Deuteronomy 32:28

KJV

For they [are] a nation void of counsel, neither [is there any] understanding in them.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they are a nation {H1471} void {H6} of counsel {H6098}, neither is there any understanding {H8394} in them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'They are a nation without common sense, utterly lacking in discernment.

Berean Standard Bible

Israel is a nation devoid of counsel, with no understanding among them.

American Standard Version

For they are a nation void of counsel, And there is no understanding in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:28, a poignant declaration within the prophetic "Song of Moses," delivers God's sorrowful assessment of Israel's spiritual condition. It identifies them as "a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them." This verse encapsulates a profound spiritual deficiency, highlighting a deep-seated rebellion and an alarming lack of discernment that grieved the heart of God, ultimately leading to their covenant unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Deuteronomy 32, often called the "Song of Moses," a lengthy poetic composition delivered by Moses just before his death and Israel's entry into the Promised Land. This song functions as a prophetic witness and a covenant lawsuit against Israel, foretelling their future apostasy and the divine judgment that would follow. It serves as a solemn warning, a historical record of God's unwavering faithfulness, and a testament to Israel's predictable unfaithfulness. The song's structure alternates between recounting God's gracious acts and lamenting Israel's rebellion, with this particular verse articulating God's deep disappointment and indictment of their spiritual blindness, which would lead them away from divine guidance and protection. The preceding verses lament Israel's forsaking of God and their worship of false deities, setting the stage for God's direct accusation of their spiritual emptiness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Song of Moses" is delivered to a new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan after forty years of wilderness wandering. This generation had witnessed the consequences of their parents' disobedience and the miraculous provision of God. Moses' final discourse, including this song, serves as a comprehensive covenant renewal, reminding them of their obligations and the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience. In the ancient Near East, "counsel" and "understanding" were highly valued, often attributed to kings and wise men, and were seen as essential for successful governance and life. For Israel, true counsel and understanding derived directly from Yahweh, the source of all wisdom. To be "void" of these was not merely an intellectual failing but a profound spiritual and moral one, indicating a rejection of the very foundation of their covenant relationship and a failure to grasp the implications of their chosen status.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 32:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Foremost among these is **spiritual blindness and a lack of discernment**, where Israel's inability or unwillingness to grasp God's ways and follow His wisdom becomes a central indictment. The phrases "void of counsel" and "no understanding" do not imply intellectual inferiority but rather a profound spiritual obtuseness and a stubborn refusal to heed divine instruction, a theme echoed in other prophetic laments, such as when [Isaiah speaks of a people who hear but do not understand, and see but do not perceive](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9 - Spiritual Blindness"). This spiritual deficiency directly leads to the **consequences of disobedience**, as Israel's inability to discern God's will and purpose for them results in self-destructive behavior and eventual judgment. Finally, the verse reflects **God's lament and disappointment** over His people's spiritual condition. This lament highlights the profound sorrow God felt after establishing a special [covenant relationship with Israel](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - God's Choice of Israel"), whom He had chosen and blessed, only to see them turn away due to their spiritual emptiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh'_):** This Hebrew term (H6098) signifies advice, counsel, purpose, or a plan. In a divine context, it refers to God's wise guidance, His strategic intent, or the well-thought-out plan He reveals to His people. To be "void of counsel" means not only lacking wise advice but also being devoid of God's divine purpose or failing to align one's life with His revealed will. It implies a state of being directionless or pursuing self-devised paths rather than God-ordained ones, often leading to disastrous outcomes.
* **Understanding (Hebrew, _tâbûwn'_):** This word (H8394), which also encompasses the feminine form _tĕvunah_, denotes discernment, insight, comprehension, or intelligence, particularly in grasping complex truths, the implications of actions, or the deeper meaning of events. It is a practical wisdom that enables one to apply knowledge correctly and make sound judgments. A lack of _tâbûwn_ means they failed to truly comprehend God's character, His laws, the covenant's terms, or the ultimate consequences of their choices. It represents a failure of spiritual intelligence and moral perception, leading to a profound inability to discern right from wrong or truth from falsehood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they [are] a nation void of counsel":** This clause identifies "they" (Israel) as a "nation" (גּוֹי, _gôwy_), a term that, while often used for other nations, here emphasizes Israel's failure to live up to their unique covenant status, acting instead like a people without divine guidance. To be "void of counsel" means they have no divine wisdom or guidance within them, or they have actively rejected it. This points to a fundamental spiritual emptiness and a self-imposed blindness to God's revealed will and wise direction for their lives. It's an indictment of their spiritual autonomy and their rejection of God as their ultimate guide.
* **"neither [is there any] understanding in them":** This parallel clause reinforces the first, emphasizing an internal lack of discernment. It's not just that they lack external guidance, but they possess no inherent spiritual insight or comprehension. Their hearts and minds are closed to spiritual truth, making them incapable of grasping the implications of their choices or discerning God's purposes. This spiritual obtuseness leads to foolish actions and a persistent failure to learn from past experiences or divine correction, ultimately resulting in their downfall.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, "void of counsel" and "neither is there any understanding in them," which are synonymous, reinforcing and intensifying the indictment of Israel's spiritual state. This repetition emphasizes the completeness of their deficiency. The language also utilizes **metaphor** or **figurative language** by describing a nation as "void" or empty, suggesting a spiritual vacuum where divine wisdom should reside. This emptiness is not merely a lack but an active absence, implying a rejection or neglect of what should fill them. The overall tone is one of **lament** and **indictment**, as God expresses profound sorrow and disappointment over His people's condition while simultaneously issuing a severe charge against their spiritual negligence. This prophetic **lament** serves as a witness against them, highlighting the tragic consequences of their self-imposed spiritual blindness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:28 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning humanity's relationship with divine wisdom and the consequences of rejecting it. The verse underscores the theological truth that true counsel and understanding originate solely from God, and any deviation from this source leads to spiritual barrenness and self-destruction. Israel's failure here is a microcosm of humanity's persistent struggle with spiritual discernment, often preferring human wisdom or self-will over God's perfect guidance. This lament highlights God's grief over His people's spiritual apathy and their inability to grasp the profound implications of their covenant relationship. It serves as a timeless warning that without divine counsel and understanding, individuals and nations are prone to folly, idolatry, and ultimately, judgment.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Jeremiah 8:9](/jeremiah/8-9 "Jeremiah 8:9 - Rejection of the Word of the Lord")
* [Romans 1:21-22](/romans/1-21-22 "Romans 1:21-22 - Futile Thinking and Foolish Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:28 serves as a profound mirror for believers today, challenging us to honestly assess our own spiritual state. To be "void of counsel" and "understanding" is a pervasive spiritual danger, not limited to ancient Israel. In an age saturated with information and competing ideologies, the temptation to rely on human reasoning, worldly wisdom, or even personal feelings over divine truth is ever-present. This verse calls us to a radical dependence on God's Word and the Holy Spirit for true discernment. It reminds us that spiritual apathy, a casual approach to God's instructions, or a stubborn refusal to submit to His will can lead to a gradual erosion of our spiritual sensitivity, leaving us vulnerable to deception and self-destructive paths. Cultivating a heart that hungers for God's counsel requires humility, consistent engagement with Scripture, fervent prayer, and a willingness to be corrected. Only by continually drawing near to God, immersing ourselves in His truth, and seeking His wisdom above all else can we ensure we are not a people "void of counsel," but rather filled with His divine insight and understanding, capable of navigating life's complexities with integrity and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be unknowingly operating "void of counsel," relying more on my own understanding than on God's wisdom?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a deeper "understanding" of God's character and will, moving beyond mere head knowledge to genuine spiritual discernment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am consistently seeking and applying divine counsel in my daily decisions and relationships?**
* **How does spiritual apathy manifest in my life, and what might be the long-term consequences if left unaddressed?**

