English NET Bible - 2005 (New English Translation)
Deuteronomy 31:16 — English NET Bible - 2005 (New English Translation)
Then the LORD said to Moses, “You are about to die, and then these people will begin to prostitute themselves with the foreign gods of the land into which they are going. They will reject me and break my covenant that I have made with them.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, God tells Moses that after his death, the people will start worshiping other gods and break their covenant with God. God is warning Moses about the future actions of the people.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you promised to always play with your favorite toy, but then you met new toys and forgot about your old promise. God is telling Moses that the people might do something like that, but with gods instead of toys.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the book of Deuteronomy, written by Moses around 1200 BCE. It was written to the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land, warning them about the dangers of idolatry.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can relate this to people who start to prioritize things like money or fame over their relationship with God. It's a reminder to stay true to our promises and commitments.