Deuteronomy 32:35

KJV

To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

KJV (with Strong's)

To me belongeth vengeance {H5359}, and recompence {H8005}; their foot {H7272} shall slide {H4131} in due time {H6256}: for the day {H3117} of their calamity {H343} is at hand {H7138}, and the things that shall come {H6264} upon them make haste {H2363}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Vengeance and payback are mine for the time when their foot slips; for the day of their calamity is coming soon, their doom is rushing upon them.'

Berean Standard Bible

Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”

American Standard Version

Vengeance is mine, and recompense, At the time when their foot shall slide: For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things that are to come upon them shall make haste.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:35, a potent declaration within the prophetic Song of Moses, asserts God's exclusive prerogative over vengeance and recompense. It reveals the divine certainty and precise timing of judgment for those who oppose God or His covenant people, emphasizing that their downfall is not merely inevitable but divinely orchestrated and imminent. This verse serves as a solemn warning of impending calamity for the rebellious and a powerful assurance of ultimate justice from the sovereign Lord, highlighting His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His righteous governance over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the "Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32), a lengthy and profound poetic oracle delivered by Moses to the Israelites just before his death and their momentous entry into the Promised Land. The song functions as a comprehensive prophetic covenant lawsuit, meticulously recounting God's steadfast faithfulness to Israel despite their anticipated future apostasy, and detailing the consequent divine judgment that will follow, alongside a promise of eventual restoration. The initial verses [Deuteronomy 32:1-14](/deuteronomy/32-1-14 "Deuteronomy 32:1-14 - Praise for God's Faithfulness") laud God's incomparable character and His tender, providential care for Israel, likening Him to an eagle nurturing its young. Following this, verses 15-25 lament Israel's profound rebellion and the resultant divine anger. Deuteronomy 32:35 is strategically placed within a pivotal section (vv. 26-43) where God declares His intention to bring judgment not only upon unfaithful Israel but also, crucially, upon their enemies who have wrongly oppressed them, thereby vindicating His own holy name and His chosen people. The immediate preceding verses [Deuteronomy 32:32-34](/deuteronomy/32-32-34 "Deuteronomy 32:32-34 - The Vine of Sodom and God's Stored Wrath") vividly describe the "vine of Sodom" and the "poison of dragons" as potent metaphors for the deep wickedness of Israel's adversaries (or, in some interpretations, rebellious elements within Israel itself), whose sins are meticulously "laid up in store" with God. This detailed prelude makes the declaration of vengeance in verse 35 a direct, inevitable, and divinely ordained consequence of accumulated sin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Moses is delivered on the plains of Moab, with the vast Israelite host poised on the precipice of entering Canaan, the land promised to their ancestors. This geographical and temporal setting profoundly underscores the imminent transition from forty years of wilderness wandering to a settled, agricultural life, where the temptations of idolatry and syncretism with Canaanite practices would be ever-present and formidable. In the broader Ancient Near Eastern context, covenant treaties—especially suzerainty treaties between a great king and his vassal—frequently included elaborate lists of blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. The concept of a sovereign deity exacting justice and punishing covenant infidelity was thus a well-understood and deeply ingrained cultural norm. However, biblical divine vengeance (`nāqām`) stands in stark contrast to human vengeance. Unlike human retribution, which often stems from personal malice, is frequently disproportionate, and can be driven by unrighteous anger, divine vengeance in the biblical narrative is always righteous, perfectly just, and ultimately aimed at vindication, the restoration of cosmic and moral order, and the upholding of God's holy character. It is an intrinsic attribute of God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, ensuring that injustice does not prevail indefinitely and that His divine rule is ultimately affirmed. Moses, serving as the divinely appointed mediator of the covenant, delivers this song as his final, weighty charge, emphasizing God's unique and absolute authority over life, death, and destiny.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 32:35 powerfully contributes to several overarching and foundational themes within the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it unequivocally underscores the **absolute sovereignty of God** over all creation, particularly in matters of justice and judgment. God alone possesses the inherent right and omnipotent power to execute vengeance and recompense, thereby preventing human beings from usurping His divine role or attempting to take justice into their own fallible hands, a principle profoundly reiterated in the New Testament (e.g., [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **certainty and divine timing of judgment**. The vivid phrase "their foot shall slide in due time" emphasizes that consequences for sin and rebellion are not arbitrary or haphazard but are divinely appointed and precisely timed according to God's perfect wisdom. Furthermore, "the day of their calamity is at hand" signifies its imminent and unavoidable arrival, speaking to both God's immense patience and His ultimate, unyielding resolve to bring justice. This theme is consistently woven throughout the warnings of blessings and curses found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, the verse powerfully reinforces the theme of **consequences for covenant disobedience and rebellion**. Whether directed at Israel for their future apostasy or at the pagan nations who oppress them, the verse serves as a stark and inescapable reminder that actions have profound spiritual and temporal repercussions, thus affirming God's righteous governance over human affairs and His unwavering commitment to upholding the sanctity of His covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vengeance (Hebrew, _nâqâm'_):** This term (H5359), often misconstrued through a human lens, refers in a divine context not to petty or malicious revenge but to righteous indignation, vindication, and the restoration of justice. It signifies God's active, holy intervention to right wrongs, punish evil, and uphold His immutable character and covenant. It is an essential aspect of His sovereignty, ensuring that ultimate justice is served and that His name is glorified through the defeat of wickedness and the vindication of the oppressed.
* **Recompence (Hebrew, _shillêm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to complete," "to repay," or "to make whole," this word (H8005) speaks to the full and complete restitution or retribution. It implies that God will render to each according to their deeds, ensuring that the consequences perfectly match the offense. It is about settling accounts, bringing all things to their rightful and just conclusion, whether in the form of punishment for sin or reward for righteousness.
