Deuteronomy 32:43

KJV

Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Rejoice {H7442}, O ye nations {H1471}, with his people {H5971}: for he will avenge {H5358} the blood {H1818} of his servants {H5650}, and will render {H7725} vengeance {H5359} to his adversaries {H6862}, and will be merciful {H3722} unto his land {H127}, and to his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Sing out, you nations, about his people! For he will avenge the blood of his servants. He will render vengeance to his adversaries and make atonement for the land of his people."

Berean Standard Bible

Rejoice, O heavens, with Him, and let all God’s angels worship Him. Rejoice, O nations, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His children. He will take vengeance on His adversaries and repay those who hate Him; He will cleanse His land and His people.

American Standard Version

Rejoice, O ye nations, withhis people: For he will avenge the blood of his servants, And will render vengeance to his adversaries, And will make expiation for his land, for his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:43 serves as the climactic and triumphant conclusion to the Song of Moses, a profound prophetic poem delivered just before Moses's death. This verse encapsulates a grand vision of God's ultimate justice, mercy, and universal reign, transcending Israel's immediate future to proclaim a time of final vindication for His servants, righteous retribution against His adversaries, and compassionate restoration for His land and people, culminating in a call for all nations to rejoice in His redemptive acts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 32:43 stands as the powerful crescendo of the [Song of Moses](/deuteronomy/32 "Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses"), a lengthy poetic discourse that spans almost the entirety of [Deuteronomy 32](/deuteronomy/32 "Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses"). Preceding this verse, Moses recounts the Lord's unwavering faithfulness to Israel from their earliest days, contrasting it sharply with Israel's subsequent rebellion, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness. The song details the resulting divine judgment and chastisement that would befall the nation, including exile and suffering. However, the tone shifts dramatically in the latter part of the song, particularly from [Deuteronomy 32:36](/deuteronomy/32-36 "Deuteronomy 32:36 - God's Compassion for His People"), where God declares His compassion for His people and promises to intervene on their behalf. Verse 43, therefore, functions as a triumphant declaration of God's ultimate victory, vindication, and restoration, bringing the entire prophetic poem to a glorious, hope-filled close, affirming God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivered this song to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. This generation was about to embark on the conquest of Canaan, facing numerous adversaries and the temptation to adopt the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations. Culturally, the concept of divine "vengeance" (Hebrew: *naqam*) in the ancient Near East was not merely personal spite but often referred to the restoration of justice, the vindication of the wronged, and the re-establishment of cosmic or societal order by a deity. For Israel, this promise of divine retribution against their oppressors and vindication for their suffering was a profound source of comfort and assurance, especially as they were about to face formidable challenges. The call for "nations" to rejoice also subtly hints at God's universal sovereignty, a concept not always fully grasped by Israel, but one that underscores His ultimate authority over all peoples and lands, not just His chosen nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Vengeance**, portraying God as the righteous judge who will ultimately "avenge the blood of his servants" and "render vengeance to his adversaries." This is not a human act of revenge but God's perfect and holy retribution, ensuring that all wrongs are set right and that His people are vindicated. This theme resonates with the cries for justice found in passages like [Psalm 94:1](/psalms/94-1 "Psalm 94:1 - God of Vengeance") and is echoed in the New Testament's assurance that [vengeance belongs to God](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **God's Enduring Mercy and Restoration**, promising that He "will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people." Despite Israel's repeated failures and the judgments they would endure, God's covenant love prevails, leading to reconciliation, cleansing, and renewal for both the land and its inhabitants. This speaks to the unfailing nature of God's grace and His desire for full restoration. Finally, the opening command, "Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people," introduces the profound theme of **Universal Rejoicing and Gentile Inclusion**. This prophetic utterance anticipates a future where God's redemptive work extends beyond Israel, leading to a global recognition of His sovereignty and a shared celebration among all peoples, a theme explicitly affirmed by Paul in [Romans 15:10](/romans/15-10 "Romans 15:10 - Gentiles Rejoice with God's People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _rannu'_):** This imperative verb, derived from the root *ranan*, signifies a joyful shout, a ringing cry, or singing with exultation. It implies a public, exuberant, and unrestrained celebration. When applied to "nations," it anticipates a universal, jubilant acknowledgment of God's righteous acts and ultimate triumph, far beyond the confines of Israel.
* **Vengeance (Hebrew, _naqam'_):** In this context, *naqam* does not denote human spite or personal revenge, but rather divine retribution or vindication. It refers to God's righteous act of setting right what is wrong, restoring justice, and defending the innocent. It is a sovereign act of judgment that brings about a just recompense for the suffering inflicted upon His servants and for the opposition to His divine will.
* **Merciful (Hebrew, _kaphar'_):** While often translated as "merciful" here, the root *kaphar* carries a primary meaning of "to cover," "to purge," "to make atonement," or "to cleanse." This suggests that God's mercy involves not just compassion, but an active process of cleansing, expiation, and restoration to a state of purity and covenant favor. It implies a removal of defilement and a renewal of relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people":** This opening imperative issues a remarkable and prophetic call for the Gentile nations to join Israel in celebration. It anticipates a future where God's redemptive and judicial acts are so profound and universally significant that even those outside the immediate covenant community are compelled to acknowledge and rejoice in His sovereignty and justice. The phrase "with his people" suggests a shared experience of God's triumph, hinting at a unity that transcends ethnic boundaries.
* **"for he will avenge the blood of his servants":** This clause provides the primary reason for the universal rejoicing. God promises to act decisively to vindicate those who have faithfully served Him, particularly in the face of oppression, suffering, or martyrdom. The "blood of his servants" signifies their life, their suffering, and their ultimate sacrifice, all of which God sees and will justly requite. This is a divine assurance that no suffering endured for God's sake goes unnoticed or unaddressed.
* **"and will render vengeance to his adversaries":** This parallel clause underscores God's active role as a righteous judge. His "adversaries" are those who oppose His will, His people, and His kingdom. The rendering of "vengeance" here is a judicial act of righteous retribution, bringing about a just recompense for their rebellion and wickedness. It is a necessary component of God's justice, ensuring that evil does not ultimately prevail.
* **"and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people":** The verse concludes with a powerful declaration of God's ultimate compassion and restorative purpose. Despite the judgments and chastisements described earlier in the Song, God's final intention is to show mercy, to cleanse, and to restore both the physical land of Israel (which would have been defiled by idolatry and unfaithfulness) and His covenant people. This speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant love, His willingness to forgive, and His commitment to bring about full reconciliation and renewal.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:43 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, particularly **Synonymous Parallelism** and **Antithetical Parallelism**. "He will avenge the blood of his servants" and "will render vengeance to his adversaries" demonstrate synonymous parallelism, reiterating the same core idea of divine retribution from slightly different angles. The contrast between "vengeance to his adversaries" and "merciful unto his land, [and] to his people" exemplifies antithetical parallelism, highlighting the two sides of God's character: righteous judgment for the wicked and compassionate restoration for His own. The verse also uses **Prophetic Language**, looking beyond the immediate historical context to a future eschatological fulfillment of God's ultimate triumph and universal reign. The **Imperative** "Rejoice" serves as a direct command, inviting participation in this future celebration. Furthermore, the mention of "nations" alongside "his people" employs **Inclusion**, broadening the scope of God's redemptive plan to encompass all humanity, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:43 is a profound theological statement, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His boundless mercy. It teaches us that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His faithful servants, nor will He allow wickedness to go unpunished. His "vengeance" is a holy act of setting things right, vindicating the oppressed, and upholding His righteous character. Simultaneously, His "mercy" assures His people of restoration and renewal, even after periods of judgment. The inclusion of "nations" in the call to rejoice is a remarkable foreshadowing of God's universal plan of salvation, revealing that His redemptive purposes extend beyond Israel to encompass all humanity, inviting all to partake in the celebration of His final triumph. This verse thus serves as a foundational text for understanding God's comprehensive plan for both judgment and salvation, culminating in a restored creation where all peoples acknowledge His reign.

