Deuteronomy 32:42

KJV

I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; [and that] with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will make mine arrows {H2671} drunk {H7937} with blood {H1818}, and my sword {H2719} shall devour {H398} flesh {H1320}; and that with the blood {H1818} of the slain {H2491} and of the captives {H7633}, from the beginning {H7218} of revenges {H6546} upon the enemy {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will make my arrows drunk with blood, my sword will devour flesh the blood of the slain and the captives, flesh from the wild-haired heads of the enemy."'

Berean Standard Bible

I will make My arrows drunk with blood, while My sword devours flesh— the blood of the slain and captives, the heads of the enemy leaders.”

American Standard Version

I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, And my sword shall devour flesh; With the blood of the slain and the captives, From the head of the leaders of the enemy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:42, a potent declaration within the "Song of Moses," vividly portrays God as a divine warrior executing decisive and comprehensive judgment against His adversaries. This verse underscores the absolute certainty and severity of divine retribution, illustrating God's unyielding commitment to justice and His ultimate vindication of His covenant people through the total defeat of their oppressors. It is a stark reminder that God's patience does not negate His righteous wrath against rebellion and evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic section of the "Song of Moses" [Deuteronomy 32](/deuteronomy/32 "Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses"), a prophetic poem delivered by Moses just before his death. The song begins by extolling God's faithfulness and character [Deuteronomy 32:1-4](/deuteronomy/32-1 "Deuteronomy 32:1-4 - God's Faithfulness"), then laments Israel's apostasy and rebellion [Deuteronomy 32:5-18](/deuteronomy/32-5 "Deuteronomy 32:5-18 - Israel's Rebellion"). God's subsequent discipline and judgment upon Israel are detailed [Deuteronomy 32:19-38](/deuteronomy/32-19 "Deuteronomy 32:19-38 - God's Discipline"), culminating in a powerful shift where God declares His ultimate vengeance against the nations and entities that oppressed His people. Verses [Deuteronomy 32:39-41](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39-41 - God's Sovereignty in Judgment") immediately precede this verse, establishing God as the sole sovereign over life and death, the one who sharpens His sword and executes judgment. Verse 42 continues and intensifies this imagery, portraying God's active and devastating intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Song of Moses was given as Israel stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land, a land inhabited by hostile nations. In the ancient Near East, divine warriors were common motifs, but the God of Israel is presented uniquely as the ultimate and righteous warrior. The song serves as a covenant lawsuit, outlining the consequences of Israel's future unfaithfulness and God's eventual restoration and vengeance on their behalf. The imagery of arrows and swords is deeply rooted in the military realities of the time, making God's declaration of judgment powerfully tangible to the original audience. It reflects a worldview where divine justice was expected to manifest in temporal, often violent, ways against those who opposed the divine will or oppressed the chosen people. This prophetic warning extended beyond the immediate conquest, looking forward to future periods of apostasy, exile, and ultimate vindication.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 32:42 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Song of Moses and the broader book of Deuteronomy. First, it highlights **Divine Retribution**, emphasizing God's unyielding commitment to justice and His readiness to punish those who oppose Him and oppress His chosen people. It serves as a stark reminder that evil will not go unpunished indefinitely, aligning with the principle that [vengeance belongs to the Lord](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's"). Second, it underscores **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**, portraying God Himself as the active agent who executes this devastating judgment. He is not merely allowing events to unfold; He is actively bringing about the "revenges upon the enemy," demonstrating His absolute control over history and destiny. This reinforces the theme of God as the [Divine Warrior](/exodus/15-3 "Exodus 15:3 - The Lord is a Warrior"). Third, the verse vividly illustrates the **Severity of God's Wrath**. The intense, anthropomorphic, and hyperbolic language conveys the absolute and overwhelming nature of God's judgment, signifying total destruction of His foes, a theme echoed in other prophetic judgments like those found in [Isaiah 34](/isaiah/34 "Isaiah 34 - God's Judgment on the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Drunk (Hebrew, _shakar'_):** The verb שָׁכַר (_shakar_) primarily means "to be drunk" or "to be intoxicated." Here, it is used metaphorically to describe the arrows being completely saturated with blood, to the point of being "drunk" or "satiated." This vivid imagery conveys not just the shedding of blood, but an overwhelming, excessive, and satisfying outpouring of it, suggesting the complete and utter fulfillment of God's punitive purpose. It implies a relentless and unsparing execution of judgment until the divine "thirst" for justice is fully quenched.
* **Devour (Hebrew, _akhal'_):** The verb אָכַל (_akhal_) literally means "to eat" or "to consume." When applied to a sword, as here, "my sword shall devour flesh," it signifies a complete and destructive consumption, leaving nothing behind. This powerful anthropomorphism emphasizes the merciless and total annihilation of the enemies, implying that the sword's action is not merely wounding or killing, but utterly consuming, leaving no trace or remnant, indicative of absolute defeat and destruction.
