Deuteronomy 32:6

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Do ye thus requite {H1580} the LORD {H3068}, O foolish {H5036} people {H5971} and unwise {H2450}? is not he thy father {H1} that hath bought {H7069} thee? hath he not made {H6213} thee, and established {H3559} thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

You foolish people, so lacking in wisdom, is this how you repay ADONAI? He is your father, who made you his! It was he who formed and prepared you!

Berean Standard Bible

Is this how you repay the LORD, O foolish and senseless people? Is He not your Father and Creator? Has He not made you and established you?

American Standard Version

Do ye thus requite Jehovah, O foolish people and unwise? Is not he thy father that hath bought thee? He hath made thee, and established thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:6, a poignant rhetorical question from the "Song of Moses," serves as a powerful indictment of Israel's potential ingratitude and spiritual foolishness. Moses confronts the people with the stark contrast between the LORD's benevolent and foundational relationship with them—as their Father who created, redeemed, and established them as a nation—and their predicted disloyalty. This verse encapsulates a solemn warning against forgetting their divine Benefactor, urging them to reflect on the profound implications of their covenant relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the "Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32:1-43), a lengthy and intricate poetic composition delivered by Moses to the Israelites just before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. The song functions as a prophetic witness and a covenant lawsuit, intended to serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and Israel's obligations, particularly in anticipation of their future apostasy. Moses calls "heaven and earth" to witness this solemn testament, emphasizing its enduring significance and the gravity of its message. The song recounts God's steadfast love, miraculous provision, and unique relationship with Israel from their inception, sharply contrasting it with their predicted rebellion and spiritual blindness. It is a didactic and prophetic piece designed to teach future generations about God's character and the consequences of disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Deuteronomy 32:6 is spoken at a pivotal moment in Israel's history: they are encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan after forty years of wilderness wandering. The generation that experienced the Exodus and received the Law at Sinai has largely passed away, and a new generation stands on the threshold of their inheritance. Moses, knowing he will not enter the land with them, delivers this final, impassioned appeal. The concepts of "father" and "bought" resonate deeply within the ancient Near Eastern context. A "father" would be the head of the household, responsible for the well-being, identity, and inheritance of his children. For God to be Israel's "Father" signifies His role as the originator, protector, and sovereign Lord of the nation, establishing a unique familial bond. "Bought" directly references the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "The Exodus from Egypt"), where God redeemed Israel from slavery, acquiring them as His exclusive possession through a mighty act of deliverance and establishing a covenant relationship at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "The Covenant at Mount Sinai").
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 32:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **God's unwavering faithfulness and paternal care** contrasted with **Israel's propensity for spiritual amnesia and ingratitude**. The verse underscores God's multifaceted role as **Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer** of the nation, emphasizing His sovereign initiation of their existence and establishment. It also introduces the theme of **covenant obligation**, where God's gracious acts demand a loyal and obedient response from His people. The rhetorical question about Israel being "foolish and unwise" introduces the theme of **wisdom versus folly**, suggesting that true wisdom lies in recognizing God's benevolence and responding with faithfulness, while rebellion is the ultimate foolishness, leading to self-destruction. This theme is foundational to the wisdom literature, where the [fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Requite (Hebrew, _gamal'_):** This verb signifies "to deal out," "to repay," or "to recompense." While it can be used neutrally or positively (e.g., to show kindness), in this context, it carries a strong negative connotation. It implies repaying good with evil, or treating someone poorly despite their immense benevolence. Moses is expressing profound shock and sorrow that Israel would "requite" the LORD's boundless goodness and foundational acts of love with disloyalty and rebellion. It speaks to a deep betrayal of the relationship.
* **Bought (Hebrew, _qanah'_):** This verb means "to acquire," "to buy," or "to possess." While it can refer to creation (as in [Genesis 14:19](/genesis/14-19 "Genesis 14:19 - God Most High, Possessor of Heaven and Earth")), its primary sense here, especially in conjunction with "father" and the historical context, points to God's act of redeeming Israel from bondage in Egypt. God "bought" them out of slavery, establishing His exclusive claim over them as a liberated people, making them His special possession. This act of redemption is the basis of their covenant relationship.
* **Foolish (Hebrew, _nabal'_):** This term denotes more than a lack of intellectual capacity; it describes a moral and spiritual deficiency. A "foolish" person in biblical wisdom literature is one who rejects God's wisdom, acts contrary to divine principles, and lives as if God does not exist or is irrelevant. It implies a profound lack of spiritual discernment, a blindness to God's goodness, and a failure to understand the consequences of turning away from their Benefactor. It is a willful ignorance that leads to destructive behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, expressing utter astonishment and profound disappointment. Moses, speaking on behalf of God, confronts Israel with the shocking nature of their potential ingratitude. The phrase "thus requite" points to the implied future rebellion and idolatry. Calling them "foolish people and unwise" is a severe spiritual indictment, suggesting a profound lack of discernment and a failure to grasp the fundamental truth of their relationship with God. It implies that their disobedience is not merely a mistake but a deliberate, senseless act of betrayal.
* **"[is] not he thy father [that] hath bought thee?":** This clause highlights two foundational aspects of God's relationship with Israel, presented as undeniable truths. First, God is "thy father," emphasizing His role as the originator, protector, and provider of the nation, establishing an intimate and paternal bond. Second, He "hath bought thee," referring specifically to the miraculous redemption from Egyptian slavery, an act that established God's ownership and special claim over Israel as His chosen people. These two truths form the basis for God's rightful expectation of loyalty and gratitude.
* **"hath he not made thee, and established thee?":** This final clause further underscores God's sovereign and benevolent actions towards Israel. "Made thee" refers to God's creative act in forming Israel as a distinct nation, bringing them into existence from a nomadic clan. "Established thee" speaks to His ongoing care and sustenance, providing for them in the wilderness, giving them His Law, and preparing them for the Promised Land. It signifies God's continuous providential work in securing their identity, their place, and their future, cementing His claim as their ultimate Benefactor and Sustainer.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, which dominates the verse. By posing a series of questions to which the answer is self-evidently "yes," Moses emphasizes the undeniable truth of God's benevolent actions and the shocking nature of Israel's ingratitude. This device is not seeking information but is a forceful means of rebuke and persuasion, designed to provoke reflection and conviction. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the structure of the questions, particularly between "hath bought thee" and "hath made thee, and established thee," which reinforces God's comprehensive work for Israel. The verse also employs **Metaphor** and **Personification** by portraying God as a "Father," a deeply relational image that conveys intimacy, authority, and care, contrasting sharply with the "foolish" and "unwise" children. This creates a stark **Contrast** between God's steadfast faithfulness and Israel's predicted spiritual folly, highlighting the profound betrayal inherent in their potential disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:6 serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of God's covenant relationship with His people and the profound implications of human response. It underscores God's character as a faithful, loving, and sovereign Father who initiates, sustains, and redeems. Israel's "foolishness" is not intellectual deficiency but a spiritual blindness that fails to acknowledge God's goodness and their absolute dependence on Him. This ingratitude is seen as a profound betrayal of the covenant, mirroring the pattern of sin throughout biblical history where humanity repays divine grace with rebellion. The verse thus highlights the ongoing tension between God's grace and human responsibility, calling for a response of loyalty and gratitude commensurate with the depth of His love and provision.

