Deuteronomy 32:6

Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

Deuteronomy 32:6 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy 32 is the Song of Moses, a poetic address to Israel before Moses’ death. This chapter recounts God’s faithfulness, the people’s rebellion, and the consequences of their actions. The song serves as a witness against them, reminding them of all the Lord had done. In this verse, Moses directly challenges the Israelites for their unfaithfulness.

Meaning

The opening question, “Do ye thus requite the LORD?” asks whether their actions are a fitting repayment for all God has done. The Hebrew word for “bought” (qanah) means “possessed” or “acquired,” stressing God’s ownership and redemption of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The terms “made” (asah) and “established” (kun) point to God’s creative and sustaining work. Moses calls them “foolish people and unwise” because they have failed to respond to His goodness with gratitude and obedience. The question is not just about the past; it challenges every generation to consider how they treat the God who has done so much for them.

Biblical connections

This verse grounds the rebuke in three divine roles: God as Father, who redeemed them; God as Creator, who made them; and God as Establisher, who set them firmly as a nation. These roles echo the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. The New Testament later reveals God’s fatherhood and redemption through Christ, but here the focus is Israel’s covenant duty. The verse warns against the folly of ingratitude and the danger of forgetting God’s mighty acts.

Application

We, too, are called to recognise God as our Heavenly Father and acknowledge His role as Creator and Sustainer. He has redeemed us and cares for us daily. Our proper response is gratitude and obedience, not neglect or disobedience. It is foolish and unwise to disregard His commands or chase after other gods and sinful ways. Consider how you treat God in your daily life. Do your actions show thankfulness for His grace? Or do they show forgetfulness of His goodness?

Reflection

This verse invites us to examine our own lives for any way we “requite” God with disobedience. Let us respond to His grace with heartfelt worship and faithful service, remembering that He alone is our Father, Creator, and Establisher. His claim on us is unique, and our response should be love, thankfulness, and loyalty.