The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

DEUTERONOMY 28:25KJV
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Deuteronomy 28:25 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 28:25 mean?

Deuteronomy 28:25 warns that if Israel turns away from God, the LORD will cause them to be defeated by their enemies, scattering them in panic and leading to their removal into foreign kingdoms. The verse paints a picture of total defeat, with Israel fleeing in confusion and being exiled far from home.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, explaining the consequences of disobedience to God's covenant. This verse is part of a larger section listing curses that will come upon Israel if they break their agreement with God, emphasizing the seriousness of their choice and the reality of national disaster if they turn away.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 28:25

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): The use of God's personal name highlights that these events are not random disasters, but actions allowed or caused by Israel's own covenant God.
  • smitten (נָכָה, nakah): This word means to be struck down or defeated, stressing the completeness of the loss in battle.
  • flee (נוּס, nus): The word for "flee" suggests a panicked, disorderly retreat, not a strategic withdrawal, underlining the chaos and fear.
  • removed (זָעָה, za'ah): This word means to be scattered or driven away, indicating forced exile and loss of homeland, not just military defeat.

Why Deuteronomy 28:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s defeat and exile would not be accidental, but a direct result of breaking their covenant with God, making the consequences personal and relational.
  • The vivid language of fleeing "seven ways" and being "removed into all the kingdoms of the earth" shows the total reversal of Israel’s hopes, connecting to the earlier promises of victory and security if they obeyed.
  • Deuteronomy 28:25 sets the tone for the rest of the chapter’s warnings, helping readers understand the seriousness of covenant faithfulness in Israel’s national life.

Where else these words appear

“removed” Hebrew H2189 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 29:8 Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.
  • Jeremiah 24:9 And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.
  • Jeremiah 34:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

“smitten” Hebrew H5062 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 8:2 And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:
  • 1 Samuel 4:2 And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:24 And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;

“kingdoms” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 15:19 And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

“flee” Hebrew H5127 · used in 143 verses

  • Genesis 14:10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.
  • Judges 9:21 And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:14 So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.