Deuteronomy 32:40

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:39-43

This conclusion of the song speaks three things: I. Glory to God, Deut. 32:39. ?See now upon the whole matter, that I, even I, am he. Learn this from the destruction of idolaters, and the inability of their idols to help them.? The great God here demands the glory, 1. Of a self-existence: I, even I, am he. Thus Moses concludes with that name of God by which he was first made to know him (Exod. 3:14), ?I am that I am. I am he that I have been, that I will be, that I have promised to be, that I... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:40

For I lift up my hand to heaven ,.... Which is a gesture used in swearing, Genesis 14:22 , and is ascribed to a divine Person, Ezekiel 20:5 ; and particularly to Christ the angel, that is so wonderfully described, Revelation 10:1 ; though sometimes it is used, as Aben Ezra observes, to excite the attention of hearers, but here it signifies swearing; and so the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem paraphrase it,"I have lift up my hands with an oath to heaven;'and to the same sense is the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 32:40

For I lift up my hand to heaven - See concerning oaths and appeals to God in the note on Deuteronomy 6:13 ; (note). read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 32:40

Verse 40 40.For (293) I lift up my, hand to heaven. Others render it, “When I shall have lifted up my hand,” and read it connectedly with the foregoing verse, that God’s power in destroying and preserving will be manifest, if He raises up His hand to heaven. I do not doubt, however, but that it is the beginning of a new sentence, and that God thus commences, in order to affirm more strongly what He immediately adds respecting the future destruction of their enemies. If, however, any prefer the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:19-47

Vengeance and recompense. The reasonableness of the Divine jealousy being shown already, we can have little difficulty in recognizing the further reasonableness of the Divine vengeance. Paul's treatment of the question is concise and conclusive. "Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man). God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?" ( Romans 3:5 , Romans 3:6 ). Vengeance is recognized, therefore, as belonging to God's justice, which shall be called into play... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:34-43

Notwithstanding the iniquity of Israel and the judgments that should come upon them, God would have compassion upon them for his Name's sake, and would appear for their vindication and defense. The "this" in Deuteronomy 32:34 is by some understood of the sinful doings of the Israelites which God should not forget or overlook. So the Targum of Onkelos: "Are not all their works manifest before me, kept against the day of judgment in my treasures?" So also Calvin, " Quanquam de poenis hunc... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:34-43

Retribution. I. VENGEANCE A PREROGATIVE OF DEITY . As just Judge of the earth, God must avenge transgression. Vengeance is to be distinguished from personal vindictiveness. Of that God is incapable. But Scripture, supported by reason and conscience, attributes to him a holy and inflexible determination to punish sin—to visit on the wrong-doer the consequences of his transgression. The rule for individuals is, "Avenge not yourselves," etc.; but the reason for this is not that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:36-43

Jehovah reigns; be glad! This paragraph has about it a remarkably martial ring. It is not to be looked at as bald and literal prose. It is part of a song; it is laden with imagery, in which the God of Israel is set forth as a mighty Warrior, whose march none can hinder, whose inflictions none can withstand or evade. The style of the song was precisely appropriate to the age in which it was composed, and suited to the people in whose hearing it was addressed. The truths clothed in such... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:36-43

The final revelation of God's supremacy. In this inspired song—an epitome of the Bible—Moses looks adown the long vista of history, and discerns what will be the outcome of the whole, viz. to establish on a safe basis the acknowledged supremacy of Jehovah. Truth shall eventually conquer, whatever be her present fortunes; and the supreme authority of Jehovah is a fundamental truth, which must in duo time effectually shine forth. I. HUMAN EXPERIENCE WILL ULTIMATELY CONFIRM THE... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:40-41

These verses should be read continuously: For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, As I live forever, if I whet my glittering sword, and if my hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, etc. Lifting up the hand to heaven was a gesture intended to express that the person taking an oath appealed to God as a witness of his oath, and who would perish for falsehood (cf. Genesis 14:22 ); and "as the Lord liveth" was a common formula in taking an oath (cf. Numbers... read more

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