* [Romans 15:10](/romans/15-10 "Romans 15:10 - Gentiles Rejoice with God's People")
* [Revelation 6:10](/revelation/6-10 "Revelation 6:10 - Martyrs' Cry for Justice")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:43 offers immense comfort and a powerful call to worship for believers today. In a world often marked by injustice, suffering, and seemingly unpunished evil, this verse reminds us that God is a righteous and sovereign judge who sees all things and will ultimately bring about perfect justice. We are called to trust in His timing and His methods, knowing that He will vindicate His servants and hold His adversaries accountable. This truth frees us from the burden of seeking personal revenge and empowers us to commit our causes to Him. Furthermore, the promise of God's mercy and restoration for His land and people provides enduring hope. Even when we experience personal or corporate failures, God's covenant love remains steadfast, offering pathways to cleansing, renewal, and reconciliation. Finally, the universal call for "nations" to rejoice compels us to embrace the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan. It challenges us to participate actively in His global mission, sharing the good news of His justice and mercy with all peoples, anticipating the day when every tongue will confess His sovereignty and every nation will celebrate His triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's vengeance on His adversaries bring comfort or challenge to your understanding of divine justice?**
* **In what ways does God's promise to be "merciful unto his land, [and] to his people" encourage you in times of personal or communal struggle?**
* **What does the call for "nations" to rejoice with God's people imply about the scope of God's redemptive plan, and how does this impact your view of global missions?**
* **How can you practically live out a trust in God's ultimate justice when faced with present injustices?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for "nations" to rejoice "with his people" in this Old Testament context?**

Answer: In the immediate Old Testament context, the phrase "Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people" is a remarkable prophetic utterance that anticipates a future broader than Israel's immediate national concerns. While the primary focus of Deuteronomy is Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, this verse hints at God's universal sovereignty and His ultimate plan to draw all peoples to Himself. It suggests that the display of God's justice and mercy, particularly His vindication of Israel and judgment of their oppressors, will be so profound that even the Gentile nations will recognize His unique power and righteousness, leading them to acknowledge and celebrate His acts alongside Israel. This foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, a theme that becomes much more explicit and central in the New Testament, where the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is broken down through Christ, allowing all to become [one new humanity](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Humanity in Christ") in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:43, with its grand pronouncements of divine justice, universal rejoicing, and ultimate mercy, finds its profoundest fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "vengeance" promised by God is ultimately rendered against sin and evil through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the full weight of divine wrath, thus [taking away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His resurrection then serves as the ultimate vindication of God's "servants"—not just Israel, but all who believe in Him—demonstrating God's power to overcome death and injustice. The call for "nations" to "rejoice with his people" is gloriously realized in the New Covenant, where Christ's gospel breaks down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating [one new people of God](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People"), the Church, drawn from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, all united in celebrating His redemptive work. Furthermore, God's promise to be "merciful unto his land, [and] to his people" is fulfilled through Christ, who not only offers forgiveness and spiritual cleansing but also inaugurates a new creation, where ultimately [all things are reconciled to God through Him](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ"), leading to a final restoration of cosmic order and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where [He will wipe away every tear](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears") and justice will reign supreme.

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.

Revelation 19:2

For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Revelation 6:10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Psalms 85:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

2 Kings 9:7

And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

Deuteronomy 32:35

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.

Job 13:24

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?