How does Deuteronomy 32:5 describe the Israelites' relationship with God? Text of Deuteronomy 32:5 “His people have acted corruptly toward Him; not His children, because of their blemish; a warped and crooked generation.” Key Observations on the Relationship • Corruption replaces covenant faithfulness—Israel’s conduct is “corrupt” toward the Lord. • Filial break—because of persistent sin, they are said to be “not His children,” indicating broken fellowship, not loss of God’s historic choice of Israel. • Moral deformity—“warped and crooked” paints a picture of twisted character, the opposite of God’s straight and righteous ways (Psalm 25:8). Word Study Insights • “Corruptly” (Heb. shachath) conveys ruin, decay, or moral spoilage (Genesis 6:12). • “Not His children” signals a relational estrangement, echoing Hosea 1:9 where God calls faithless Israel “Lo-ammi” (“not My people”). • “Warped and crooked” (Heb. iqqesh u-pthaltol) combines ideas of distortion and perversity, stressing deep-seated rebellion. Cross-References that Confirm the Picture • Deuteronomy 32:6 – immediately after, Moses asks, “Is not He your Father…? Why do you repay Him this way?” underscoring betrayal of a Father-child bond. • Psalm 78:8 – Israel is warned not to be “a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast.” • Isaiah 1:2-4 – “I have reared and brought up children, but they have rebelled against Me.” • Philippians 2:15 – believers are urged to shine “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,” echoing Moses’ language. Takeaway for Today Deuteronomy 32:5 portrays Israel as children who have forfeited the practical blessings of sonship through persistent corruption. The verse reminds readers that genuine relationship with God is marked by loyalty and purity, while rebellion twists that relationship into estrangement and loss of intimacy. |
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