What does Deuteronomy 32:17 mean?

They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. Deuteronomy 32:17

Explanation

Deuteronomy 32:17 speaks of the Israelites turning away from the worship of Yahweh, the God who had chosen and led them, to worship other gods, specifically “devils” or demons. This verse is a part of the Song of Moses, a prophetic poem that outlines the history of Israel’s relationship with God and warns against the dangers of apostasy. The use of the term “devils” here is significant as it implies not just other gods, but malignant spiritual entities that are in opposition to God. The mention of these being new gods “whom your fathers feared not” indicates a departure from the traditions and beliefs of their ancestors, emphasizing their novelty and foreign nature.

Historical Context

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Torah and is believed to be a series of speeches given by Moses to the Israelites before they entered the promised land of Canaan. This verse comes from a time when Israel was moving from a nomadic lifestyle to becoming a settled nation, a transition that would expose them to the religious practices and deities of neighboring peoples. Historically, the Israelites frequently fell into the worship of Canaanite gods, which was seen as a profound act of rebellion against Yahweh, who had delivered them from Egypt and guided them through the wilderness.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, Deuteronomy 32:17 condemns idolatry and syncretism—the blending of different religious beliefs and practices. The text presents Yahweh as the one true God, and thus the worship of other deities is seen as both an affront to God and spiritually harmful to the people. The reference to “devils” may be seen as a way of emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers of idolatry, as these so-called gods are not merely inert idols but entities that actively lead people away from God’s truth.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, the verse can be applied as a call to faithfulness and discernment in spiritual and religious practice. It warns against following popular or new trends that are at odds with established belief systems, especially those that could be considered morally or spiritually detrimental. The real-life application could be a caution against participating in behaviors, philosophies, or movements that contradict one’s professed beliefs or values.

Cross-References

• Psalm 106:37: “Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,”
• 1 Corinthians 10:20: “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.”
• Leviticus 17:7: “And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.”

Language Study

The original Hebrew word translated as “devils” is “shedim,” suggesting malevolent spirits. While the exact nature and identity of these spirits are not detailed in the text, the term denotes entities that are powerful but evil. “New gods” is translated from “elohim chadashim,” with “elohim” commonly used to refer to gods or divine beings and “chadashim” signifying that they are new, recent, or unfamiliar.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient near east, cultures often had pantheons with a plethora of gods and goddesses. Each nation, city, or even family might have their own deities, which they believed protected them and gave them success. Israel’s insistence on worshipping only Yahweh was peculiar and counter-cultural. When the Israelites sacrificed to “new gods,” they were participating in practices common among their neighbors but prohibited by their own covenant with Yahweh.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly relate to modern scientific understandings but could be examined through the lens of anthropology and the study of religious behaviors. Anthropologists might view the tendency to adopt new deities as part of a social adaptation to new environments or the result of cultural exchange between groups. However, the verse itself is not concerned with such perspectives, focusing instead on the religious commandment and covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians interpret this verse as a stark warning against idolatry. Commentaries often point out that the verse reflects the authors’ views on the seriousness of worshipping other gods, an act that was strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Covenant. The pulpit commentary expands on the notion of these devils or demons as infernal spirits, suggesting that worship directed at them would be particularly abominable. Matthew Henry’s commentary underscores the folly of forsaking God for idols that have no power or divine heritage. These interpretations recognize the verse as an indictment against forgetting the profound acts and relationship established by God in Israel’s history.