Understanding Deuteronomy 32:15

Verse: "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."

This verse serves as a warning regarding the dangers of prosperity and complacency in faith. Jeshurun, a poetic name for the people of Israel, is portrayed as having grown wealthy and self-sufficient, leading to a departure from reliance on God.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes that prosperity can lead to spiritual decline. The abundance that the Israelites experienced made them arrogant and forgetful of their dependence on God. Jeshurun's "kicking" signifies a rebellion against God's authority after receiving His blessings.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes that the term "kicked" symbolizes a rejection of God’s authority. He underscores the danger of material success resulting in spiritual negligence, stating that when Israel became fat and complacent, they abandoned their maker, thus committing spiritual treason.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke interprets the imagery of being "waxen fat" as an indictment against the Israelites for their indulgence and lack of gratitude. He suggests that God intended this warning to remind the people that their well-being was directly tied to their relationship with Him.

Thematic Connections

This verse contains profound themes such as spiritual complacency, the dangers of prosperity, and the consequences of forsaking God. Below are some key points made by the commentators:

• The Synonymity of Prosperity and Spiritual Complacency: Prosperity can draw a wedge between believers and their reliance on God.
• The Province of Abandonment: The Israelites’ favor with God led to their neglect of His commandments once they felt secure.
• The Nature of Rebellion: Jeshurun’s kicking symbolizes outright rebellion against divine authority once earthly security was attained.

Cross-References

This verse encourages a reflective journey through the Bible, linking it to numerous themes and teachings. Here are some relevant cross-references that highlight the scriptural connections:

• Deuteronomy 8:10-14: Cautions Israel against forgetting the Lord during times of abundance.
• Luke 12:16-21: The Parable of the Rich Fool emphasizes the folly of material wealth without spiritual acknowledgment.
• James 1:17: A reminder that every good gift comes from God, urging recognition of His provisions.
• Proverbs 30:8-9: A prayer for neither poverty nor riches, reflecting the importance of spiritual sustenance over materialism.
• Revelation 3:17: A stern warning to the Laodiceans who felt rich but were spiritually poor, paralleling Jeshurun's state of security.
• Isaiah 1:3: The ox and donkey know their master, comparing the ignorance of Israel regarding their Creator.
• Psalms 106:21-22: Reflects on Israel forgetting God and His wonders after receiving blessings.
• Hosea 13:6: Describes how prosperity led to forgetfulness of God and idolatry.
• 1 Timothy 6:17: Advises the rich to be humble and not to trust in uncertain riches but in God.
• Malachi 3:10: Encourages the people to bring their tithes to God and acknowledges His faithfulness in providing for them.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 32:15 serves as a profound reminder of the spiritual perils that accompany material blessings. Through the insight of esteemed commentaries, we learn that complacency breeds rebellion, neglecting the very foundation of our faith—God Himself. The process of cross-referencing this verse with others allows us to trace thematic and theological connections throughout the Bible, enhancing our understanding and promoting spiritual vigilance.