* **Revenges (Hebrew, _naqam'_):** The noun נָקָם (_naqam_) refers to "vengeance," "retribution," or "punishment." It is not merely an act of personal spite but a righteous response to injustice and oppression, often carried out by God. In this context, "revenges upon the enemy" signifies God's just recompense for the wrongs committed against His people and against His own divine order. It underscores that this judgment is not arbitrary but a measured, albeit severe, response to the "beginning" (perhaps referring to the initiation or accumulation) of their hostile actions and rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will make mine arrows drunk with blood":** This clause presents a striking personification, attributing the human sensation of drunkenness to God's arrows. It vividly portrays the sheer volume of blood that will be shed, so much so that the instruments of war become saturated and "intoxicated" by it. This is a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming and relentless nature of God's judgment, indicating a complete and unsparing slaughter of His enemies.
* **"and my sword shall devour flesh;":** Continuing the anthropomorphic imagery, God's sword is depicted as an insatiable beast, "devouring" the flesh of the slain. This emphasizes the utter destruction and consumption of the adversaries, implying that the judgment will be so thorough that no one will escape, and nothing will remain. It speaks to the merciless and absolute finality of God's wrath.
* **"[and that] with the blood of the slain and of the captives,":** This parenthetical phrase clarifies the source of the blood and flesh. It specifies that the judgment will fall upon both those killed in battle ("the slain") and those captured ("the captives"). This broad scope indicates that God's vengeance will be comprehensive, encompassing all segments of the enemy population, leaving no one untouched by His righteous retribution.
* **"from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.":** This concluding phrase suggests that God's judgment is not a sudden, isolated act but is rooted in a history of hostile actions by the enemy. "From the beginning of revenges" can imply that God is initiating His long-awaited vengeance, or that His vengeance will be thorough, starting from the very first acts of hostility and continuing until full recompense is made. It underscores the justice and deliberateness of God's punitive actions against those who have opposed Him and His people.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:42 is rich in powerful literary devices that amplify its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where human qualities are attributed to inanimate objects or God Himself. God's "arrows" are made "drunk with blood," and His "sword" is said to "devour flesh," giving these instruments a terrifying, almost sentient quality of insatiable destruction. This is closely linked to **Metaphor**, as the "drunkenness" of the arrows and the "devouring" of the sword are not literal but serve as vivid comparisons to convey the overwhelming saturation of blood and the complete consumption of the enemy. **Hyperbole** is also evident in the extreme nature of the imagery, emphasizing the absolute and total annihilation of God's foes beyond normal human experience. The verse also employs striking **Imagery**, creating a visceral and terrifying mental picture of divine wrath, using sensory details of blood and flesh to convey the severity and finality of the judgment. These devices combine to create a powerful and unforgettable declaration of God's righteous vengeance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:42 serves as a profound theological statement about the character of God, particularly His unwavering justice and sovereignty. It reveals that while God is merciful and patient, He is also a God who will not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely. His wrath is not capricious but a holy response to rebellion, oppression, and the violation of His divine order. This verse assures His people of ultimate vindication and protection, as God Himself takes up their cause against their adversaries. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine reckoning for those who set themselves against the Lord and His purposes. The imagery of a divine warrior executing justice is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, establishing God as the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong, who will ultimately bring all things into subjection to His righteous rule.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")
* [Isaiah 34:5-6](/isaiah/34-5 "Isaiah 34:5-6 - God's Sword of Judgment")
* [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Sword from Christ's Mouth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The fearsome imagery of Deuteronomy 32:42, while challenging, offers profound truths for believers today. It calls us to a deep reverence for God's holiness and justice, reminding us that He is not to be trifled with. For those who are in Christ, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance: our God is a righteous God who will ultimately right all wrongs, vindicate His people, and bring justice to a broken world. We can trust that His perfect timing and perfect judgment will prevail, even when evil seems to triumph. This should inspire us to live in holiness, knowing that God is serious about sin. For those who have not yet submitted to God, this verse serves as a solemn warning: the God who is slow to anger is also a consuming fire. His patience is an invitation to repentance, not an excuse for continued rebellion. It compels us to seek His mercy and reconciliation through Christ before the day of His righteous and inescapable judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God's "arrows drunk with blood" and "sword devouring flesh" shape your understanding of divine justice?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your perception of God's character?**
* **How should the certainty of God's judgment influence the way believers live and interact with the world today?**
* **What comfort or warning does this verse offer you personally regarding God's ultimate victory over evil?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God is cruel or bloodthirsty?**
Answer: No, the imagery in Deuteronomy 32:42, though graphic, should not be interpreted as God being cruel or bloodthirsty in a human sense. Instead, it is highly symbolic and hyperbolic language, common in ancient prophetic literature, used to convey the absolute certainty, severity, and comprehensiveness of God's righteous judgment against those who have persistently defied Him and oppressed His people. It emphasizes that His justice will be fully satisfied, and evil will not go unpunished. This is a declaration of divine retribution, not an expression of arbitrary cruelty. God's actions are always rooted in His perfect holiness and justice, even when they involve severe judgment, as seen throughout Scripture ([Genesis 6-7](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6-7 - The Flood") or [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")).

