Deuteronomy 32:15
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.
DEUTERONOMY 32:15
Verse 15 marks a turning point: Jeshurun (an affectionate term for Israel) “waxed fat, and kicked,” grew thick, and abandoned the Rock of salvation. The metaphor of growing fat to describe spiritual complacency and self-sufficiency is common in prophetic literature. After experiencing generous provision, the people become secure in their own strength, forgetting God who provided. This is not a one-time lapse but a pattern warned against throughout Israel’s history: prosperity can erode trust and gratitude, producing arrogance and moral laxity. The “Rock” here is God’s steadfast salvation; forsaking it signals a perilous idolatry of self and created outcomes. The verse also captures divine lament as a consequence of forgetfulness: when people attribute success to their own efforts, they undermine the relationship with their Creator.
Theologically, the verse foregrounds the danger of spiritual amnesia and self-reliance. It showcases a rhythm in Deuteronomy: blessing invites obedience; disobedience invites judgment. It also emphasizes the intimate metaphor of God as Rock—solid, reliable, and the source of salvation. When Israel forsakes the Rock, it reveals the fragility of human strength apart from divine grace. This verse sets up the tension that runs through the rest of the Song: God’s jealousy for fidelity and Israel’s recurring breach of covenant faithfulness.
Applied today, this verse warns against spiritual complacency when life improves. When you land a good job, buy a home, or achieve milestones, resist the inner knee-jerk of self-reliance. Maintain disciplines: daily prayer, Scripture, and communal accountability. Guard against “kicking” against God in moments of success—acknowledge God as the source and steward your blessings for blessing others. In community life, beware of cliques or status that plant pride. Regularly practice gratitude and repentance, naming where you’ve trusted wealth, status, or comfort more than God. The verse is a reminder to keep the heart soft toward God even in abundance.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Psalm 78:17-22; Isaiah 1:23; Proverbs 18:11; 1 Corinthians 10:12