Deuteronomy 32:19

ยถ And when the LORD saw [it], he abhorred [them], because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.

And when the LORD {H3068} saw {H7200} it, he abhorred {H5006} them, because of the provoking {H3708} of his sons {H1121}, and of his daughters {H1323}.

"ADONAI saw and was filled with scorn at his sons' and daughters' provocation.

When the LORD saw this, He rejected them, provoked to anger by His sons and daughters.

And Jehovah sawit, and abhorred them, Because of the provocation of his sons and his daughters.

Commentary

Context

Deuteronomy 32 is known as the "Song of Moses," a prophetic poem delivered by Moses to the Israelites just before his death. This song serves as both a remembrance of God's faithfulness and a stern warning against future apostasy. Verses 15-18 describe Israel's tragic spiritual decline: after being blessed and prospered by the Lord, they "forsook God which made him" and "sacrificed unto devils, not to God." Verse 19 encapsulates the Lord's profound and sorrowful reaction to this betrayal. It highlights the depth of their sin against a God who had acted as their loving Father and Provider, particularly after their deliverance from Egypt and establishment of the covenant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Abhorrence of Sin: The central message is God's intense displeasure and rejection of Israel's idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness. The word "abhorred" signifies a deep revulsion, not merely anger, but a profound disgust at their actions.
  • Covenant Betrayal: Israel, described intimately as "his sons, and of his daughters," had a unique, familial relationship with the Lord. Their turning to false gods was not just disobedience but a profound betrayal of this covenant, provoking Him to righteous anger.
  • Consequences of Apostasy: God's abhorrence foreshadows the disciplinary judgments that would follow, as detailed in subsequent verses of the Song of Moses. This verse underscores the seriousness with which God views spiritual rebellion and the breaking of His commandments.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "abhorred" translates the Hebrew verb na'ats (ื ึธืึทืฅ), which means "to spurn, contemn, despise, abhor, or reject." It conveys a strong sense of disrespect and contempt shown towards someone or something, leading to a profound feeling of disgust or rejection from the insulted party. It's a powerful word indicating deep offense taken by God. The phrase "provoking" comes from the Hebrew ka'as (ื›ึผึธืขึทืก), meaning "to be vexed, angry, or provoked to anger," emphasizing that Israel's actions were deliberate and directly caused God's wrath. The mention of "his sons, and of his daughters" emphasizes the intimate, parental relationship God had with Israel, making their betrayal all the more grievous and heartbreaking to Him, akin to a child turning away from loving parents.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 32:19 serves as a timeless warning for all believers. It reminds us that God's blessings and grace do not negate His holiness or His expectation of our faithfulness. Just as ancient Israel provoked God through idolatry and unfaithfulness, we too can provoke Him when we allow anything to take His rightful place in our hearts โ€“ whether it be material possessions, worldly ambitions, or self-reliance. This verse calls us to examine our own lives for any form of modern idolatry or spiritual complacency that might cause God to be displeased. It underscores the importance of maintaining a grateful and obedient heart, remembering the One who has blessed us, and living in a way that honors our identity as God's beloved children.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 106:40

    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

  • Judges 2:14

    And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

  • Isaiah 1:2

    ยถ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

  • Psalms 5:4

    For thou [art] not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

  • Revelation 3:16

    So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

  • Psalms 78:59

    When God heard [this], he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:

  • Jeremiah 44:21

    The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them, and came it [not] into his mind?