Deuteronomy 32:5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 32:5

Deuteronomy 32:5. They have corrupted themselves Notwithstanding that God hath fully displayed these excellences in his dealings with the Israelitish nation, yet how corrupt and ungrateful hath been their behaviour! Their spot The wickedness with which they are stained; is not of his children Plainly shows they are not his children, but of their father the devil, John 8:44. God’s children have no such spot. Indeed, the text does not affirm that they have any spot at all. The Hebrew לא... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:1-47

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Deuteronomy 32:5

They have, &c. The Nom., "generation", is put last by Figure of speech Hyperbaton ( App-6 ), for emphasis, in contrast with "the Rock" of Deuteronomy 32:4 , which is there put first. Compare Deuteronomy 32:20 . Render the verse thus: "A perverse and crooked generation hath corrupted itself: [To be] no sons of His is their blemish. " spot = blemish. children = sons. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Deuteronomy 32:5

Ver. 5. They have corrupted themselves, &c.— Is there corruption in Him? no: but of his children the spot is theirs. Dr. Waterland. Houbigant renders it: They are corrupt: they are not his children: They are blotted: a wicked, and perverse generation. In which version he follows the Samaritan and several others. Dr. Lowth, though he gives, as we shall soon see, a different interpretation, and as good a one, perhaps, as can be offered of the Hebrew text, yet rather agrees with Houbigant in... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 32:5

5. They have corrupted themselves—that is, the Israelites by their frequent lapses and their inveterate attachment to idolatry. their spot is not the spot of his children—This is an allusion to the marks which idolaters inscribe on their foreheads or their arms with paint or other substances, in various colors and forms—straight, oval, or circular, according to the favorite idol of their worship. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Deuteronomy 32:1-43

2. The song itself 32:1-43One Old Testament scholar called the Song of Moses "one of the most impressive religious poems in the entire Old Testament." [Note: W. F. Albright, "Some Remarks on the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy XXXII," Vetus Testamentum 9 (1959):339-46.] It contrasts the faithfulness and loyal love of God with the unfaithfulness and perversity of His people. As other important poems in the Pentateuch (e.g., Genesis 49; Exodus 15; Numbers 24), it also teaches major themes."The song... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Deuteronomy 32:5-6

Israel, on the other hand, was "perverse and crooked" (Deuteronomy 32:5). Moses also called God the Father of the Israelites (Deuteronomy 32:6) whom His people had repaid with corrupt behavior for His many gifts. Such a response was despicable in the ancient East. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 32:1-52

The Song of MosesThe theme of this noble Song is the goodness of Jehovah in choosing Israel and bringing them into a rich land. When they provoke Him with their forgetfulness and unfaithfulness, He disciplines them. But He does not utterly reject them; when they repent He takes part with them against their enemies and delivers them. It will be observed that the exodus begins and concludes with a Song of Moses: see Exodus 15:1-18. Psalms 90 is also attributed to him.1-6. Heaven and earth are... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Deuteronomy 32:5

(5)—“He (Israel) hath destroyed himself.Their undutifulness,[5] that is their blot,[5] Literally, they are no sons to him. (Comp. Deuteronomy 32:20.)A froward and crooked generation !”These first two lines are given up as hopeless by many interpreters, not because the words are difficult of translation, but from the great variety of possible interpretations. After careful consideration of the passage with a learned Christian Hebrew,[6] I venture to propound this as the true translation. It is... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:1-52

THE SONG AND BLESSING OF MOSES(A) THE SONG OF MOSESDeuteronomy 32:1-52CRITICS have debated the date, authorship, and history of this song. For the present purpose it is sufficient, perhaps, to refer to the statement on these points in the note below.But in discussing the meaning and contents of the song the differences referred to cause no difficulties. On any supposition the time and circumstances, whether assumed as present, or actually and really present to the prophet’s mind, can clearly be... read more

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