Old Testament
Deuteronomy 32:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But Jeshurun grew fat and rebellious. You grew fat, bloated, and sleek! Then he abandoned the God who made him and rejected the Rock of his salvation.
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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.
What Deuteronomy 32:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jeshurun, a name for Israel, represents a people who have become complacent and self-satisfied. They enjoyed the blessings and abundance provided by God but grew arrogant and turned away from Him. Instead of recognizing their dependence on God, they became proud and neglected their Creator. This abandonment led to a rejection of the very source of their salvation. The imagery of growing fat and sleek symbolizes a false sense of security and comfort that can lead to spiritual blindness. When we forget our roots and the one who sustains us, we risk losing our way. This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of prosperity that can lead to spiritual apathy and rebellion against God. It reminds us to remain humble and grateful, acknowledging that our strength and success come from Him alone. We must guard against the temptation to forget our foundation and the one who has always been there for us, especially in times of abundance and ease. Recognizing our need for God is essential to maintaining a faithful relationship with Him.
How to apply Deuteronomy 32:15 to your life
Reflect on your life and consider if you have become complacent in your faith. Are there areas where you have taken God's blessings for granted? Make a conscious effort to express gratitude and stay connected to your spiritual roots, ensuring you remain humble and aware of your dependence on God for everything you have and are. Seek to nurture your relationship with Him daily, especially in times of abundance. Remember, staying grounded is key.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 32:15 mean?
Deuteronomy 32:15 describes how Israel, referred to as Jeshurun, became complacent and arrogant after receiving God's blessings. This complacency led them to abandon God, forgetting their dependence on Him.
What is the meaning of 'Jeshurun' in Deuteronomy 32:15?
'Jeshurun' is a poetic name for Israel, symbolizing the people when they were in a state of prosperity and favor with God. In this verse, it highlights their downfall due to pride and rebellion against their Creator.
How does Deuteronomy 32:15 relate to spiritual complacency?
Deuteronomy 32:15 serves as a cautionary tale about how blessings can lead to complacency, making individuals forget their reliance on God. It emphasizes the importance of remaining humble and grateful to avoid turning away from God.
What lessons can we learn from Deuteronomy 32:15?
From Deuteronomy 32:15, we learn the importance of gratitude and humility in our relationship with God. It reminds us to stay connected to our spiritual roots and recognize our dependence on Him, especially during times of abundance.
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