* [Isaiah 1:2-3](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-3 - Israel's Rebellion Against God")
* [Psalm 100:3](/psalm/100-3 "Psalm 100:3 - God as Maker and Shepherd")
* [Malachi 1:6](/malachi/1-6 "Malachi 1:6 - A Son Honors His Father")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:6 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a timeless call to examine our own relationship with God. Just as Israel was God's chosen people, we, too, are called into a covenant relationship through Christ, having been "bought" with a price and "made" new creations. This verse challenges us to confront any spiritual amnesia or ingratitude in our lives. Are we truly mindful of God's continuous provision, His creative work in our lives, and the profound act of redemption that has set us free? To "requite" the Lord with indifference, disobedience, or a failure to acknowledge His sovereignty is to act with profound spiritual foolishness, ignoring the very source of our being and blessing. This verse urges us to cultivate a heart of deep gratitude, to remember God's faithfulness in our past, and to respond with wisdom—which is ultimately obedience and reverence for the One who is our Father, Creator, and Redeemer. It is a call to live consistently with the truth of who God is and who we are in relation to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like ancient Israel, "requite" the Lord with ingratitude or disobedience despite His goodness and faithfulness in my life?**
* **How does remembering God as my "Father" who "bought" me and "made" me deepen my sense of identity, purpose, and security in Christ?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be re-aligned with God's wisdom, moving away from "foolish" or "unwise" choices that contradict His character or my redeemed identity?**

