Deuteronomy 7:4
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Israel's subsequent history validated this warning completely. The cycle of Judges shows repeated apostasy through Canaanite intermarriage and idolatry. Solomon's foreign wives led him to build high places for Chemosh and Molech (1 Kings 11:7). Ahab's marriage to Jezebel introduced Baal worship systematically. The northern kingdom's syncretism led to Assyrian exile; Judah's compromise resulted in Babylonian captivity. Every major apostasy in Israel's history can be traced to the pattern warned against here.
Questions for Reflection
- What compromises in your life might lead future generations away from Christ?
- How should understanding God's jealous love for His people shape your devotion to Him?
- What practices or relationships are you tolerating that could 'turn away' your children from following God?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals the spiritual trajectory of compromise—it 'will turn away thy son from following me.' The Hebrew yasur (turn away) describes apostasy, not minor deviation. One generation's compromise becomes the next generation's captivity. God's 'anger' (aph, literally 'nostril,' indicating flared nostrils) is His holy response to covenant violation. The phrase 'destroy thee suddenly' shows that judgment, though patient, arrives swiftly when God's patience ends. This demonstrates the covenantal principle: blessing flows from obedience, curse from disobedience. God's jealousy for His people's exclusive devotion isn't petty but protective—like a husband's righteous jealousy for his wife's faithfulness.