* **Slide (Hebrew, _môwṭ'_):** This primitive root (H4131) vividly describes a tottering, stumbling, or slipping motion, implying profound instability and an impending, inevitable fall. It paints a powerful picture of someone standing on treacherous, unstable ground, whose position is precarious and whose collapse is certain. In the context of divine judgment, it suggests that the wicked are already on the brink of destruction, and their downfall is merely a matter of time, divinely appointed and inescapable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence;":** This opening declaration is a profound statement of divine prerogative and exclusive ownership. God unequivocally claims for Himself the sole right and inherent power to execute both vengeance and recompense. This is not a shared responsibility or a delegated authority; it is an attribute intrinsic to His sovereignty, perfect righteousness, and ultimate justice. It emphatically establishes that human beings are forbidden from taking justice into their own hands, as only God possesses the perfect knowledge, impartiality, and omnipotence required to administer true and righteous retribution.
* **"their foot shall slide in [due] time:":** This phrase introduces the certainty and precise timing of the impending divine judgment. The powerful imagery of a "sliding foot" vividly portrays instability, a precarious position, and an inevitable fall, indicating that those who are the objects of God's judgment (whether rebellious Israel or their oppressors) are already in a perilous state. The crucial addition "in [due] time" (H6256, _ʻêth_) emphasizes that this downfall is not random or accidental but is divinely appointed, perfectly timed according to God's sovereign plan, and patiently awaited.
* **"for the day of their calamity [is] at hand,":** This clause provides the compelling reason for the "sliding foot" and powerfully reinforces the imminence of the impending judgment. "Calamity" (H343, _ʼêyd_) refers to a devastating disaster, ruin, or destruction. The declaration that this "day" (H3117, _yôwm_) is "at hand" (H7138, _qârôwb_) signifies its extreme proximity and unavoidable nature. It is not a distant, theoretical threat but an impending, certain reality, underscoring the urgency and absolute certainty of divine judgment for those who persist in rebellion.
* **"and the things that shall come upon them make haste.":** This final clause further emphasizes the swift, relentless, and accelerating approach of the promised divine judgment. The "things that shall come upon them" (H6264, _ʻâthîyd_) refer to the full weight of God's righteous retribution and the consequences of their actions. The phrase "make haste" (H2363, _chûwsh_) suggests an accelerating process, implying that once the divinely appointed "due time" arrives, the execution of judgment will be rapid, decisive, and inescapable, leaving no room for evasion or delay.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:35, as an integral part of the highly poetic and prophetic Song of Moses, is rich in literary and rhetorical devices that profoundly amplify its solemn message. The primary device is **Personification**, as God speaks directly in the first person, claiming "vengeance" and "recompence" as His exclusive possessions, thereby emphasizing His absolute and inherent control over these divine attributes. The phrase "their foot shall slide" employs vivid **Imagery** and a potent **Metaphor**, painting a clear and unsettling picture of instability and impending collapse, suggesting a precarious position that inevitably leads to a devastating fall. This **Metaphor** of a "sliding foot" effectively communicates the precarious and doomed state of those who stand under divine judgment. The declarations that "the day of their calamity [is] at hand" and "the things that shall come upon them make haste" utilize powerful **Foreshadowing** and create a palpable sense of **Imminence**, building dramatic tension and underscoring the absolute certainty and swiftness of God's impending judgment. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Divine Declaration** of God's unwavering sovereignty and perfect justice, a solemn warning that carries the full, unchallengeable weight of God's own supreme authority and righteous character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:35 stands as a foundational theological statement regarding God's unique and exclusive right to administer ultimate justice. It underscores that vengeance, in its righteous and redemptive sense, belongs solely to the Lord, preventing humanity from engaging in personal retribution that is often fueled by malice, disproportionate, and ultimately unjust. This divine prerogative ensures that justice is perfectly balanced, perfectly timed, and perfectly executed, reflecting God's holy character and His commitment to moral order. The verse also highlights God's active involvement in human history, not as a passive observer, but as a sovereign ruler who will ultimately bring all things to account, whether for His covenant people or their adversaries. It is a powerful reminder that while God is patient and longs for repentance, His patience has a limit, and the day of reckoning for unrepentant sin is certain and unavoidable.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")
* [Hebrews 10:30](/hebrews/10-30 "Hebrews 10:30 - God's Vengeance and Judgment")
* [Nahum 1:2](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2 - God is a Jealous and Avenging God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:35 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, calling us to a posture of deep trust, profound humility, and unwavering hope in God's perfect governance. Firstly, it demands that we wholeheartedly relinquish any desire for personal revenge or retribution. When we are wronged, insulted, or unjustly treated, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that vengeance belongs to God alone. Our sacred role is to forgive, to bless those who persecute us, and to trust that the Lord, who sees all things with perfect clarity, will administer perfect justice in His own divine timing. This liberating truth frees us from the corrosive burden of bitterness, the destructive cycle of retaliation, and the heavy weight of seeking personal vindication. Secondly, for those who might be complacent in sin, presuming upon God's boundless patience, this verse serves as a solemn and urgent warning: there is indeed a "due time" for judgment, and "the day of calamity" is truly "at hand" for those who persist in rebellion against God's commands and His holy character. It issues a compelling call for immediate repentance and a decisive turning towards God before it is too late and the consequences are realized. Finally, for those who are suffering under oppression, enduring injustice, or facing persecution, this verse offers immense comfort and profound hope. It assures us with absolute certainty that God is not indifferent to suffering; He sees every tear, He knows every wrong, and He will ultimately act decisively to bring about justice and recompense for His people, vindicating the righteous and bringing down the proud.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "vengeance belongs to God" fundamentally alter your response when you feel wronged or observe profound injustice in the world?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be tempted to take matters into your own hands rather than patiently trusting God's perfect timing and His righteous justice?**
* **What specific comfort or solemn warning does the vivid phrase "their foot shall slide in due time" offer you personally in your current circumstances?**
* **How does this verse shape and strengthen your perspective on the ultimate triumph of good over evil, and God's final, perfect restoration of all things?**

