Jeshurun In The Bible : Who He’s Referred To
The name Jeshurun appears at least 19 times throughout the fleshed out history of the Bible, beginning with the book of Deuteronomy. It is used in reference to two different blessings that God bestowed upon the nation of Israel—both of them representing God’s Covenant with His beloved people and the titles are interpreted to mean either “Upright One” or “God Is Upright”. The phrase can also be interpreted by some to mean that God is a “Rock” or a refuge to which they can turn during difficult times.
The first instance of the name’s appearance occurs in Deuteronomy 32 and is used in the opening of Moses’ long and beautiful song that is often called the “Song of the Nations”. The song begins with the first phrase: “Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear O earth, the words of my mouth.” This is followed by a second phrase: “My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”
This is where we see many of the attributes that God has prescribed for himself, beginning with His name. To this initial description of God, Moses adds the name, Jeshurun, and the entire passage reads like this: “For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
Virtuous Character Of Jeshurun
God’s covenant with Israel has many components, but perhaps its most important one is the concept of justice and righteousness, which is embodied in the word Jeshurun. To understand what this means, it helps to look at the original context of the term in Deuteronomy 32. In this passage, God calls Israel His people and says that He found them in a harsh wilderness setting. He redeemed them just like an eagle would its young, bearing them up on its wings with no other help.
This is where the idea of Jeshurun comes in, as it is clearly intended to represent the right path and God’s covenant with His chosen people. The title serves to remind Israel of the high expectation God has for his people. He didn’t rescue them as an act of generosity, though it is certainly presented as such. He did it instead because of a mutual pledge— an agreement that the people of Israel would use their rescues as an opportunity to become a just and righteous nation.
This is why the term ‘Jeshurun’ is so important in the Book of Deuteronomy. Not only does it remind Israel to live according to the will of God and to strive for justice and righteousness, but it also serves as a reminder of God’s commitment to his people—a commitment of leading them through the wilderness and making sure that they arrive safely to their promised land.
Comparison To Israel Today
The importance of Jeshurun in the Bible should not be overlooked. It is a reminder not only to physical Israel, but to spiritual Israel—the Church—century upon century later that seeking God’s righteousness, justice, and mercy should be our goal in life. Is this an easy path to choose? No. But the Covenant—the agreement—requires that we journey along this path of righteousness and justice, and this is the reminder that is presented in the name Jeshurun.
Today’s Jews call themselves “Jeshurun”—a reminder of this sacred bond between God and His chosen people. This title is used as a reminder of God’s continual mercy and understanding, both in times of suffering and times of joy. Unfortunately, many times, the Jews of today can forget the blessing and relentless mercy and patience of God, and recall their ancient journey in the desert as a tragic exodus and exile. However, we must remember that there was an ever-present God who continually walked with the Israelites and who, even in difficult times, provided the gentle rebuke and guidance of Jeshurun.
Jeshurun As A Role Model
When delving deeper into the details of the titles and roles associated with Jeshurun, another important element stands out. As the name is associated with righteousness and justice, it’s also a reminder of what it means to be a good legislator, judge, or leader. All throughout the Bible, this name is associated with individuals of power, like Israel’s first king, Saul. In 1 Samuel 12:20, Saul proclaims: “I will not transgress the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight. Then will the LORD be with me, and if I indeed do that which is evil in his sight, then he will depart from me, and I shall be cast off from serving as prince, son of Jesse, and from the covenant of the LORD, which he made with me as an everlasting covenant of mercy”.
In this passage, Saul not only remarks on his commitment to God’s commandment, but he also ties his relationship with God to Jeshurun. He calls it an “everlasting covenant of mercy”, signaling the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and loyalty to God and His Word. In this way, Jeshurun serves as a role model for all leaders to look to when considering how to rule their people, reminding all authorities of their moral duty to seek the truth and justice, even in the face of those that may challenge their decisions.