**How does God's wrath in this verse reconcile with His love and mercy?**
Answer: The Bible consistently presents God as both loving and just, merciful and holy. While verses like [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World") highlight His boundless love, passages like Deuteronomy 32:42 reveal His righteous wrath against sin and rebellion. These are not contradictory but complementary aspects of His perfect character. God's love is expressed in His patience and provision for salvation, while His wrath is His holy opposition to everything that defiles His creation and dishonors His name. His judgment is a necessary outworking of His holiness, ensuring that evil does not have the final word. Ultimately, His wrath is always just and purposeful, serving to uphold His moral order and vindicate His righteousness.

**Is this prophecy literal, or is it symbolic?**
Answer: The language of Deuteronomy 32:42 is primarily symbolic and poetic, employing vivid metaphors and hyperbole rather than a literal description of God's actions. God does not literally have arrows that get "drunk" or a sword that "devours" flesh. These are powerful literary devices intended to convey the overwhelming and decisive nature of divine judgment. The "blood" and "flesh" represent the complete defeat and destruction of God's enemies. While the judgment itself is real and will be executed, the manner in which it is described uses figurative language to emphasize its certainty, severity, and comprehensiveness, echoing similar imagery found in prophetic books like [Isaiah 63](/isaiah/63 "Isaiah 63 - God's Vengeance on Edom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:42, with its stark imagery of divine vengeance, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the future return of Jesus as judge but also profoundly in His first coming. While this verse speaks of God's righteous wrath poured out on His enemies, the New Testament reveals that God's wrath against sin was perfectly satisfied in the person of Jesus Christ. The [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") bore the full brunt of divine judgment on the cross, becoming the recipient of the "arrows drunk with blood" and the "sword devouring flesh" that humanity deserved. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus absorbed the "revenges upon the enemy" of sin and death, offering a path to reconciliation and escape from future wrath for all who believe ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). However, the imagery also foreshadows Christ's glorious second coming, when He will return not as a suffering servant but as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), executing righteous judgment upon all who have rejected Him and persistently opposed God's rule. On that day, the "winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty" will be trodden by Him ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Winepress of God's Wrath")), bringing final and decisive vengeance upon His and His people's enemies, thereby fulfilling the ultimate promise of divine retribution hinted at in this powerful Mosaic song.

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

Deuteronomy 32:23

I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.

Jeremiah 46:10

For this [is] the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.

Ezekiel 38:21

And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother.

Ezekiel 38:22

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

Psalms 68:23

That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of [thine] enemies, [and] the tongue of thy dogs in the same.

Jeremiah 46:14

Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.

Psalms 45:5

Thine arrows [are] sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; [whereby] the people fall under thee.