What does Deuteronomy 32:26 mean?

I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men: Deuteronomy 32:26

Explanation

Deuteronomy 32:26 is a part of the Song of Moses, where Moses speaks prophetically about the consequences that will befall the Israelites due to their disobedience to God. In this particular verse, God is quoted as saying that He was ready to utterly disperse and destroy the Israelite people to the point that they would be forgotten among men. The “corners” may refer to the dispersion to various remote areas, while “make the remembrance of them to cease from among men” suggests a total annihilation of their identity and memory among other nations.

Historical Context

This verse comes from the fifth book of the Torah, Deuteronomy, which contains speeches by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab just before they enter the Promised Land. It serves both as a reminder of their covenant with God and a warning of the consequences of their failure to keep it. Historically, this period is at the end of the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the desert, and the book reflects a time of reflection and anticipation.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse reflects the justice of God in response to the violation of the covenant. Scholars have seen this as an example of divine retribution theory, where God punishes the nation for collective disobedience. However, other theologians might emphasize God’s mercy, as the actual fulfillment of this threat was avoided on several occasions thanks to repentance or intercession by the prophets.

Practical Applications

In modern life, Deuteronomy 32:26 can serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from one’s principles or from God. It can inspire believers to remain faithful, to heed warnings, and to appreciate the importance of community memory and identity.

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.”
• Ezekiel 6:8 – “Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries.”

Language Study

The key phrase “scatter them into corners” can be further elucidated by examining the original Hebrew words. “Scatter” (פוץ, puts) often implies a forceful dispersion. “Corners” (פאת, pe’ah) traditionally means extremities or borders, suggesting the farthest, most remote areas. The word “remembrance” (זכר, zeker) denotes memory or mention. A deep dive into the original Hebrew terms enriches our understanding of the intensity and totality of the threatened dispersion and erasure.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Near East, the scattering and blotting out of a nation’s name was a common motif in texts where a deity or ruler promised or threatened judgment against a people. Similar ideas can be found in the Epic of Gilgamesh and inscriptions from the Assyrian and Babylonian empires.

Scientific Perspectives

From an anthropological perspective, this verse can be seen as reflecting a common historical phenomenon where civilizations disappear or become assimilated into others. While the verse speaks of an intentional divine act, the pattern of societies disappearing is well documented in human history due to various natural and human-caused factors.

Commentaries

Commentators like Matthew Henry interpret this verse as a display of God’s wrath, but also highlight God’s mercy in not completely making the threat a reality. John Gill expounds on the idea that this dispersion serves as a punishment for Israel’s idolatry and rejection of God. Calvin also sees it as a severe admonition to Israel, warning them against forsaking the covenant with God.