Deuteronomy 31:20

When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant.

Study Bible

When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers
This phrase refers to the fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land, known as Canaan, was promised as an inheritance to their descendants (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). This promise is a central theme in the Pentateuch, highlighting God's faithfulness and the continuity of His covenant. The historical context involves the Israelites' journey from Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land, a journey that underscores God's guidance and provision.

a land flowing with milk and honey
This description emphasizes the fertility and abundance of Canaan. "Milk and honey" symbolize prosperity and the richness of the land, indicating a place of sustenance and blessing (Exodus 3:8). Archaeological evidence supports the agricultural richness of ancient Canaan, with its diverse crops and livestock. This phrase also serves as a metaphor for divine provision and the fulfillment of God's promises.

they will eat their fill and prosper
This indicates the material blessings and prosperity the Israelites would experience in the Promised Land. It reflects the covenantal blessings outlined in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, where obedience to God results in abundance and success. However, prosperity also presents a spiritual test, as it can lead to complacency and forgetfulness of God (Deuteronomy 8:10-14).

Then they will turn to other gods and worship them
This phrase predicts Israel's future apostasy, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Despite God's faithfulness, the Israelites often turned to idolatry, influenced by the surrounding Canaanite culture (Judges 2:11-13). This turning away from God is a violation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) and highlights the spiritual battle between faithfulness to God and the temptation of foreign deities.

and they will reject Me and break My covenant
This statement underscores the seriousness of Israel's disobedience. Rejecting God and breaking the covenant signifies a breach in the relationship established at Sinai (Exodus 19:5-6). The covenant was conditional, requiring Israel's obedience in return for God's blessings. This breach leads to the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. Theologically, it foreshadows the need for a new covenant, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 8:6-13), who restores the broken relationship between God and humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's message to the people. He is preparing them for his departure and the transition of leadership to Joshua.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are about to enter the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for 40 years.

3. The Promised Land
Referred to as "a land flowing with milk and honey," it symbolizes abundance and God's faithfulness to His promises.

4. Other gods
The false deities that the Israelites are warned against worshiping, representing the temptation to idolatry.

5. The Covenant
The solemn agreement between God and the Israelites, which they are at risk of breaking through disobedience and idolatry.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness and Human Forgetfulness
God is faithful to His promises, as seen in His provision of the Promised Land. However, humans often forget God's goodness when they become prosperous and self-sufficient.

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is a recurring temptation for God's people. We must guard our hearts against anything that takes the place of God in our lives.

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
The covenant relationship with God requires obedience and loyalty. Breaking the covenant leads to spiritual and often physical consequences.

Prosperity as a Test of Faith
Prosperity can be a test of faithfulness. We must remain vigilant in our devotion to God, even when life is comfortable and abundant.

The Role of Remembrance in Spiritual Life
Regularly remembering God's past faithfulness helps prevent spiritual complacency and idolatry.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of a "land flowing with milk and honey" reflect God's character and His relationship with the Israelites?

2. In what ways can prosperity lead to spiritual complacency in our own lives, and how can we guard against it?

3. What are some modern-day "gods" or idols that can tempt us away from our covenant relationship with God?

4. How can we actively remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our daily lives to prevent spiritual forgetfulness?

5. How does the warning in Deuteronomy 31:20 challenge us to examine our own faithfulness to God's covenant today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:8
This verse describes God's promise to bring the Israelites to a land flowing with milk and honey, highlighting His faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

Judges 2:11-15
This passage recounts how the Israelites turned to other gods after entering the Promised Land, fulfilling the warning given in Deuteronomy 31:20.

Jeremiah 11:10
This verse speaks of the Israelites breaking the covenant, echoing the prophecy in Deuteronomy 31:20 about their future disobedience.

Hosea 13:6
This verse reflects on how prosperity led the Israelites to forget God, similar to the warning in Deuteronomy 31:20.