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Matthew Henry

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 32:39

See now that I, even I, am he ,.... Which words are directed to the people of God in their low estate, to look to Christ, and expect deliverance and salvation from him; or to their enemies that insult them, to the despisers, to look, and wonder, and perish, as they will, when the witnesses slain by them shall arise, and go up to heaven in their sight, Revelation 11:11 ; they are spoken by the Word and Son of God, to whom the Father has committed all judgment, and who will now rise up... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 32:39

See now that I-am he - Be convinced that God alone can save, and God alone can destroy, and that your idols can neither hurt nor help you. I kill, and I make alive, etc. - My mercy is as great as my justice, for I am as ready to save the penitent as I was to punish the rebellious. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 32:39

Verse 39 39See now that 1, even I, am he. Those who attribute the preceding verses to the unbelievers, now introduce God speaking, as it were, abruptly, and asserting His glory, in rebuke of their blasphemies. But it is rather a confirmation of that holy boasting which He has just dictated to the believers, when God not only bids His people lift up their voices against the idols, but Himself comes forward to condemn the senselessness of the Gentiles; although the context clearly shows that He... 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 32:39

See now that I am, even I am he. The Hebrew is more expressive, See now that I, I am; LXX ; ἴδετε ἴδετε ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι (cf. Isaiah 41:4 ; Isaiah 48:12 ; John 8:24 , John 18:5 ). Their own experience of the utter impotency of these idol-gods to help them or to protect themselves from the stroke of the Almighty was enough to convince them that they were no gods, and that he alone was to be feared and worshipped. read more

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