Other Usage Of Jeshurun In The Bible
The concept of Jeshurun in the Bible isn’t confined to just the concept of Kingship. In fact, beyond the Book of Deuteronomy, it is mentioned 21 times and appears to mean “Upright One”, a phrase that can manifest itself in different ways throughout scripture. In Isaiah 44:23, God’s gift of creation and the artistry behind it is attributed to the “righteous one”. Here the term is used in the general sense, to refer to the best things that someone might do with their God-given gifts.
The term Jeshurun is also linked with the idea of remnant and salvation, seen in passages such as Isaiah 46:3-4, where God promises to care for His remnant— an assembly of God’s people—and “lift up his hand to heaven, and swear by the life of Jacob”. Similarly, in Malachi 3:17, God sets out the “remnant of Jacob” as “a remnant whom the LORD will call”. Both of these passages use Jeshurun to refer to this remnant of faithful followers who continue to live out God’s will after the turmoil of exile and exile-like circumstances.
Jeshurun In The Population Today
The name Jeshurun is still popular among certain Jewish communities in Israel today, particularly in the more religious ones. The concept of righteousness and justice—that is, doing the right thing despite one’s own personal desires—has its basis in Jewish philosophy. By bestowing the name Jeshurun on a person, parents and rabbis demonstrate their desire for the child to lead a life of righteousness, justice, love and faithfulness to God’s covenant.
It is also possible to find the term Jeshurun used in secular contexts. For example, the Israeli Ministry of Education has adopted the term Jeshurun as part of its education system to promote stances of justice, fairness and equality in the classroom, regardless of one’s faith or ethnicity. Similarly, the Israeli government has endeavored to promote the importance of justice and righteousness in its foreign policy and dealings with its neighbors.
Jeshurun In A Spiritual Sense
Beyond its secular applications, the name Jeshurun still holds a special place in the hearts and minds of spiritual Israel. As Jews continue to pray for justice and righteousness to triumph over the world and within their own lives, the name of Jeshurun serves as a reminder of God’s covenant and the importance of living a life of righteousness and justice.
It is significant that Moses chose to sing the name of Jeshurun as part of his acceptance of God’s covenant with Israel. This reveals his understanding of the importance of living a righteous life and reminds us of the responsibility we all have as spiritual descendants of Abraham and Sarah to uphold justice and righteousness in our lives. It is in this way that Jeshurun continues to serve as a vital link between past and present, reminding us that justice, righteousness, and mercy are foundational tenants of living in a way that honours God’s covenant.
Jeshurun’s Impact On Christianity
The concept of justice and righteousness – that is, an adherence to the will of God and His covenant – are central responsibility of God’s people, both Jews and Christians. As such, Jeshurun provides an important role model for Christians as well, reminding them of the expectations God has when it comes to living as a witness and ambassador of His kingdom.
The concept of justice is one of the three major tenants of the New Covenant, alongside love and faith. Jesus Himself established these criteria as the primary way God’s people should adhere to. By following this example, and by seeking the right path of justice and righteousness, believers in Christ are aligning themselves with the will of God and accepting Jesus as their Prince of Peace, King of righteousness and ruler of justice.
Jeshurun As A Direction
For those of us who are privileged to live in a democracy, the concept of justice likely looks different than it did in the desert of old. But the concept and while the application may look different, the values themselves should remain the same.
At its core, the term Jeshurun reminds us of an important truth: God desires justice and righteousness and commands us to pursue these values as much as possible, regardless of the world’s views or priorities. As such, it is a powerful reminder of what it means to live in a godly way, no matter the circumstances.
Jeshurun’s Wisdom
Finally, the concept of Jeshurun also provides us with a powerful reminder that wisdom is attained through our adherence to God’s laws and commands. When we are obedient to God’s will, He blesses us with wisdom, which allows us to make decisions that honor Him, but also benefit us as His people.
It is only through a life lived according to the will of God, and through our commitment to justice and righteousness, that we can attain true wisdom. By taking on the names and the characteristics of Jeshurun, we are reminding ourselves and those around us of this important lesson and the value of living according to God
