Jeshurun

Jeshurun (meaning the upright one or the dear upright people) is a poetic name for the people of Israel used in four passages of deep emotional and theological significance: Deuteronomy 32:15; 33:5, 26; and Isaiah 44:2. It is a term of affectionate address, expressing God's idealized vision of his people as upright, beloved, and chosen.

The most striking use is in Deuteronomy 32:15, where Jeshurun "grew fat and kicked" — prosperity led to spiritual unfaithfulness. The contrast between the name's meaning (uprightness) and the people's behavior (revolt) is deliberate and poignant: the "dear upright people" became anything but upright in their abundance. By contrast, Deuteronomy 33:26 uses Jeshurun in a blessing context — "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun" — expressing unparalleled divine majesty in relation to his treasured people. Isaiah 44:2 uses it in the context of restoration and the coming of the Spirit, addressing the people with tender assurance: "Do not be afraid, O Jeshurun whom I have chosen."