 44:11

Thou hast given us like sheep [appointed] for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

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.

Deuteronomy 28:65

And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:

Ezekiel 20:23

I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;

Deuteronomy 32:26

¶ I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:

Deuteronomy 32:27

Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, [and] lest they should say, Our hand [is] high, and the LORD hath not done all this.