The heathen had also a rock in which they trusted—their idol-gods; but even they knew and felt that their rock was not as the Rock of Israel, for, having often experienced the almighty power of God, they could not but acknowledge that he was mightier far than the gods whom they worshipped (cf. Exodus 14:25 ; Numbers 33:1-56 ; Numbers 34:1-29 .; Joshua 2:9 ; 1 Samuel 5:7 ). Moses is here himself again the speaker. read more
The superiority of the believer's Rock. Few men but feel that they need a rock of some kind. Only when their mountain stands very strong do they feel as if they were absolutely secure and independent ( Obadiah 1:3 , Obadiah 1:4 ). Even then their trust is in acquired power and riches, which is a "rock" to them, though their confidence often proves delusive (Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, Wolsey). When men have lost faith in religion, they frequently take refuge in the "rock" of philosophy. The... read more
Our Rock. Apply to the religion of the Bible. Proved to be superior to every other system: 1. In proofs of supernatural origin. 2. In moral and spiritual power. 3. In the privileges it offers. 4. In the prospects it holds out. Admissions and concessions on each of these points could be gathered from the writings of many of the most noted unbelievers.—J.O. read more
If the Rock of Israel was so much mightier than the rock of their enemies, how came it that Israel was beaten and put to flight by their enemies? The reason is here given: It was because Israel had become wholly corrupt and vitiated that they were forsaken of the Lord and left to the power of their enemies. Their vine ; i . e . Israel itself (cf. Psalms 80:9 , etc.; Isaiah 5:2 ; Jeremiah 2:21 ; Hosea 10:1 ). The vine of Sodom . It has been supposed that there is reference... read more
The vine of Sodom. Emblem of fruit of sin. 1. Tempting. 2. Deceptive. 3. Ending in disappointment and disgust.—J.O. read more
Song of MosesIf Deuteronomy 32:1-3 be regarded as the introduction, and Deuteronomy 32:43 as the conclusion, the main contents of the song may be grouped under three heads, namely,(1) Deuteronomy 32:4-18, the faithfulness of God, the faithlessness of Israel;(2) Deuteronomy 32:19-33, the chastisement and the need of its infliction by God;(3) Deuteronomy 32:34-42, God’s compassion upon the low and humbled state of His people.The Song differs signally in diction and idiom from the preceding... read more
Deuteronomy 32:31. Their rock is not as our rock The gods of the heathen are not wise, and powerful, and gracious, like Jehovah. Our enemies being judges Who, by their dear-bought experience, have often been forced to acknowledge that our God is far mightier than they and their false gods together. read more
Deuteronomy 32:32. Their vine is the vine of Sodom God had planted Israel a noble vine, a right seed, but they turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine, Jeremiah 2:21. Their principles and practices became corrupt and abominable. Their grapes are grapes of gall Their fruits are loathsome to me, mischievous to others, and at last will be pernicious to themselves. And so Josephus, their own countryman, describes them before their last destruction, when he says, their city was so... read more
The song of Moses (31:30-32:47)Being aware of the people’s tendency to rebellion against God (see v. 29), Moses left with them a song that he wanted everyone to take notice of (30). The song reminded the people of God’s loving care for them and of the need for faithfulness on their part towards him. It dealt with the future as well as the past, and reminded the people that in justice God would punish them and in mercy he would forgive them.As rain benefits young grass, so Moses’ words should... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:30-35
The devil's counterfeit coin. It is not in the power of Satan to originate any new thing. Knowing that his power is restricted, the utmost he can do is to make spurious imitations of God's good things. His base purpose is to deceive man with spectral illusions. His nefarious design is to raise before the world's eye an empty mirage of a carnal paradise. I. EVERY MAN CRAVES FOR SOME GROUND OF CONFIDENCE , EXTERNAL TO HIMSELF . To the men of the East, this external... read more