Deuteronomy 32:19
And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֥רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוָ֖ה
And when the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And when the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּנְאָ֑ץ
it he abhorred
H5006
וַיִּנְאָ֑ץ
it he abhorred
Strong's:
H5006
Word #:
3 of 6
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
Cross References
Psalms 106:40Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.Isaiah 1:2Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.Psalms 5:4For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.Judges 2:14And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.
Historical Context
This verse anticipates God's progressive withdrawal: the Philistine victories (1 Samuel 4, Ichabod—'the glory has departed'), Assyrian conquest of Northern Kingdom (722 BC), and Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). Ezekiel 8-11 dramatizes God's glory departing the temple due to Israel's abominations—the visible fulfillment of 'he abhorred them.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does the reality of divine abhorrence challenge modern sentimentalism that reduces God to unconditional affirmation?
- Why does God hold covenant children ('his sons and daughters') to higher accountability than pagans?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them—the verb nā'aṣ (נָאַץ) means to reject with contempt or spurn. Divine abhorrence is the covenant curse for persistent rebellion (Leviticus 26:30, Psalm 5:6). The phrase because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters emphasizes that covenant children, not pagans, provoked this response—making judgment more severe because privilege brings greater accountability (Amos 3:2).
The inclusive language 'sons and daughters' (בָּנָיו וּבְנֹתָיו) underscores total apostasy—both genders, all generations participated in idolatry. This fulfills the covenant curse warnings of Deuteronomy 28:15-68, where covenant breaking results in covenant curses, including divine rejection.