What does Deuteronomy 31:27 mean?

For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death? Deuteronomy 31:27

Explanation

Deuteronomy 31:27 is a verse where Moses addresses the Israelites, highlighting their rebellious nature towards God. The verse is a portion of Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land without him, as he is not allowed to enter due to an earlier transgression. In this speech, Moses is blunt about the Israelites’ disobedience and lack of faith, saying that he knows they have been rebellious even while he has been leading them. The mention of their “stiff neck” is a metaphor for their obstinacy and stubbornness. Moses predicts that if they have been difficult to manage during his life, their rebellion will likely worsen after his death when his direct guidance ceases.

Historical Context

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, and it is believed to be a collection of Moses’ sermons to the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. Historically, this period marks the end of the Israelites’ forty-year wandering in the desert following their exodus from Egypt. Moses is preparing them for life in the Promised Land and setting down laws and guidelines for them to live by. This particular verse indicates Moses’ concern for the Israelites’ future, based on their past behavior.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse reflects the concept of human sinfulness and the need for divine guidance. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, rebellion against God is seen as a fundamental human flaw that requires correction through adherence to God’s laws. Moses, as the mediator between God and the people, points out their history of rebellion as a warning to heed God’s commandments even when he is no longer with them. This serves to remind the Israelites of their covenantal relationship with God, which includes blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can serve as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and recognition of one’s flaws or tendencies towards disobedience. It reinforces the idea that good leadership and guidance are important but ultimately, personal responsibility and adherence to a moral code are necessary for the well-being of a society. It also speaks to the importance of foresight and preparing for potential challenges in times of transition.

Cross-References

• Exodus 32:9 “And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:”
• Numbers 14:11 “And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?”
• Deuteronomy 9:6 “Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.”
• Acts 7:51 “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.”

Language Study

The expression “stiff neck” (Hebrew: “עֹרֵף קְשֶׁה” – oreph qasheh) is an idiomatic term in Hebrew signifying stubbornness or obstinacy. It conjures the image of an ox that refuses to submit to the yoke for plowing. “Rebellion” (`meri) implies a deliberate and persistent defiance of authority, in this case, God’s authority. The phrase “how much more after my death” suggests an expectation of increasing rebellion, reflecting human nature’s propensity to push boundaries in the absence of a strong leader.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of rebellion against divine authority is not unique to the Judaic tradition. Many ancient cultures contained myths and religious narratives where humans defy the gods, such as the Greek tales of Prometheus or the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh. In both these stories and in Deuteronomy, there is an understanding of the consequences of disobedience towards a higher power.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific study of human behavior may lend insight into the patterns of rebellion and obedience addressed in the verse. Psychological theories like social identity and authority influence theory explore how individuals and groups respond to power structures and leadership, which could provide a modern understanding of why groups like the Israelites might rebel against authoritative figures, including divine ones.

Commentaries

Classic commentaries such as those by Rashi, a medieval Jewish commentator, often focus on the metaphor of the stiff neck, emphasizing how this trait was detrimental to Israel’s relationship with God. Matthew Henry, a well-known Christian commentator, discusses the foreboding tone of Moses’ warning as a way to impress the severity of Israel’s rebelliousness and the need for repentance and obedience. Modern biblical scholars might look to this verse as an example of the Deuteronomist’s themes, which include Israel’s failures to live up to their covenantal obligations and the constant call to return to faithfulness.