Deuteronomy 32:15 is a powerful and critical verse. Let's break it down:
"But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked."
Jeshurun: This is a poetic name for Israel, meaning "upright one." It's often used when referring to the ideal state Israel should strive for.
"Grew fat": This is a metaphor for becoming prosperous, wealthy, and comfortable. It's not necessarily about physical weight but about material abundance.
"Kicked": This is a metaphor for rebellion and defiance. A fat, well-fed animal might become unruly and kick out in disobedience to its owner.
"You have grown fat. You have grown thick. You have become sleek."
This reiterates the previous point. It emphasizes the increasing prosperity and comfort of Israel. "Thick" and "sleek" further amplify the idea of being well-fed and lacking hardship. It highlights the extent of their material well-being.
"Then he abandoned God who made him, and rejected the Rock of his salvation."
Abandoned God who made him: This is the core of the verse's condemnation. Because of their prosperity, Jeshurun (Israel) turned away from God, the one who brought them into existence and gave them their blessings.
Rejected the Rock of his salvation: "Rock" is a metaphor for God's strength, stability, and protection. By rejecting God, Israel was rejecting their source of safety and deliverance.
In summary, the verse describes a tragic cycle:
1. Blessing: God blesses Israel with prosperity and abundance.
2. Complacency: Israel becomes complacent and comfortable due to their wealth.
3. Rebellion: Israel turns away from God and forgets their dependence on Him, becoming arrogant and self-sufficient.
4. Rejection: Israel ultimately abandons and rejects the God who saved them.
The Meaning:
The verse serves as a warning against the dangers of prosperity. It suggests that material wealth can lead to spiritual apathy and ultimately, to rebellion against God. When people become self-sufficient and forget the source of their blessings, they are prone to turn away from God.
Themes:
Ingratitude: The verse highlights the ingratitude of Israel, who forgets God's goodness and provision.
Idolatry of Self: The focus shifts from God to self-reliance and personal comfort. Prosperity becomes a form of idolatry.
Consequences of Disobedience: The verse implicitly foreshadows the negative consequences of Israel's abandonment of God, which will be explored later in the chapter.
The Dangers of Complacency: It warns against becoming spiritually complacent in times of ease and abundance.
Relevance Today:
This verse still has relevance today. It reminds us to be mindful of the dangers of materialism and to remain grateful and dependent on God even in times of prosperity. It encourages us to examine our hearts and ensure that we are not allowing wealth or comfort to lead us away from our faith.
Deuteronomy 32:15 is a powerful and critical verse. Let's break it down:
"But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked."
Jeshurun: This is a poetic name for Israel, meaning "upright one." It's often used when referring to the ideal state Israel should strive for.
"Grew fat": This is a metaphor for becoming prosperous, wealthy, and comfortable. It's not necessarily about physical weight but about material abundance.
"Kicked": This is a metaphor for rebellion and defiance. A fat, well-fed animal might become unruly and kick out in disobedience to its owner.
"You have grown fat. You have grown thick. You have become sleek."
This reiterates the previous point. It emphasizes the increasing prosperity and comfort of Israel. "Thick" and "sleek" further amplify the idea of being well-fed and lacking hardship. It highlights the extent of their material well-being.
"Then he abandoned God who made him, and rejected the Rock of his salvation."
Abandoned God who made him: This is the core of the verse's condemnation. Because of their prosperity, Jeshurun (Israel) turned away from God, the one who brought them into existence and gave them their blessings.
Rejected the Rock of his salvation: "Rock" is a metaphor for God's strength, stability, and protection. By rejecting God, Israel was rejecting their source of safety and deliverance.
In summary, the verse describes a tragic cycle:
1. Blessing: God blesses Israel with prosperity and abundance.
2. Complacency: Israel becomes complacent and comfortable due to their wealth.
3. Rebellion: Israel turns away from God and forgets their dependence on Him, becoming arrogant and self-sufficient.
4. Rejection: Israel ultimately abandons and rejects the God who saved them.
The Meaning:
The verse serves as a warning against the dangers of prosperity. It suggests that material wealth can lead to spiritual apathy and ultimately, to rebellion against God. When people become self-sufficient and forget the source of their blessings, they are prone to turn away from God.
Themes:
Ingratitude: The verse highlights the ingratitude of Israel, who forgets God's goodness and provision.
Idolatry of Self: The focus shifts from God to self-reliance and personal comfort. Prosperity becomes a form of idolatry.
Consequences of Disobedience: The verse implicitly foreshadows the negative consequences of Israel's abandonment of God, which will be explored later in the chapter.
The Dangers of Complacency: It warns against becoming spiritually complacent in times of ease and abundance.
Relevance Today:
This verse still has relevance today. It reminds us to be mindful of the dangers of materialism and to remain grateful and dependent on God even in times of prosperity. It encourages us to examine our hearts and ensure that we are not allowing wealth or comfort to lead us away from our faith.