Deuteronomy 32:41

If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.

If I whet {H8150} my glittering {H1300} sword {H2719}, and mine hand {H3027} take hold {H270} on judgment {H4941}; I will render {H7725} vengeance {H5359} to mine enemies {H6862}, and will reward {H7999} them that hate {H8130} me.

if I sharpen my flashing sword and set my hand to judgment, I will render vengeance to my foes, repay those who hate me.

when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me.

If I whet my glittering sword, And my hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine adversaries, And will recompense them that hate me.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 32:41 is a powerful declaration from the "Song of Moses," emphasizing God’s absolute sovereignty and His commitment to divine justice.

Context

This verse is part of a prophetic song delivered by Moses to the Israelites just before his death, recorded in Deuteronomy chapter 32. The song serves as a solemn warning and a testament to God's character. It recounts God's faithfulness to Israel, their subsequent rebellion and idolatry, and the resulting divine chastisement. Within this narrative, verses 39-43 highlight God's unique power and His ultimate plan for both judgment upon His enemies and and vindication for His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Vengeance: The verse unequivocally states God's intention to execute judgment. This is not human revenge, but God's righteous retribution (Romans 12:19), ensuring that all wrongs are ultimately made right. It underscores that God is not indifferent to evil or injustice.
  • God's Unrivaled Power and Sovereignty: The imagery of God whetting His "glittering sword" and His "hand take hold on judgment" portrays Him as the supreme warrior and judge, whose power is unmatched and whose decisions are final. He alone has the right and ability to render such vengeance.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: For those who oppose God and oppress His people, the verse promises a sure and certain recompense. It serves as a stark warning to "mine enemies" and "them that hate me" that their actions will not go unpunished.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "If I whet my glittering sword" (Hebrew: אִם־שַׁנּוֹתִי בְּרַק חַרְבִּי, *im shannoti beraq charbi*) vividly depicts God preparing for decisive, swift action. The "glittering" or "flashing" aspect suggests both the terrifying majesty of God's presence and the inescapable nature of His judgment.
  • "Mine hand take hold on judgment" (Hebrew: וְתֹאחֵז בְּמִשְׁפָּט יָדִי, *veto’chez bemishpat yadi*) signifies a direct, personal, and authoritative act of justice. It is God Himself, not an agent, who will execute this judgment.
  • The term "vengeance" (נָקָם, *naqam*) in this biblical context does not imply malice or petty retaliation, but rather a restorative justice that brings about a righting of wrongs and a vindication of God's holiness and righteousness. It is a necessary aspect of God's character as a just ruler.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 32:41 offers several profound applications for believers today:

  • Comfort for the Oppressed: In a world filled with injustice, this verse provides immense comfort and hope. It assures us that God sees every wrong and will, in His perfect timing, bring about righteous judgment. We are called to trust His justice rather than seeking personal retribution (1 Peter 2:23).
  • Sobering Warning: For those who disregard God's commands or actively oppose Him, this verse serves as a solemn warning about the inevitable consequences of rebellion. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: It reminds us that God is ultimately in control. His plans for justice and salvation will prevail, and no human power can thwart His will. We can rest in the knowledge that God is a righteous judge who will reward those who hate Him and deliver His people.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 66:16

    For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

  • Isaiah 34:5

    For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.

  • Isaiah 34:6

    The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, [and] with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.

  • Isaiah 27:1

    ¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.

  • Psalms 7:12

    If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

  • Ezekiel 21:9

    Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:

  • Ezekiel 21:15

    I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that [their] heart may faint, and [their] ruins be multiplied: ah! [it is] made bright, [it is] wrapped up for the slaughter.
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