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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Jeshurun {H3484} waxed fat {H8080}, and kicked {H1163}: thou art waxen fat {H8080}, thou art grown thick {H5666}, thou art covered {H3780} with fatness; then he forsook {H5203} God {H433} which made {H6213} him, and lightly esteemed {H5034} the Rock {H6697} of his salvation {H3444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But Yeshurun grew fat and kicked (you grew fat, thick, gross!). He abandoned God his Maker; he scorned the Rock, his salvation.

Berean Standard Bible

But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked— becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation.

American Standard Version

But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: Thou art waxed fat, thou art grown thick, thou art become sleek; Then he forsook God who made him, And lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:15, a pivotal verse within the prophetic "Song of Moses," serves as a stark and poignant warning to Israel, foretelling their future spiritual apostasy. Despite God's unwavering faithfulness and abundant provision, the verse vividly portrays Israel, poetically named "Jeshurun," becoming complacent and rebellious due to prosperity. This powerful imagery of a well-fed animal kicking its master powerfully illustrates their profound ingratitude and eventual abandonment of the very God who created them and stands as the steadfast "Rock of their salvation." It underscores the timeless and dangerous peril of material abundance leading to spiritual decline and a forsaking of divine grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the "Song of Moses" ([Deuteronomy 32](/deuteronomy/32 "Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses")), a profound prophetic poem delivered by Moses just before his death. The song functions as a covenant lawsuit, a divine witness against Israel, detailing their anticipated future disobedience and the subsequent divine judgment. However, it also holds the promise of God's ultimate restoration and enduring faithfulness. The song commences with a majestic declaration of God's perfect character and mighty deeds (as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:3-4](/deuteronomy/32-3-4 "Deuteronomy 32:3-4 - God's Perfection and Justice")) and then transitions to recount His tender, parental care for Israel, often likened to an eagle stirring its nest and carrying its young (compare [Deuteronomy 32:11-12](/deuteronomy/32-11-12 "Deuteronomy 32:11-12 - God's Tender Care for Israel")). Verse 15 marks a dramatic and sorrowful shift, starkly contrasting God's steadfast love and provision with Israel's predicted apostasy once they settle and prosper in the Promised Land. The song serves as a foundational theological text, designed to be remembered and recited by future generations, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding Israel's cyclical history of rebellion and God's enduring covenant faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stand on the precipice of entering the land of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey, a stark and welcome contrast to their forty years of wilderness wandering and utter dependence on manna and miraculous provision. Moses, having led them for decades, is acutely aware of the temptations that prosperity and settled living will bring. The imagery of a "fat" animal "kicking" is drawn directly from ancient Near Eastern agricultural life, where a well-fed ox or donkey might become unruly, difficult to manage, and rebellious against its owner or yoke. This powerful metaphor would have been immediately understood by the agrarian Israelite audience, vividly illustrating how physical abundance, instead of fostering gratitude and deeper obedience, could ironically lead to spiritual arrogance, self-sufficiency, and a defiant rejection of divine authority. The prevailing cultural expectation was that blessings from God would lead to greater devotion and adherence to the covenant, but Moses, with prophetic foresight, warns of the inverse, a common human failing seen throughout biblical history.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 32:15 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. One prominent theme is **Prosperity's Peril**, where material abundance and comfort, rather than fostering gratitude and humility, ironically become a catalyst for spiritual arrogance and rebellion against God. The verse's vivid imagery of "Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked" perfectly encapsulates how an increase in physical blessings can lead to spiritual complacency and self-sufficiency, causing a people to forget their divine Benefactor. This directly links to Moses' earlier warnings in [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11-14 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity"), where he cautions Israel not to forget the Lord when they have eaten and are full. Another key theme is **Ingratitude and Rebellion**, as Israel, despite being called "Jeshurun" (a poetic, idealized name meaning "the upright one"), is depicted as forsaking the very God who made them and provided for them. This highlights a profound lack of gratitude for divine blessings and a tragic betrayal of their covenant relationship. Finally, the theme of **God as the "Rock of Salvation"** is central. To "lightly esteem the Rock of his salvation" means to disregard God's foundational role as their deliverer, protector, and ultimate source of strength. This title, "Rock" (Hebrew: _Tzur_), emphasizes God's unchangeable nature, His reliability, and His enduring faithfulness, standing in stark contrast to Israel's fickle and ungrateful heart.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeshurun (Hebrew, _Yᵉshurûwn'_):** This poetic and affectionate term for Israel, meaning "the upright one" or "the righteous one," is used with profound **irony** in this context. It highlights the stark contrast between Israel's ideal identity and their actual, anticipated behavior. The name itself is a call to their intended character and covenant calling, making their rebellion even more poignant and tragic. Its use underscores the depth of their spiritual fall from grace, as they fail to live up to the very name God has given them.
* **Waxed fat, and kicked (Hebrew, _shâman'_ and _bâʻaṭ'_):** This powerful agricultural **metaphor** describes a well-fed animal that, having gained strength and comfort from its owner's provision, becomes unruly and rebels against its master or the yoke. _Shâman_ implies becoming plump, prosperous, or gross, while _bâʻaṭ_ means to trample down, despise, or kick. Together, these terms vividly illustrate how Israel's material prosperity and physical comfort led to spiritual arrogance, self-sufficiency, and a defiant rejection of God's authority and covenant relationship.
* **Rock (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** This term is a profound and frequently used descriptor for God throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing His steadfastness, immutability, strength, and reliability as a refuge and source of salvation. It contrasts sharply with Israel's wavering loyalty and highlights the unchangeable nature of the God they "lightly esteemed." The "Rock of his salvation" signifies God as the unshakeable foundation of their existence, deliverance from bondage, and ongoing security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked":** This opening clause immediately introduces the central conflict and the tragic turning point. The affectionate, idealized name "Jeshurun" is juxtaposed with the harsh reality of their future actions. "Waxed fat" signifies the abundance of prosperity and material blessings God bestowed upon them, while "kicked" vividly portrays their subsequent rebellion, ingratitude, and a defiant rejection of divine authority, much like a pampered animal turning on its master.
* **"thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]":** This repetition and intensification of the imagery of "fatness" serves to emphasize the pervasive and overwhelming extent of Israel's material prosperity. By extension, it highlights their spiritual complacency and self-indulgence. The accumulation of blessings, intended to foster gratitude and devotion, led instead to a hardening of heart and a dangerous sense of self-sufficiency that tragically obscured their utter dependence on God.
* **"then he forsook God [which] made him":** This clause reveals the direct and devastating consequence of their prosperity-induced arrogance and rebellion. To "forsake God" means to abandon their covenant relationship with the One who brought them into existence as a nation, delivered them from bondage in Egypt, and faithfully sustained them through the wilderness. It signifies a profound act of betrayal against their Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
* **"and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation":** This final phrase describes the profound spiritual apathy, contempt, and disregard that resulted from their act of forsaking God. To "lightly esteem" means to treat with contempt, to despise, or to consider as worthless and insignificant. The "Rock of his salvation" refers to God as their unwavering source of deliverance, protection, strength, and eternal well-being. Israel's actions demonstrate a profound and dangerous disregard for the very foundation of their security, identity, and existence.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:15 is rich in powerful **Metaphor**, primarily seen in the phrase "Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked." This vivid agricultural image of a well-fed animal becoming unruly and rebellious against its owner powerfully illustrates Israel's spiritual pride and ingratitude stemming from their prosperity. The profound **Irony** of calling rebellious Israel "Jeshurun," meaning "the upright one," is striking. This stark contrast between their idealized, God-given name and their actual, anticipated behavior underscores the depth of their spiritual decline and the tragedy of their unfaithfulness. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "waxen fat," "grown thick," and "covered with fatness" serves to emphasize the excessive nature of their prosperity and its pervasive, detrimental effect on their spiritual state, highlighting how thoroughly they became consumed by their blessings rather than being grateful for them. The verse also employs **Personification**, attributing human-like rebellious actions (kicking, forsaking, lightly esteeming) to the nation of Israel, making their spiritual failure more relatable and impactful for the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:15 stands as a profound theological statement on the dangers inherent in prosperity and the enduring problem of human ingratitude in the face of divine blessing. It reveals a recurring, tragic pattern in biblical history: God's people, when blessed with abundance and comfort, often forget their utter dependence on Him, leading to spiritual complacency, arrogance, and ultimately, rebellion. This verse underscores the immutable character of God as the "Rock of salvation" – steadfast, reliable, and the ultimate source of deliverance – contrasting sharply with the fickle and unfaithful nature of humanity. It serves as a timeless warning that material comfort, if not received with humility and profound gratitude, can become a dangerous stumbling block to spiritual devotion and a catalyst for forsaking the very God who provides all good things.

