Charles Ellicott Commentary Deuteronomy 32:5

"They have dealt corruptly with him, [they are] not his children, [it is] their blemish; [They are] a perverse and crooked generation." — Deuteronomy 32:5 (ASV)

“He (Israel) has destroyed himself.
Their undutifulness, that is their blemish,
A perverse and crooked generation!”

These first two lines are regarded as hopeless by many interpreters, not because the words are difficult to translate, but because of the great variety of possible interpretations. After careful consideration of the passage with a learned Christian Hebraist, I venture to propose this as the true translation. It is substantially identical with that of the English margin. The Hebrew consists of only five words: (1) “He-has-corrupted,” (2) “to-him,” (3) “not,” (4) “his-sons,” (5) “their blemish.” It seems certain that the first two words should be taken together, if the text is correct.

The same construction is found in Numbers 32:15, “you shall destroy all this people,” and also in 1 Samuel 23:10, “to destroy the city.” Regarding the third and fourth words, we believe their true relation is the same as what we find in Deuteronomy 32:21, a “not-God,” and a “not-people,” and also in Deuteronomy 32:5, “not-wise.” In like manner, Israel are in this verse called “not-sons of His” (literally, they are no sons to Him). Their not-sonship, their unfilial, undutiful, ungodly behavior towards Him who is the perfection of truth and sincerity, a very Rock of fidelity to them—that is their great blemish.

He has said, “Israel is my son, even my firstborn.” But all Israel’s behavior gives Him the lie. The contrast between the two descriptions—the faithful God of Deuteronomy 32:4, and the unfaithful children of Deuteronomy 32:5—is the cardinal point in the verse. In the form of the expression, lo-bânâv is strictly parallel to the Lo-ammi of Hosea 1:9. The “perverse and crooked generation” supplies two words to Psalms 18:26, “with the froward you will show yourself froward.” Compare also the context of the two passages. Many other interpretations have been proposed, and some have altered the text. I believe the text to be correct, and that this is the true meaning.

I wish to express, once and for all, my great obligations to Mr. Bernhard Maimon for his assistance in this and many other difficulties.