For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.
DEUTERONOMY 31:20KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 31:20 mean?
Deuteronomy 31:20 describes how, after God brings the Israelites into the promised land—a place rich and abundant—they will become comfortable and satisfied, but then turn away from God to worship other gods, breaking the covenant He made with them. The verse warns that prosperity will lead to forgetfulness and unfaithfulness among the people.
In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan. He is relaying God’s words, predicting that once the people enjoy the blessings of the land God promised to their ancestors, they will become complacent and chase after other gods. This sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which deals with Israel’s future disobedience and the consequences that will follow.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:20
- The word for "land" (אֲדָמָה, ’adamah) emphasizes the physical territory God promised, highlighting the concrete fulfillment of His oath to their ancestors.
- "Floweth" (זוּב, zuv) describes the land as overflowing or abundant, painting a picture of plenty with "milk" (חָלָב, chalav) and "honey" (דְּבַשׁ, devash), which were symbols of richness and fertility in ancient Israel.
- "Turn" (פָּנָה, panah) means to face or turn toward something, stressing a deliberate choice by the Israelites to shift their loyalty away from God.
- "Break" (פָּרַר, parar) carries the sense of shattering or nullifying, making clear that turning to other gods is not just a mistake but a complete violation of the covenant (בְּרִית, berit) relationship.
Why Deuteronomy 31:20 matters
- This verse clarifies that the danger for Israel is not just outside threats, but the spiritual risk that comes with comfort and abundance.
- The verse connects to the wider warning in Deuteronomy about the cycle of blessing, forgetfulness, and disobedience, showing that God’s concern is not only about their actions but their hearts.
- Understanding the specific words for "turn" and "break" helps the reader see that Israel’s future unfaithfulness is portrayed as a conscious, serious breach of trust, not just a minor slip.