* [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11-14 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity")
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord as My Rock and Fortress")
* [Hosea 13:6](/hosea/13-6 "Hosea 13:6 - Israel's Forgetting God in Plenty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:15 offers a timeless and sobering caution for individuals and communities in every generation. It challenges the common misconception that prosperity automatically leads to spiritual flourishing or deeper devotion. Instead, it reveals the profound spiritual peril that can accompany material comfort, success, and even abundant spiritual blessings. When we "wax fat" in our lives—whether through financial stability, good health, social standing, intellectual achievements, or even spiritual gifts—there is a subtle but powerful temptation to become self-sufficient, to forget our utter dependence on God, and to "kick" against His guidance and commands. This can manifest as spiritual apathy, a decline in prayer and worship, a subtle shift from gratitude to entitlement, or a casual disregard for God's Word. The verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our blessings, urging us to recognize them as gifts from God that should deepen our devotion, not diminish it. True spiritual health requires constant vigilance, ensuring that our hearts remain humble, grateful, and ever-dependent on God, always remembering that He alone is the "Rock of our salvation" in all circumstances, whether in want or in abundance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does prosperity in my life challenge my dependence on God, and what are the subtle signs of "waxing fat" spiritually in my own heart or community?**
* **In what specific ways might I be "kicking against" the Lord's guidance, neglecting His Word, or "lightly esteeming" His presence, despite His abundant blessings in my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and maintain spiritual vigilance amidst comfort, success, or periods of ease?**
* **How can I ensure that material blessings and personal achievements become a catalyst for greater devotion, generosity, and service to God and others, rather than a pathway to spiritual complacency or self-reliance?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the name "Jeshurun" in this context?**

