But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

DEUTERONOMY 32:15KJV
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Deuteronomy 32:15 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 32:15 mean?

Deuteronomy 32:15 describes how "Jeshurun" (a poetic name for Israel) became prosperous and comfortable, but then turned away from God, no longer valuing or respecting Him as their protector and source of salvation. The verse uses the image of growing fat and rebellious to show how Israel forgot God after becoming secure and satisfied.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel, warning them about the dangers of prosperity leading to spiritual complacency. "Jeshurun" is a term of endearment for Israel, and the verse paints a picture of a nation that, after being blessed and cared for by God, abandons Him and treats Him lightly. This is part of Moses’ larger song in Deuteronomy 32, which recounts Israel’s history and warns about the consequences of forgetting God.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 32:15

  • יְשֻׁרוּן (Yeshurun): This word is a poetic name for Israel, often understood as "the upright one." Its use here highlights the contrast between Israel’s intended character and their actual behavior.
  • שָׁמַן (shaman, "fat"): This word means "to grow fat" or "to become prosperous." In this context, it symbolizes Israel’s material success and comfort.
  • בָּעַט (ba‘at, "kicked"): This word means "to kick," suggesting rebellion or ingratitude, like a well-fed animal kicking against its owner.
  • נָטַשׁ (natash, "forsook"): This word means "to abandon" or "to leave behind," emphasizing Israel’s deliberate turning away from God.
  • צוּר (tsur, "Rock"): This word, translated "Rock," refers to God as a strong, reliable protector and foundation for Israel.

Why Deuteronomy 32:15 matters

  • This verse warns that prosperity can lead to spiritual neglect, showing that Israel’s blessings became a stumbling block when they forgot their dependence on God.
  • The use of "Jeshurun" and "Rock" highlights both God’s care for Israel and Israel’s failure to live up to their calling as God’s people.
  • Deuteronomy 32:15 sets up the rest of Moses’ song, which explains the consequences of turning away from God and the faithfulness of God despite Israel’s unfaithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“kicked” Hebrew H1163 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

“thick” Hebrew H5666 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Kings 12:10 And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:10 And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

“Jeshurun” Hebrew H3484 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:5 And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together.
  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Isaiah 44:2 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

“fat” Hebrew H8080 · used in 4 verses

  • Nehemiah 9:25 And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.
  • Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
  • Jeremiah 5:28 They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.