“For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, and it is written by Moses as he addresses the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this specific verse, Moses is foretelling the future behavior of the Israelites once they settle in the land that God had promised to give them.
Key Points:
- God’s Faithfulness: Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, God’s faithfulness to His covenant with the Israelites is emphasized. He had promised to bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey, which refers to a land of abundance and prosperity. God is faithful to fulfill His promises, and He ensured that the Israelites would receive the land He had sworn to their forefathers.
- Warning of Idolatry: Despite God’s faithfulness, Moses warns the Israelites about their future tendencies. He predicts that once they have enjoyed the blessings of the land, eaten and become satisfied, they will turn to other gods and break the covenant they made with the Lord. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the Israelites’ propensity to forsake God and engage in idolatry.
- Consequences of Disobedience: Moses’ warning highlights the consequences of turning away from God and worshiping idols. It is a direct violation of the first commandment given to the Israelites: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). By forsaking God and serving other gods, they provoke Him and break the covenant they had entered into. This disobedience will bring about severe consequences, as outlined in the subsequent verses of Deuteronomy.
Lessons for Today: While this verse is specifically addressing the Israelites in their historical context, it also holds relevant lessons for us today. It reminds us of the tendency of human nature to become complacent and turn away from God when we experience prosperity or worldly abundance. It serves as a warning to guard against the allure of false gods, whether they are literal idols or anything that takes the place of God in our hearts and lives.
Application: The verse prompts us to examine our own hearts and priorities. Are we staying faithful to God and the covenant we have with Him? Are we being vigilant against the idols and distractions that can draw us away from a deep and genuine relationship with Him? It is a call to remain steadfast in our commitment to God, even during times of abundance and comfort.
In summary, Deuteronomy 31:20 serves as a warning against the Israelites’ future tendency to forsake God and worship other gods once they enter the Promised Land. It highlights the consequences of disobedience and urges us to be vigilant against the allure of idols. The verse carries valuable lessons for us today, reminding us of the need to stay faithful to God and guard our hearts against anything that might take His place.
