Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is mine, and recompense, at the time when their foot slides; for the day of their calamity is at hand. Their doom rushes at them.”

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 32:35

What does "Deuteronomy 32:35" mean?


Deuteronomy 32:35, "Vengeance is mine, and recompense, at the time when their foot slides; for the day of their calamity is at hand. Their doom rushes at them,” is a powerful statement asserting God's ultimate justice and authority, specifically concerning the Israelites' potential unfaithfulness. Let's break down its meaning:

"Vengeance is mine, and recompense..." This is the core of the verse. God is declaring that He, and He alone, is the true judge and the source of justice. "Vengeance" here doesn't necessarily mean a petty, emotional response. Instead, it speaks to a righting of wrongs and a restoration of balance. "Recompense" further reinforces this idea, meaning payback, reward, or punishment that is deserved. The key point is that this payback isn't to be taken into human hands.

"...at the time when their foot slides..." This phrase suggests a moment of vulnerability, instability, and decline. "Foot slides" refers to a loss of sure footing, morally, spiritually, or even physically. This could mean a time when the Israelites are wavering in their faith, succumbing to temptation, and/or facing adversity. It implies a situation where they are vulnerable and could easily fall into sin and disobedience.

"...for the day of their calamity is at hand..." This is a warning of impending judgment. "Calamity" signifies disaster, distress, and hardship. "At hand" means it's not a distant threat but something imminent. The Israelites are warned that if they are disobedient or unfaithful, judgment will quickly follow.

"Their doom rushes at them." This further emphasizes the swift and overwhelming nature of the coming judgment. "Doom" implies a disastrous or inescapable fate. The image is one of an unavoidable, powerful force rapidly approaching. It suggests that the consequences of their actions will overtake them with force.

In Summary:

The verse is a stern warning to the Israelites. It says:

Don't take vengeance into your own hands; justice belongs to God.
When you become unstable in your faith and susceptible to sin,
be warned that divine judgment is not far off.
The consequences of your unfaithfulness will come swiftly and overwhelmingly.

Context within Deuteronomy 32:

This verse is part of the "Song of Moses," a poem delivered to the Israelites before Moses' death. The song recounts God's faithfulness to them and warns them of the consequences of turning away from Him. Deuteronomy 32 foresees Israel's future apostasy (abandonment of their faith) and the suffering they will endure as a result. The verse in question is a reminder that God is just and will hold them accountable for their actions.

New Testament Use:

Romans 12:19 quotes the first part of this verse ("Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord"). This demonstrates how the New Testament reaffirms the principle that vengeance belongs to God and that believers should not seek revenge themselves. Instead, they should trust in God's justice.

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