Jeshurun
“The upright one, or the righteous little people”
Summary
A poetical name for Israel meaning 'the upright one,' used as an affectionate term expressing Israel's ideal character and covenant relationship with God, though sometimes applied ironically when Israel departed from righteousness.
☩Meaning and Usage
Jeshurun is a poetical appellation of Israel, used four times in Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:15, 33:5, 33:26, and Isaiah 44:2. The name is derived from the Hebrew yashar, meaning 'upright,' and is thought to contain a subtle wordplay on the name Israel. The ancient translators rendered it variously: the Septuagint as 'beloved one,' the Vulgate as 'most upright,' and Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion as 'upright.' The term expresses that God recognized Israel as righteous by virtue of their covenant relationship with Him.
☩Theological Significance
In Isaiah 44:2, where the prophet introduces this name alongside 'Jacob,' commentators see a contrast: Jacob was 'the supplanter,' but Israel is given a new name, 'the upright one,' representing a new chance to live up to its meaning. In Deuteronomy 32:15, where the context speaks of Israel's declension from its ideal, the name is applied reproachfully, as Calvin noted: 'placing the name of Upright for Israel, he ironically upbraids those who had fallen from uprightness.' The name conveys both blessedness and prosperity, related to the Hebrew ashar, 'happy.'
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Jeshurun," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Jeshurun," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Jeshurun," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Jeshurun," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).