Deuteronomy 32 15

Deuteronomy 32:15 kjv

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 32:15 nkjv

"But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; You grew fat, you grew thick, You are obese! Then he forsook God who made him, And scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Deuteronomy 32:15 niv

Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; filled with food, they became heavy and sleek. They abandoned the God who made them and rejected the Rock their Savior.

Deuteronomy 32:15 esv

"But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked; you grew fat, stout, and sleek; then he forsook God who made him and scoffed at the Rock of his salvation.

Deuteronomy 32:15 nlt

"But Israel soon became fat and unruly;
the people grew heavy, plump, and stuffed!
Then they abandoned the God who had made them;
they made light of the Rock of their salvation.

Deuteronomy 32 verses

Deuteronomy 32 15 Meaning

Deuteronomy 32:15 encapsulates the spiritual tragedy of Israel. After being brought into great prosperity and security by the benevolent hand of God, Jeshurun (an endearing name for Israel) becomes physically opulent and spiritually complacent, leading to arrogance and rebellion. The verse describes Israel's rejection of God, their creator and savior, disdainfully turning away from the very source of their blessings and protection. It serves as a stark warning about the perils of material abundance leading to spiritual apathy and apostasy.

Deuteronomy 32 15 Context

Deuteronomy 32:15 is part of the Song of Moses (Deut 32:1-43), a prophetic poem delivered by Moses just before his death, as Israel stood poised to enter the promised land. This song serves as a powerful testament, a historical recount, a warning, and a promise. The preceding verses (32:7-14) vividly describe God's benevolent care for Israel from their fledgling state, nurturing them, protecting them like an eagle its young, providing sustenance in the wilderness, and leading them into a land flowing with milk and honey. This specific verse, however, abruptly shifts to highlight the tragic response of Israel to this divine favor. It foretells the apostasy that would follow their prosperity, demonstrating the prophetic nature of Moses' address and providing an enduring lesson for all generations about the dangers of spiritual complacency brought on by material blessings.

Deuteronomy 32 15 Word analysis

• But Jeshurun (יְשׁוּרוּן - Yeshurun): This is a poetic, endearing, or ironic name for Israel, meaning "the upright one" or "the righteous one." It stands in stark contrast to the subsequent actions described in the verse, highlighting the moral decline from their intended identity as God's chosen and obedient people. The use of this term here emphasizes the shock of their rebellion after having been so favored and called to uprightness by God.
• grew fat (שָׁמַן - shaman): This Hebrew verb denotes becoming obese, luxuriant, rich, or well-nourished. Metaphorically, it implies becoming powerful and prosperous, often with a negative connotation of becoming arrogant or dull-hearted due to abundance.
• and kicked (בָּעַט - ba'at): This verb means to kick, to stamp, to treat contemptuously, or to be unruly. It uses the imagery of a pampered animal that, once well-fed and strong, kicks its owner or against the yoke, displaying defiance and ingratitude. It signifies open rebellion and disregard for authority.
• you grew fat, you grew thick, you became sleek: These repetitive phrases (`shaman`, `avah`, `chasah`) emphasize the extent of Israel's prosperity and physical well-being. `Avah` (עָבָה) means to be thick, stout, dense. `Chasah` (חָשָׂה) implies being covered with fat, well-fed, or luxuriant. The cumulative effect underscores their self-indulgent, physically opulent state, which led to spiritual apathy and moral decay.
• then he forsook (וַיִּטֹּשׁ - vayyitosh): The verb `natash` means to forsake, abandon, cast off, neglect. This is not passive drifting but an active rejection. It denotes a deliberate turning away from what was once embraced, showing contempt for what was held sacred.
• God who made him (אֱלוֹהַּ עֹשֵׂהוּ - Eloah osevhu): `Eloah` is a less common form of `Elohim` (God), emphasizing divinity. "Who made him" (`osevhu`) stresses God's role as Creator and Sustainer, underscoring the deep ingratitude of Jeshurun for abandoning their very source of being and identity. This directly opposes common pagan beliefs where gods were often viewed as creations of humans, or subject to their whims; here, the one true God is the sovereign Maker.
• and scorned (וַיְנַבֵּל - vayenabel): The verb `nabal` means to treat contemptuously, shamefully, disgracefully; to despise, mock, or revile. It suggests an utter disregard and contempt for what is considered sacred or worthy of respect. This goes beyond simple neglect; it is an active affront.
• the Rock of his salvation (צוּר יְשֻׁעָתוֹ - Tzur Yeshu'ato): `Tzur` (Rock) is a profound biblical metaphor for God, signifying His unchangeable, steadfast, reliable, and strong character, a place of refuge and security (e.g., Ps 18:2). `Yeshua` (salvation) refers to deliverance, victory, safety, or well-being. Together, "Rock of salvation" emphasizes God as the unshakeable source of their historical and ongoing deliverance from danger and the ultimate provider of their security. By scorning this "Rock," Israel dishonored God's faithful character and the very act of their redemption. This phrase implicitly condemns reliance on powerless pagan deities, as only the God of Israel is truly the Rock who saves.

Deuteronomy 32 15 Bonus section

The concept of Jeshurun being "fat and kicking" draws heavily on the pastoral and nomadic background of the Israelites. A healthy, well-fed animal would be robust and strong, but if overfed and not adequately trained or disciplined, it could become unmanageable, kicking and resisting the one who cared for it. This animal imagery effectively communicates the depth of Israel's ingratitude and insolence towards their benevolent Divine Shepherd. This poetic imagery, so common in the Bible, made the message vivid and memorable for an ancient audience accustomed to agrarian life. Furthermore, the irony of Yeshurun ("upright one") behaving in such a rebellious manner underscores the profound disconnect between Israel's calling and their actual conduct, emphasizing the tragic irony of their self-induced spiritual blindness despite having the "Rock" of their salvation always present. The contrast with God's perfect care in verses 10-14, where He nourished and led Israel, sharpens the sense of their inexplicable rejection.

Deuteronomy 32 15 Commentary

Deuteronomy 32:15 presents a potent warning embedded within Moses' valedictory song. It paints a vivid picture of the spiritual dangers inherent in prosperity. Israel, once a lean, dependent nation relying wholly on God's provision, became robust and opulent—symbolized by "Jeshurun grew fat." However, this blessing perverted into a curse as the fatness led to "kicking," a metaphor for defiant rebellion against the very Master who provided the sustenance. The progression from well-being to rebellion is detailed: Israel's physical abundance bred arrogance ("you grew fat, you grew thick, you became sleek") leading to a complete abandonment of their divine relationship.

Their sin was twofold: first, they "forsook God who made him," a blatant act of ingratitude and a rejection of their identity rooted in God's creation and covenant. This implied turning towards other deities or simply a self-sufficiency that marginalized God. Second, they "scorned the Rock of his salvation." This deep insult was not merely forgetting God, but actively treating Him, the source of their steadfast strength and deliverance, with contempt. They despised His faithful character and His saving power, seeking false gods or relying on their own strength, which inevitably led to downfall. This verse serves as a timeless cautionary tale against the spiritual pitfalls of material comfort and the essential need for constant remembrance of divine providence, lest blessings turn into snares for the soul.

Practical application:

• Examine personal prosperity for signs of spiritual complacency or arrogance.
• Cultivate gratitude for God's blessings, recognizing Him as the ultimate provider.
• Guard against spiritual amnesia, remembering God's past faithfulness and acts of salvation.