Deuteronomy 32:19-27
“They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God... and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.”
King James Version
From the Song of Moses — God will provoke unfaithful Israel to jealousy by 'a foolish nation,' which Paul applies to the Gentiles.
Fulfillment References
Romans 10:19 Romans 11:11 Deuteronomy 32:21 Isaiah 65:1
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe 'foolish nation' provoking Israel to jealousy is the believing Gentiles (Rom. 10:19) — the one God drawing all peoples to Himself in Christ.
JewishGod's response to idolatry — provoking Israel through 'a non-people'; read within the Song's covenant-lawsuit warning.
CatholicPaul applies 'a foolish nation' to the Gentiles, whose faith provokes Israel to jealousy (Rom. 10:19).
ProtestantPaul cites this (Rom. 10:19; 11:11) — the Gentiles ('not a people') provoke Israel to jealousy, a key to his Romans 9-11 argument.
OrthodoxThe mystery of Gentile inclusion provoking Israel, fulfilled in the gospel.
DispensationalThe Gentile age provoking Israel to jealousy, preceding national restoration.
AcademicPaul's use of Deut. 32:21 is central to the study of his 'jealousy' motif and Israel-Gentile theology in Romans.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.