Deuteronomy 32:17

KJV

They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new [gods that] came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.

KJV (with Strong's)

They sacrificed {H2076} unto devils {H7700}, not to God {H433}; to gods {H430} whom they knew {H3045} not, to new {H2319} gods that came {H935} newly {H7138} up {H935}, whom your fathers {H1} feared {H8175} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

They sacrificed to demons, non-gods, gods that they had never known, new gods that had come up lately, which your ancestors had not feared.

Berean Standard Bible

They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known, to newly arrived gods, which your fathers did not fear.

American Standard Version

They sacrificed unto demons, which were no God, To gods that they knew not, To newgodsthat came up of late, Which your fathers dreaded not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:17, a stark indictment within the prophetic "Song of Moses," vividly foretells Israel's future apostasy, revealing their profound spiritual rebellion against the one true God. Despite Yahweh's faithful deliverance and sustenance, the nation would tragically turn to worship malevolent spiritual entities and unknown, novel deities, thereby forsaking their covenant relationship and inviting divine judgment. This verse underscores the grave spiritual reality that idolatry is not merely misguided devotion but a direct affront to God, often involving interaction with demonic forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 32:17 is embedded within the "Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32:1-43), a divinely inspired poem serving as Moses' final prophetic message and a covenant lawsuit against Israel. Delivered just before Moses' death, this song recounts God's benevolent acts towards His people, contrasts His perfect character with Israel's impending unfaithfulness, and foretells the severe consequences of their rebellion. Verse 17 specifically falls within a section (Deuteronomy 32:15-18) that graphically describes Israel's spiritual decline, portraying them as having "grown fat" and forsaken the God who made them. The song's purpose is to serve as an enduring "witness" against Israel, a prophetic warning that their future apostasy would be without excuse, given God's consistent faithfulness and their covenant obligations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, Israel stood on the threshold of the Promised Land, a region saturated with pagan worship. The Canaanite pantheon, including deities like Baal, Asherah, and Molech, involved practices such as ritual prostitution and child sacrifice, which were abhorrent to Yahweh. Moses' words serve as a crucial pre-emptive warning against assimilation into these idolatrous cultures. The covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai") explicitly prohibited the worship of other gods, beginning with the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). This verse highlights the profound temptation Israel would face to abandon their unique relationship with Yahweh, the God who delivered them from Egyptian bondage, for the perceived fertility and prosperity promised by the surrounding pagan cults. The historical trajectory of Israel, as recorded in books like [Judges](/judges/2 "Judges 2 - Israel's Cycles of Apostasy") and [Kings](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Idolatry"), tragically confirms the fulfillment of this prophecy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Apostasy and Idolatry**, portraying Israel's turning away from Yahweh as a profound spiritual betrayal and a direct violation of their covenant. The act of sacrificing to "devils" and "new gods" underscores the theme of **Spiritual Adultery**, where Israel abandons their divine Husband for illicit spiritual relationships. Secondly, it introduces the chilling theme of **Demonic Influence**, revealing that pagan worship is not merely misguided devotion to inert idols but involves interaction with malevolent spiritual beings. This insight elevates idolatry beyond a simple cultural practice to a realm of spiritual warfare. Finally, the mention of "new [gods that] came newly up" highlights the theme of **Spiritual Novelty versus Enduring Truth**, cautioning against the dangerous allure of faddish spiritual practices that reject the established and unchanging revelation of God, whom their "fathers feared not." This foreshadows the ongoing human tendency to seek spiritual satisfaction outside of God's revealed will, as seen in various forms of spiritual wandering throughout history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **devils (Hebrew, _shedim'_):** This term is rare in the Old Testament, appearing only here and in [Psalm 106:37](/psalms/106-37 "Psalm 106:37 - Sacrificing to Demons"). Unlike other Hebrew words for idols or false gods that emphasize their non-existence or futility, _shedim_ specifically refers to malevolent spiritual beings, demons. Its use here reveals a profound theological truth: the worship of pagan deities is, at its root, the worship of demonic entities. It strips away any pretense that idolatry is merely a cultural or religious preference, exposing it as a direct engagement with forces opposed to God.
* **new [gods that] came newly up (Hebrew, _chadashim'_):** The repetition of "new" (from the root _chadash_, meaning "to be new, to renew") emphasizes the novelty and recent emergence of these deities. This contrasts sharply with Yahweh, the ancient and eternal God who had revealed Himself to their ancestors. The phrase implies a spiritual restlessness and a dangerous attraction to spiritual fads or innovations, a rejection of the long-standing, revealed truth for something unfamiliar and untested. It suggests a lack of reverence for their heritage and the God who had faithfully led them for generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They sacrificed unto devils, not to God":** This initial clause presents a stark and absolute contrast. "They" refers to Israel, the very people whom God had chosen and delivered. Their act of "sacrificing" (a supreme act of worship and devotion) is directed not to Yahweh, their deliverer and covenant partner, but "unto devils" (_shedim_). The phrase "not to God" underscores the deliberate and fundamental rejection of the true God, highlighting the exclusive nature of true worship and the profound rebellion inherent in idolatry.
* **"to gods whom they knew not":** This phrase further emphasizes Israel's spiritual ignorance or willful disregard. They turn from the God whom they had intimately "known" through His mighty acts and personal revelation, to deities about whom they had no genuine knowledge or historical relationship. This suggests a superficial attraction, a pursuit of the unknown over the deeply experienced and proven truth of Yahweh.
* **"to new [gods that] came newly up":** The repetition of "new" highlights the allure of novelty and the abandonment of established, ancestral faith. These are not the gods of their patriarchs, nor the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Instead, they are recent innovations, perhaps reflecting the changing spiritual landscape of Canaan or a general human tendency to seek spiritual excitement in what is fresh and untried, rather than in the enduring truth.
* **"whom your fathers feared not":** This final clause serves as a powerful indictment, emphasizing the break from their righteous heritage. Their "fathers" (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the faithful generations) had not worshipped or held these deities in awe. By embracing these "new gods," Israel would not only reject Yahweh but also dishonor the legacy of their faithful ancestors, demonstrating a profound spiritual amnesia and a dangerous disregard for the continuity of God's covenant with His people.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is paramount, sharply juxtaposing the worship of "devils" and "new gods" with the worship of the one true "God." This highlights the exclusive nature of Yahweh's claim and the absolute rebellion of idolatry. **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing** are central, as Moses, speaking under divine inspiration, foretells Israel's future apostasy with chilling accuracy, serving as a solemn warning that would later be tragically fulfilled. The use of strong, evocative language, particularly "devils" (_shedim_), serves as a form of **hyperbole** or intense imagery to emphasize the severity and spiritual danger of idolatry. The **repetition** of "new" ("new [gods that] came newly up") underscores the allure of novelty and the abandonment of tradition. Finally, the verse is part of a larger **lament** and **indictment**, reflecting the sorrow and righteous anger of God over His people's unfaithfulness, presenting a powerful case against their spiritual betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:17 profoundly shapes our understanding of idolatry, revealing it as far more than mere misguided worship. Theologically, it establishes that pagan deities are not simply inert statues or human constructs but are often associated with malevolent spiritual entities. This perspective is consistent throughout Scripture, where idolatry is depicted as spiritual adultery against God, a rejection of His sovereignty, and an invitation to demonic influence. It underscores the biblical truth that there is only one true God, and any worship directed elsewhere is either futile or, more dangerously, an unwitting homage to the forces of darkness. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding the spiritual warfare inherent in the rejection of God and the pursuit of false worship, demonstrating that the spiritual realm is deeply implicated in human choices regarding ultimate allegiance.

