Deuteronomy 31:16

And the LORD said to Moses, "You will soon rest with your fathers, and these people will rise up and prostitute themselves with the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake Me and break the covenant I have made with them.

Study Bible

And the LORD said to Moses
This phrase signifies a direct communication from God to Moses, highlighting the unique relationship Moses had with God as a prophet and leader. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This divine communication underscores the authority and authenticity of the message being delivered.

You are about to rest with your fathers
The phrase "rest with your fathers" is a euphemism for death, indicating that Moses' life is coming to an end. In Hebrew culture, this expression reflects the belief in joining one's ancestors in Sheol, the abode of the dead. It conveys a sense of continuity and peace, suggesting that Moses' mission is complete and he will be gathered to his people.

and these people will rise up
The phrase "rise up" indicates a future action of rebellion or apostasy. In the Hebrew context, it suggests a deliberate and conscious decision to act against God's commandments. This forewarning serves as a prophetic insight into the future behavior of the Israelites, highlighting the challenges they will face in maintaining their covenant with God.

and prostitute themselves with the foreign gods
The term "prostitute" is a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness, drawing from the Hebrew word "zanah," which means to commit fornication or idolatry. This vivid imagery illustrates the severity of Israel's impending idolatry, equating it to marital infidelity. The "foreign gods" refer to the deities of the Canaanites, whose worship practices were abominable to the Israelites' covenantal relationship with YHWH.

of the land they are entering
This phrase refers to the Promised Land, Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter. The land is not just a geographical location but a place filled with spiritual and cultural challenges. The Canaanite influence poses a significant threat to the Israelites' faithfulness to God, as they are called to be a distinct and holy people.

They will forsake Me
To "forsake" means to abandon or leave behind, derived from the Hebrew word "azab." This indicates a willful departure from God, highlighting the gravity of Israel's future disobedience. It serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from the divine relationship established through the covenant.

and break the covenant I made with them
The "covenant" refers to the solemn agreement between God and Israel, established at Sinai. The Hebrew word "berith" signifies a binding contract, emphasizing the seriousness of Israel's commitment to God. Breaking this covenant is not merely a legal infraction but a profound spiritual betrayal, with significant repercussions for the nation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks to Moses about the future of the Israelites.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is nearing the end of his life and leadership.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who are about to enter the Promised Land but are warned of future unfaithfulness.

4. Foreign gods
The deities worshiped by the inhabitants of the Promised Land, representing a temptation for the Israelites.

5. The Covenant
The solemn agreement between God and Israel, which the Israelites are warned they will break.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but anything that takes the place of God in our hearts.

Believers must be vigilant against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism, power, or relationships.

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
God's covenant with His people requires loyalty and obedience.

Christians are called to remain faithful to the New Covenant through Christ, living lives that reflect His teachings.

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Turning away from God leads to spiritual and often physical consequences.

The history of Israel serves as a warning to remain steadfast in faith.

God's Foreknowledge and Sovereignty
God knows the future and warns His people out of love and a desire for their faithfulness.

Trusting in God's sovereignty helps believers navigate challenges and temptations.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern "foreign gods" that can tempt believers today, and how can we guard against them?

2. How does the concept of covenant in the Old Testament relate to the New Covenant established by Jesus?

3. In what ways can the cycle of apostasy seen in Judges be observed in the lives of believers or the church today?

4. How can understanding God's foreknowledge and warnings help us in our personal walk with Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a temptation to "forsake" God. How did you overcome it, and what role did Scripture play in that process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites previously turned to idol worship, foreshadowing their future unfaithfulness.

Judges 2
Describes the cycle of Israel's apostasy, punishment, repentance, and deliverance, illustrating the pattern warned about in Deuteronomy 31:16.

Hosea 1-3
Uses the metaphor of marital unfaithfulness to describe Israel's idolatry, echoing the language of "prostituting themselves" with foreign gods.

1 Corinthians 10
Paul warns the Corinthians about idolatry, using Israel's history as a cautionary example for New Testament believers.