### FAQ
**Does "void of counsel" imply Israel was intellectually inferior or incapable of thought?**

Answer: No, "void of counsel" (עֵצָה, _ʻêtsâh'_) and "no understanding" (תְּבוּנָה, _tâbûwn'_) in Deuteronomy 32:28 do not suggest intellectual inferiority or a lack of cognitive ability in Israel. Rather, these phrases point to a profound spiritual and moral deficiency. It means they lacked, or actively rejected, divine wisdom and discernment. They were unwilling to heed God's guidance and failed to grasp the spiritual implications of their actions and the covenant relationship. Their problem was not a lack of intelligence, but a stubborn heart that refused to submit to God's truth and apply His wisdom. This spiritual blindness led them to make foolish choices, despite having access to God's revealed will through His law and prophets, as seen in their repeated turning to idolatry and disobedience, which is a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament, for example, in [Jeremiah's lament over their refusal to hear God's word](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Stubborn Hearts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:28, lamenting Israel's spiritual emptiness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel, as a nation, was "void of counsel" and "understanding," unable to grasp God's ways or walk in His wisdom, leading to their covenant failure and judgment. However, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the very embodiment of divine wisdom and understanding. [He is the wisdom of God personified](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God"), the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). Where Israel failed to discern God's will, Christ perfectly fulfilled it, always doing the will of His Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Furthermore, the problem of a heart "void of counsel" is remedied in the New Covenant through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send. The Spirit guides believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")) and grants spiritual understanding and discernment ([1_corinthians/2-10-16](/1_corinthians/2-10-16 "1 Corinthians 2:10-16 - The Spirit Reveals God's Wisdom")). Thus, what Israel lacked—divine counsel and understanding—is freely given to those who are in Christ, enabling them to live lives of true wisdom and obedience, empowered by the Spirit to comprehend the depths of God's love and purpose.

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

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Hosea 4:6

¶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Isaiah 27:11

When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, [and] set them on fire: for it [is] a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.

Job 28:28

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

Proverbs 1:7

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Deuteronomy 32:6

Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? [is] not he thy father [that] hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

Psalms 81:12

So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: [and] they walked in their own counsels.