### FAQ

**What does "requite" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Deuteronomy 32:6, "requite" (from the Hebrew _gamal_) means to repay, recompense, or deal with, but here it carries a strong negative connotation. It signifies returning evil or ingratitude for good. Moses is expressing shock that Israel would repay the LORD's immense goodness, love, and foundational acts of redemption and creation with disloyalty, rebellion, or forgetfulness. It implies a profound betrayal of the relationship, a failure to acknowledge and honor the Benefactor. This concept of repaying good with evil is a recurring theme in scripture, highlighting the depth of human sinfulness even in the face of divine grace, as seen in [Psalm 7:4](/psalm/7-4 "Psalm 7:4 - Repaying Evil for Good").

**How is God "thy father" and how has He "bought" Israel?**

Answer: God is called "thy father" not in the sense of biological procreation, but as the originator, protector, and provider of the nation of Israel. He chose them, formed them, and cared for them as a father cares for his children, establishing a unique, intimate, and authoritative relationship. This is emphasized elsewhere, such as when God calls Israel His "firstborn son" in [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel, God's Firstborn Son"). The phrase "hath bought thee" refers primarily to God's mighty act of redemption from slavery in Egypt. Through the Exodus, God "purchased" or "acquired" Israel, liberating them from bondage and making them His own special possession, a people belonging exclusively to Him. This act of deliverance established His claim over them and formed the basis of the covenant at Sinai, as highlighted in [Exodus 15:16](/exodus/15-16 "Exodus 15:16 - God's Purchased People").

**Why are the people called "foolish and unwise"?**

Answer: The terms "foolish" (_nabal_) and "unwise" (_lo' chakam_) in this context do not primarily mean intellectually unintelligent. Instead, they denote a moral and spiritual blindness, a profound lack of discernment concerning God's character, His acts, and the implications of their covenant relationship with Him. To be "foolish" in biblical terms is to live as if God does not exist, or to willfully ignore His commands and benefits. It implies a rejection of divine wisdom and a failure to understand the spiritual consequences of their actions. Their ingratitude and potential rebellion are seen as utterly senseless and self-destructive, a profound misjudgment of reality given God's benevolent and foundational role in their existence. True wisdom, by contrast, begins with reverence for the Lord, as stated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:6, with its themes of divine Fatherhood, redemption, creation, and the rebuke of human folly, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament speaks of God as Israel's Father who "bought" and "made" them, the New Testament reveals the perfect Son who perfectly "requited" the Father, living a life of absolute obedience and devotion. Through Christ, the concept of God's Fatherhood is expanded from a national relationship to an intimate, personal one for all who believe, as [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God") declares that those who receive Him are given the right to become children of God. Furthermore, the "buying" or redemption spoken of in Deuteronomy foreshadows the ultimate purchase price paid by Christ on the cross. We are not redeemed by silver or gold, but by the precious blood of Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood"), who delivered us from the slavery of sin and death. In Him, we are "made" new creations, no longer defined by our old nature but by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, as [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") proclaims. Christ Himself is the very wisdom of God, the antithesis of the "foolish and unwise" described in Deuteronomy 32:6, and through Him, we are granted true spiritual discernment and the ability to live wisely in response to God's boundless grace. Thus, the warnings against ingratitude and folly in the Old Covenant find their answer in the New Covenant, where believers are called to live lives of grateful obedience, empowered by the Spirit, in response to the Father's ultimate gift of His Son.

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

Isaiah 63:16

Doubtless thou [art] our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, [art] our father, our redeemer; thy name [is] from everlasting.

1 John 3:1

¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Isaiah 64:8

But now, O LORD, thou [art] our father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand.

Psalms 74:2

Remember thy congregation, [which] thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, [which] thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

Isaiah 44:2

Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, [which] will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

Deuteronomy 32:18

Of the Rock [that] begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.

1 Corinthians 6:20

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.