Deuteronomy 32:15

Authorized King James Version

But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁמַ֖נְתָּ
thou art waxen fat
to shine, i.e., (by analogy) be (causatively, make) oily or gross
#2
יְשֻׁרוּן֙
But Jeshurun
jeshurun, a symbolic name for israel
#3
וַיִּבְעָ֔ט
and kicked
to trample down, i.e., (figuratively) despise
#4
שָׁמַ֖נְתָּ
thou art waxen fat
to shine, i.e., (by analogy) be (causatively, make) oily or gross
#5
עָבִ֣יתָ
thou art grown thick
to be dense
#6
כָּשִׂ֑יתָ
thou art covered
to grow fat (i.e., be covered with flesh)
#7
וַיִּטֹּשׁ֙
with fatness then he forsook
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
#8
אֱל֣וֹהַ
God
a deity or the deity
#9
עָשָׂ֔הוּ
which made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
וַיְנַבֵּ֖ל
him and lightly esteemed
to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint
#11
צ֥וּר
the Rock
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#12
יְשֻֽׁעָתֽוֹ׃
of his salvation
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing salvation encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification in the ordo salutis and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood salvation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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