### FAQ
**Why does God claim "vengeance" for Himself, and how is this different from human revenge?**

Answer: The term "vengeance" (Hebrew: *nāqām*, H5359) when attributed to God in Scripture, as in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - God's Vengeance and Recompense"), is fundamentally and qualitatively different from human revenge. Human revenge is typically driven by personal malice, uncontrolled anger, and a desire for disproportionate retaliation. It is often impulsive, biased, and destructive, leading to perpetual cycles of violence and injustice. In stark contrast, God's vengeance is a pure expression of His perfect righteousness, holiness, and immutable justice. It is not an emotional outburst but a deliberate, holy act of vindication, aimed at restoring cosmic order, upholding His sacred covenant, and demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all forms of evil. God's vengeance is always perfectly just, perfectly timed, and perfectly executed. He claims it exclusively because He alone possesses the perfect knowledge, absolute impartiality, and infinite power to administer true justice, ensuring that every wrong is righted and every deed receives its due recompense (H8005, _shillêm_). This profound truth is why the New Testament explicitly instructs believers to "[leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves')."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:35, with its powerful declaration of divine vengeance and recompense, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament speaks of God's righteous judgment against sin and rebellion, the New Testament reveals how this very judgment is both absorbed and ultimately executed through Christ. On the cross, Jesus became the willing recipient of God's righteous wrath against humanity's sin, bearing the "calamity" (H343, _ʼêyd_) that was justly due to us, so that all who believe might be spared and reconciled to God (as powerfully articulated in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His perfect, atoning sacrifice is the ultimate "recompense" (H8005, _shillêm_) for sin, fully satisfying the immutable demands of divine justice. Furthermore, Christ is revealed as the ultimate agent of God's future and final judgment. The "day of their calamity" (H3117, _yôwm_) that "is at hand" (H7138, _qârôwb_) finds its eschatological climax in the glorious return of Christ, who will come not only as the merciful Savior but also as the righteous and omnipotent Judge. Passages like [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, but Has Given All Judgment to the Son") unequivocally declare that the Father "judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son." The imagery of the "sliding foot" (H7272, _regel_, and H4131, _môwṭ_) and the "hasting calamity" (H2363, _chûwsh_) will be fully and irrevocably realized for those who reject His grace and persist in rebellion, as vividly described in [2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - Vengeance on Those Who Do Not Know God") where Christ brings "vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." Thus, Deuteronomy 32:35 profoundly foreshadows the dual nature of Christ's coming: His first advent as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and His second advent as the Lion of Judah who executes perfect, final, and universal justice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 12:19

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Hebrews 10:30

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Nahum 1:2

¶ God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.

Psalms 73:17

Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] understood I their end.

Psalms 73:19

How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.