What does Deuteronomy 31:16 mean?

And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. Deuteronomy 31:16

Explanation

Deuteronomy 31:16 reveals a solemn moment where God speaks directly to Moses about the future of Israel after his death. God tells Moses that he will die, as is the course of all life, and “sleep with [his] fathers,” indicating that he will join his ancestors in death. The Lord also prophesies that the Israelites will “rise up,” a phrase denoting rebellion and turning away from God. “Go a whoring” is a metaphorical expression signifying the act of pursuing other gods and engaging in idolatry, which is considered spiritual adultery. This behavior will be influenced by “the gods of the strangers of the land,” suggesting that when the Israelites enter the promised land, they will be enticed by the religious practices of its current inhabitants. Lastly, God foresees that the Israelites’ actions will lead them to forsake Him and break the covenant established between them.

Historical Context

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Torah, traditionally ascribed to Moses. It contains speeches delivered by Moses on the plains of Moab, near the Promised Land. During this time, the Israelites were preparing to enter the land of Canaan, having wandered the desert for forty years after their exodus from Egypt. The cultural practice of the time was for a leader to reiterate laws and give final instructions before his death. This verse is part of Moses’ final speech, emphasizing the expectation of fidelity to God’s laws in the face of future temptations to idolatry.

Theological Insights

From a Judeo-Christian perspective, this verse is often viewed as a reminder of God’s omniscience and the foreknowledge of human faithlessness. It raises questions about predestination and free will, as God predicts the Israelites’ future disobedience. The verse also demonstrates the fragility of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, which requires constant fidelity from the people. God’s forewarning here serves as both a prophetic caution and an illustration of His patience and mercy, as despite this foreseen apostasy, He continues to guide and provide opportunities for repentance.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a warning against complacency in one’s faith and the dangers of being influenced by secular or foreign ideologies and practices that contradict one’s beliefs. It underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and the consequences of abandoning one’s commitments. For modern believers, it is an admonition to stay faithful to their values and principles, especially when surrounded by a society that might hold different beliefs.

Cross-References

• Judges 2:17: “And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.”
• Joshua 23:16: “When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the wrath of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Hebrew text include:

• “שִׁכְבָּה” (shichbah), which means “to lie down, usually for sleep, but here is used for death.”
• “זָנָה” (zanah), meaning “to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the whore,” metaphorically used for idolatry and being unfaithful to God.
• “כָּרַת” (karat), translating to “cut” or “make,” is used here in the context of making or establishing a covenant.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a people being led astray by the gods of other nations is a common theme among ancient Near Eastern cultures. Many cultural myths involve gods that either lead people astray or punish them for unfaithfulness. Comparing this to other religious interpretations, the idea of faithfulness to a divine covenant can be found across various ancient religions where breaking commitments to gods often results in divine retribution or punishment.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science approaches religion and mythology more as a sociocultural phenomenon rather than a matter of fact. Archeological evidence can sometimes provide context about the civilizations mentioned in the Bible, such as their gods and religious practices. However, the actions and beliefs described in religious texts are typically considered beyond the scope of scientific verification.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse. Some commentaries focus on the inevitability of sin and the mercy of God in offering redemption. Others emphasize the historical context, suggesting that the warning served as a reminder for subsequent generations. Modern commentaries might also discuss how this verse illustrates the challenges of maintaining a communal faith in the face of individual temptations and societal pressures to conform.