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? 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?
The question exposes a foolish and unwise repayment to the Lord by His own people Israel, who met Him with ingratitude, unfaithfulness, turning away from Him, and failure to honor Him. The rebuke turns on who the Lord is to them, their Father who bought them, made them, and established them. That fatherhood recalls redeeming care that purchased them, forming and sustaining work that gave them life and standing, and abiding ownership and care to which they owe everything. Their fitting return should therefore have been gratitude and devoted service.
Their corruption and turning away is rejection of the very One who redeemed and formed them, dishonoring Him and misrepresenting His character whenever they act against His principles. The words belong to a revelation of God's love for His people joined with His abhorrence of sin, warning that swift judgment would fall on those who persisted in rebellion. Departure from God and disregard for His name brought the declared judgments of captivity, scattering, and destruction of the Temple, proving that outward religious forms could not take the place of a faithful heart. That warning of coming judgment made Josiah tremble for Judah's future.
The verse stands in Moses' song, a poetic history commanded and framed by God out of the events of His dealings with Israel. It recounts His wonderful dealings, care, deliverance, goodness and mercy in the past so that history would not be forgotten. The song also foreshadows future events, including the final victory of the faithful when Christ returns in power and glory. It was to be learned by the whole nation including children, taught by parents to children, and repeated in worship and daily life as a continuing sermon.
Waymarks and memorials were to be kept in sight, so that when children inquired the whole story of His providential dealings could be repeated and kept in mind. The fitting response is to remember His ownership and care with gratitude, devoted service, thanksgiving, praise and joy. God is the Fountain of life and power who can make the wilderness a fruitful field for the people who keep His commandments for the glory of His name. He has done for His chosen people what should inspire every heart with thanksgiving, yet He is grieved that so little praise is offered. He desires His obedient children to claim His blessing, to come before Him with praise and thanksgiving with stronger expression of joy and gladness, and often to repeat His dealings and recount His goodness and wonderful works.