Yes, Moses prophesied that a 'foolish nation' (the Gentiles) would come into fellowship with God, provoking Israel to jealousy.
Les Feldick teaches that Moses foretold Israel's rejection and the subsequent call of the Gentiles. This prophecy was fulfilled when Paul brought the Gospel to the Gentiles, causing intense Jewish opposition because they viewed the Gentiles as unworthy and infringing on their relationship with God.
Deuteronomy 32:21 — Moses prophesies that God will provoke Israel to jealousy by a 'foolish nation,' which Les identifies as the Gentiles.
Acts 22:21-22 — Paul's mention of Gentiles sparked a riot, demonstrating the fulfillment of the prophecy and Israel's hostile reaction.
In Deuteronomy 32:21, Moses records God's words: 'They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.' This 'foolish nation' is understood as the Gentiles, who were not a people of God. The prophecy indicates that Israel's unfaithfulness would lead God to turn to the Gentiles, provoking Israel's jealousy. The New Testament records the fulfillment in Acts 22, where Paul, speaking to a Jewish crowd, recounts his commission: 'And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles' (Acts 22:21). The crowd's reaction is immediate: 'And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live' (Acts 22:22). This verse shows the Jews' intense anger at the very mention of Gentiles, fulfilling the prophecy of Israel's jealousy and opposition.
Les Feldick explains that Moses' prophecy in Deuteronomy 32:21 was a direct prediction that Israel would reject their Messiah and, as a result, God would turn to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that this was always God's plan, as Israel was meant to be a vehicle to reach the Gentiles, but they failed in that role because of their unbelief. When Paul began preaching to the Gentiles, the Jews were infuriated, as seen in Acts 22, because they could not accept that Gentiles could share in God's blessings. Les points out that this Jewish opposition was so intense that they even rejected the Apostle Paul for simply mentioning the word 'Gentile.' He also notes that this hatred led to reciprocal Gentile hatred of Jews over time, a tragic consequence of human nature working contrary to God's will.
The Jewish crowd in Acts 22 listened to Paul intently until he uttered the word 'Gentile,' at which point they rioted and demanded his death (Clip 2). Les Feldick explains that Israel had been blinded to her true role as God's vehicle to reach the Gentiles. They had rejected this mission and saw Paul's ministry to Gentiles as an infringement on their exclusive relationship with God (Clip 3). This reaction was a direct fulfillment of Moses' prophecy that Israel would be provoked to jealousy by a 'foolish nation' (Deuteronomy 32:21).
Les teaches that because Israel rejected her Messiah and the Old Testament promises, God did something new: He sent Paul to the Gentiles. This act 'opened the windows of heaven' for Gentiles, whose ancestors were steeped in idolatry (Clip 3). The prophecy was not an afterthought but part of God's sovereign plan, as He had already foretold through Moses that He would provoke Israel to jealousy by calling a 'foolish nation' (Clip 4).
For nearly two thousand years, God set Israel apart as His chosen people, and they developed a mindset of superiority (Clip 5). Les notes that even the Apostle Peter struggled to accept table fellowship with Gentile believers, withdrawing when other Jews arrived (Galatians 2). This ingrained separateness made it difficult for Jews to accept that God would extend His mercy to Gentiles.
Israel's Calling and Hatred
Les explains that Israel was chosen as a kingdom of priests, but this separateness carried into Paul's day, causing Jews to hate Paul for going to the Gentiles.
Gentiles' Spiritual Hunger
Les shows that Gentiles eagerly embraced the Gospel while Jews became chief opponents, and this led to reciprocal Gentile hatred of Jews.
Jewish Riot at 'Gentile'
Les highlights the riot in Acts 22 when Paul mentioned 'Gentiles,' demonstrating Israel's blindness and hostility.
Israel's Rejection Opens Door
Les teaches that Israel's rejection of Christ opened heaven's door for Gentiles, who were previously steeped in idolatry.
Paul's Call to Gentiles
Les connects Paul's preaching to Gentiles with Old Testament prophecy, showing it was God's plan, not a novel idea.
Jewish Separation Mindset
Les explains that centuries of separation made it hard for Jews to accept Gentiles, as seen even in Peter's behavior.
God's Plan to Send Paul
Les emphasizes that God told Paul from day one that he would be sent to the Gentiles, a divine plan.
Gentiles Called as 'Not My People'
Les references Hosea's prophecy that those who were not God's people would become His people, applied to Gentiles.
Deuteronomy 32:21: They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
This is the direct prophecy of Moses about the Gentiles, identified as the 'foolish nation.'
Acts 22:21-22: And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
Paul's mention of Gentiles triggers a violent reaction from the Jewish crowd, fulfilling the prophecy of jealousy.
Romans 10:19: But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
Paul cites Moses' prophecy in the context of Israel's rejection of the Gospel.
Les Feldick identifies the 'foolish nation' as the Gentiles. They were considered foolish by Israel because they were pagans without the true knowledge of God, yet God would use them to provoke Israel to jealousy.
Yes, indirectly. The prophecy in Deuteronomy 32:21 indicates that God would call a nation that was not His people, which Paul later applies to the Gentiles in Romans 10:19. Les Feldick teaches this was fulfilled when Paul took the Gospel to the Gentiles.
They were angry because they believed the Gentiles were unworthy and had infringed upon their exclusive relationship with God. Les Feldick explains that Israel had been blinded to their role as a light to the Gentiles, and thus they violently opposed Paul's ministry.
Watch the Teaching: Why Did Israel Reject God? Romans 10:18-21 Explained