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 32:15KJVWhat 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.