A skeptical argument points to modern Israel borrowing heavily from the United States to argue that the promise in Deuteronomy 15:6 ('Thou shalt lend to many nations, and shall not borrow') has failed as a prophecy.

A comparison with Deuteronomy 28:33-34 is instructive, as it indicates that while Israel might lend during periods of blessing, in times of distress they would face different circumstances. The statement in Deuteronomy 15:6 is a conditional prophecy detailing the other side of the coin. Verses 4-5 state that this blessing is entirely dependent on their obedience; it is not an unconditional, 'all the time' prophecy regardless of their spiritual state.