* [Psalm 106:37](/psalms/106-37 "Psalm 106:37 - Sacrificing Sons and Daughters to Demons")
* [1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Sacrificing to Demons, Not God")
* [Leviticus 17:7](/leviticus/17-7 "Leviticus 17:7 - Sacrificing to Goat-Demons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:17 serves as a timeless and urgent warning against spiritual compromise, a message as relevant today as it was to ancient Israel. While overt idol worship of carved images may seem less prevalent in many modern societies, the "new gods" of our age often take more subtle, insidious forms. Materialism, self-worship, consumerism, political ideologies, technological advancements, comfort, or even intellectual pursuits can become functional idols when they displace God from His rightful place of ultimate devotion and authority in our lives. This verse reminds us that spiritual warfare is a constant reality; turning away from the true God often means inadvertently aligning with darker influences, whether consciously or unconsciously. It calls believers to cultivate rigorous spiritual discernment, to critically examine what truly commands our time, energy, and affection. We are challenged to hold fast to the unchanging truth of God's Word and to resist the seductive allure of spiritual novelties, fads, or philosophies that lack divine foundation and draw us away from genuine, exclusive worship of the Creator. Our ultimate allegiance must be to the God who truly knows us, delivered us, and sustains us, rather than to any "new" thing that promises fulfillment but ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness or bondage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "new gods" or spiritual novelties might subtly compete for our allegiance today, diverting our worship from the one true God?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper, more intimate "knowing" of God that protects us from spiritual compromise and the allure of false promises?**
* **In what ways might our actions, priorities, or unspoken allegiances inadvertently align with influences "not to God" in our daily lives?**
* **How does understanding the demonic reality behind idolatry, as revealed in this verse, impact our view of spiritual warfare and the importance of discernment in the modern world?**