Answer: "Jeshurun" (יְשֻׁרוּן, _Yᵉshurûwn'_) is a poetic, affectionate, and idealized name for Israel, meaning "the upright one" or "the righteous one." Its use in [Deuteronomy 32:15](/deuteronomy/32-15 "Deuteronomy 32:15 - Jeshurun's Rebellion") is deeply ironic. While the name points to Israel's intended identity and their covenant calling to be a righteous nation set apart for God, the verse immediately describes their actual, anticipated behavior: becoming rebellious and forsaking God. This stark contrast highlights the profound tragedy of their spiritual failure and the depth of their ingratitude despite God's faithful provision and His gracious choice of them.

**Why is God called "the Rock of his salvation"?**

Answer: The title "Rock" (צוּר, _tsûwr'_) is a powerful and frequently used metaphor for God throughout the Old Testament. It signifies His unchangeable nature, His steadfastness, His reliability, and His role as an unshakeable refuge and source of strength. When God is called "the Rock of his salvation," it emphasizes that He is the ultimate, unwavering foundation of Israel's deliverance from bondage, their protection in the wilderness, and their ongoing security and well-being. Israel's act of "lightly esteeming" this Rock underscores their profound folly and spiritual blindness in disregarding the very source of their existence, identity, and salvation. This imagery is found in many passages, such as [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord as My Rock and Fortress") and [Isaiah 26:4](/isaiah/26-4 "Isaiah 26:4 - Trust in the Lord Forever").

**How does "waxed fat, and kicked" apply to believers today?**

Answer: The imagery of "waxed fat, and kicked" serves as a potent and timeless metaphor for spiritual complacency and rebellion that can arise from material comfort, success, or even abundant spiritual blessings. For believers today, it warns against the danger of allowing prosperity to foster self-sufficiency rather than deeper dependence on God. When we become comfortable, whether financially, socially, or spiritually, we can subtly begin to forget our need for God, "kicking against" His commands, neglecting spiritual disciplines, and "lightly esteeming" Him as the ultimate source of our salvation and all good things. This principle is echoed in the New Testament's warnings about the deceitfulness of wealth and the need for humility and vigilance, as seen in passages like [1 Timothy 6:17-19](/1_timothy/6-17-19 "1 Timothy 6:17-19 - The Danger of Wealth and God's Provision") and [Revelation 3:17](/revelation/3-17 "Revelation 3:17 - Laodicea's Spiritual Blindness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:15, with its poignant depiction of Israel's failure due to prosperity and their forsaking of God, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While "Jeshurun" (Israel) "waxed fat, and kicked," forsaking the God who made them and lightly esteeming their Rock, Jesus, the true Israelite and the perfect Son, never "waxed fat" in self-sufficiency or rebelled. Instead, He perfectly embodied humility, obedience, and dependence on the Father, even unto death on the cross (as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the true "Rock of our salvation," not merely lightly esteemed but the very cornerstone rejected by humanity, yet chosen by God and precious (as prophesied in [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected") and fulfilled in [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Cornerstone")). Israel's rebellion highlighted their inherent inability to maintain covenant faithfulness; however, Christ's perfect obedience fully atoned for the "forsaking God" that humanity, like Israel, is prone to. Through His sacrifice, Jesus became the new and living way to God, offering true salvation that is not dependent on human performance or material prosperity, but on faith in Him. He is the spiritual Rock from whom living water flows (as seen in [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock")), providing eternal sustenance that guards against the spiritual "fatness" and rebellion described in Deuteronomy. In Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in true "uprightness," fulfilling the ideal of "Jeshurun" not by their own strength or prosperity, but by His indwelling life, ensuring they do not "kick" against the Lord but walk in grateful and humble obedience.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 31:20

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

Hosea 13:6

According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.

Psalms 89:26

He shall cry unto me, Thou [art] my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Deuteronomy 33:5

And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people [and] the tribes of Israel were gathered together.

Deuteronomy 32:4

[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

Acts 28:27

For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

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?