“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 28:64 is part of Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites, specifically focusing on the blessings and curses that would come upon them based on their obedience or disobedience to God’s commandments. In this particular verse, Moses describes a consequence of disobedience: the scattering of the Israelites among all nations.
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is situated in the larger narrative of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Moses addresses the people before they enter the land, reminding them of God’s covenant and exhorting them to obey His commands.
Scattering among all people:The verse foretells the dispersion of the Israelites throughout the world, which historically took place after their exile and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by the Babylonians. This scattering is a significant theme in Jewish history and is often referred to as the Jewish Diaspora.
Serving other gods:As a consequence of their disobedience, the Israelites would be exposed to foreign cultures and religions. The reference to “serving other gods” suggests that they would adopt the religious practices and beliefs of the nations among whom they were scattered. The mention of “wood and stone” emphasizes the worship of idols, as these materials were commonly used to create pagan idols.
Unfamiliar gods:The Israelites would serve gods “which neither thou nor thy fathers have known.” This emphasizes the foreignness and unfamiliarity of the gods they would worship, as they had been specifically chosen by God as His people and were to worship Him alone.
The consequences of disobedience:The scattering of the Israelites and their worship of foreign gods was a direct result of their failure to keep God’s commandments. These consequences were meant to serve as a warning and a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God’s covenant.
It is important to note that while this verse speaks specifically to the Israelites and their historical experiences, its broader message can be applied to our lives today. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and not turning to idolatry or worldly pursuits. The consequences of disobedience are highlighted, urging us to remain steadfast in our devotion to God’s commandments.
In summary, Deuteronomy 28:64 illustrates the consequence of the Israelites’ disobedience: their scattering among all nations and their worship of foreign gods. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences of straying from His path.