### FAQ
**Is "devils" in Deuteronomy 32:17 literal, or is it just a metaphor for false gods?**

Answer: The term "devils" (Hebrew: _shedim_) in Deuteronomy 32:17 is understood by biblical scholars to be quite literal, referring to actual demonic entities or evil spirits. While false gods themselves are often described as "nothing" (e.g., [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idols")), the Bible consistently reveals that the worship directed towards these non-existent deities is, in essence, worship directed towards the spiritual forces of darkness that stand behind them. The rarity of the term _shedim_ in the Old Testament (appearing only here and in [Psalm 106:37](/psalms/106-37 "Psalm 106:37 - Sacrificing to Demons")) underscores the gravity of this specific form of idolatry, distinguishing it from mere devotion to inert objects. The New Testament confirms this understanding, with Paul explicitly stating in [1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Sacrificing to Demons") that "the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God." This consistent biblical witness affirms that the worship of false gods involves a genuine, albeit often unwitting, interaction with malevolent spiritual beings.

**What does "new [gods that] came newly up" imply about Israel's spiritual state?**

Answer: The phrase "new [gods that] came newly up" implies a profound spiritual restlessness, a lack of reverence for established divine truth, and a dangerous attraction to novelty within Israel's spiritual state. It suggests a people who had grown weary of the unchanging faithfulness of Yahweh, the God who had revealed Himself consistently throughout their history and to their ancestors. Instead, they sought spiritual excitement or perceived benefits from deities that were unfamiliar, recently introduced, or perhaps culturally fashionable among the surrounding nations. This indicates a departure from the "fear of the Lord" that was foundational to their covenant relationship, demonstrating a willingness to abandon a known, benevolent God for the unknown and unproven. It speaks to a spiritual immaturity and a dangerous susceptibility to spiritual fads, highlighting a rejection of their rich spiritual heritage for the sake of something "new" and untested.

**How does this verse relate to the First Commandment?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 32:17 is a direct and severe prophetic indictment of Israel's future violation of the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"), which unequivocally states: "You shall have no other gods before me." This commandment establishes the exclusive nature of Yahweh's claim over His people and demands their singular allegiance. By sacrificing "unto devils, not to God," and to "gods whom they knew not, to new [gods that] came newly up," Israel would be directly contravening this foundational law. The verse highlights the ultimate betrayal of their covenant relationship, demonstrating their failure to uphold the very first principle of their divine constitution. It underscores that idolatry is not merely a minor transgression but a fundamental rejection of God's unique identity and His rightful place as the sole object of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:17, with its stark warning against sacrificing to "devils" and "new gods," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's recurring indictment of idolatry points to humanity's inherent tendency to worship creation rather than the Creator, a spiritual bondage that only Christ can break. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came precisely to liberate humanity from the dominion of darkness and the power of false deities and demonic forces. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). He is the one true God, the only mediator between God and humanity, and the sole path to the Father (as declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The "new gods" that allure humanity are ultimately powerless and deceptive; in Christ, we find the unchanging truth and eternal life (as affirmed in [1 John 5:20](/1_john/5-20 "1 John 5:20 - The True God and Eternal Life")). Through faith in Him, believers are delivered from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")), enabling them to offer true, Spirit-led worship to the one God, free from the enticements of spiritual novelty or demonic deception.

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

Judges 5:8

They chose new gods; then [was] war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

Leviticus 17:7

And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.

Deuteronomy 28:64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.

Psalms 106:37

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

Psalms 106:38

And shed innocent blood, [even] the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

Isaiah 44:8

Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any].

1 Timothy 4:1

¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;