What does Deuteronomy 31:20 mean?

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant. Deuteronomy 31:20

Explanation

Deuteronomy 31:20 is a verse that speaks of a future time when the Israelites would have settled in the Promised Land, a land described as flowing with milk and honey—a metaphor for its fertility and abundance. God warns that after the people have experienced prosperity, they will become complacent and turn away from Him to follow other gods, thus breaking the covenant He established with them. The verse implies a cycle of blessings leading to complacency and subsequent disobedience, highlighting the tendency of humans to forget their commitments in times of abundance.

Historical Context

The verse is set in the context of Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land, as Moses himself would not be joining them due to his impending death. Convoked around 1400-1200 B.C., this was a critical moment where the Israelites were about to transition from their nomadic life in the wilderness to a settled existence in Canaan. The cultural background includes the ancient Near Eastern context where many gods were worshiped, making it a spiritual challenge for the Israelites to remain faithful to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse presents the concept of God’s foresight and omniscience, as He predicts the future behavior of the Israelites. It also touches upon the themes of human unfaithfulness and the consequences of breaking covenants with God. Different theological views may interpret this as a lesson in God’s justice, mercy, or as a testament to the necessity of continuous commitment and faithfulness to divine commands.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, Deuteronomy 31:20 can remind individuals to stay vigilant about their values and commitments, especially during times of success and plenty. It suggests a need for humility and gratitude, serving as a caution against the arrogance that can come with prosperity. The verse challenges people to consider how they might inadvertently turn away from important principles or relationships in pursuit of lesser ‘gods’ such as wealth, power, or fame.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 6:10-12: “And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,”
• Deuteronomy 8:10-11: “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.”
• Joshua 24:20: “If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.”

Language Study

In the original Hebrew, critical words in this passage include:

• “Swore” (נִשְׁבַּע, nishba): meaning to take an oath, indicating the seriousness of God’s commitment to His promise.
• “Floweth” (זוּב, zub): a verb used to describe the abundance and ongoing provision found in the land.
• “Fat” (שָׁמֵן, shamen): often used metaphorically in the Bible to denote plenty, prosperity, and also complacency and rebellion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be made with other ancient cultures that had myths related to lands of abundance and prosperity. For instance, the Greek concept of the Elysian Fields or the Mesopotamian Dilmun presented paradisiacal places. Religiously, the idea of breaking faith with a deity or deities upon receiving blessings is a common theme that spans various traditions, where gods often demand continuous reverence and obedience.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the verse does not directly address scientific matters. However, the concept of abundance leading to complacency can be discussed in terms of psychological studies that show how prosperity can affect behavior and ethical decision-making, potentially reducing the sense of gratitude and leading to entropic social values.

Commentaries

Expert commentaries on Deuteronomy 31:20 often focus on the predictive nature of the verse, discussing God’s knowledge of human nature and the inevitability of Israel’s apostasy, despite His warnings. Scholars such as Matthew Henry have commented on the dangers of prosperity leading to spiritual forgetfulness and idolatry. Other commentaries may delve into the literary structure of Deuteronomy and how Moses’ farewell speech serves to reinforce the covenantal relationship between Israel and God, setting the stage for the historical books that follow.