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Deuteronômio 32

Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible

Deuteronômio 32:1-14

32:1-3 There is a series of IMPERATIVAL VERBS: In Deut. 32:1 three related to hearing: "give ear" ‒ BDB 24, KB 27, Hiphil IMPERATIVE "speak" ‒ BDB 180, KB 210, Piel COHORTATIVE "hear" ‒ BDB 1033, KB 1570, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense In Deut. 32:2 two related to moisture: "drop" ‒ BDB 791, KB 887, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense "distill" ‒ BDB 633, KB 683, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense In Deut. 32:3 "ascribe" ‒ BDB 396, KB 393, Qal IMPERATIVE (possibly "proclaim" as Qal imperfect is also used in a COHORTATIVE sense, which gives a balanced structure as in Deut. 32:1 and 2) 32:1 "O heavens. . .the earth" These are two permanent things (cf. Micah 6:1-2). There was a need for two witnesses to confirm truth (cf. Deut. 4:26; 30:19; 31:28; 32:1). The "heavens" represents the sky (cf. Gen. 1:1). This phrase is similar to how Isaiah introduces YHWH's court case (cf. Isa. 1:2). SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN 32:2 Moisture was used as an analogy of the life-giving qualities of God's word. Four different words for rain are used (BDB 564, 378, 973, 914). This is also a possible allusion to YHWH as the giver of fertility, not Ba'al (cf. Deut. 11:14,17; 28:12,24; 33:28). 32:3 "the name of the Lord" Hebrew names were very important as representing character. The rabbis said that "Lord" (YHWH) reflected Israel's God in His love, kindness, and mercy. SPECIAL TOPIC: "THE NAME" of YHWH SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. ▣ Notice in Deut. 32:3-4 several attributes are used to describe Israel's God: "greatness" ‒ BDB 152, cf. Deut. 3:24; 5:24; 9:26; 11:2; 32:3; Num. 14:19 "His work is perfect" ‒ BDB 1071, meaning "wholesome," "having integrity" used of God's work, Deut. 32:4 used of God's way, Ps. 18:30 used of God's law, Ps. 19:7-8 "all His ways are just" ‒ BDB 1048, cf Gen. 18:25; Ps. 33:5; 37:28; 99:4; 111:7; Isa. 5:16; 28:17; 30:18; 61:8 "a God of faithfulness" ‒ BDB 53, cf. Ps. 36:5; 88:11; 89:1,2,5,8,24,33,49; 92:2, 119:90; Isa. 25:1; Hosea 2:22; see SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS IN THE OT "a God. . .without injustice" ‒ BDB 732, cf. Job 34:10, this is condemned in His people, Lev. 19:15,35; Deut. 25:16 "righteous is He" ‒ BDB 843, cf. Job 34:17; Ps. 116:5; 119:137; 129:4; 145:17; see SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS "upright is He" ‒ BDB 449, cf. Ps. 25:8; 92:15 SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT) ▣ "God" This is from the Hebrew word Elohim. See SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C. 32:4 "The Rock" This title (BDB 849) was used of God in Deut. 32:15,18,30, and Ps. 18:1-2; 19:14; 2 Sam. 22:2ff; Ps. 78:35; Isa. 44:8). It speaks of the strength, stability, the unchanging nature of the one true God God as a mighty, impregnable fortress SPECIAL TOPIC: ANTHROPOMORPHIC LANGUAGE TO DESCRIBE GOD, I. E. 1. ▣ "perfect" The Hebrew word (BDB 1071) means "self-sufficient," "whole," "complete" (cf. 2 Sam. 22:31; Ps. 18:30). Notice the different ways YHWH is characterized (i.e. "the greatness of God," Deut. 32:3): His work is perfect ‒ BDB 1071 all His ways are just ‒ BDB 1048 a God of faithfulness ‒ BDB 53 a God without injustice ‒ BDB 732 He is righteous ‒ BDB 843 He is upright ‒ BDB 449 What a powerful description of the God of creation and salvation. A God in whom all humans can trust and rely (e.g. for other characterizations see Exod. 34:6; Num. 14:18; Deut. 4:31; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 103:8; 145:8). ▣ "A God of faithfulness" This is the same word (BDB 53) used in Deut. 32:20 referring to man's actions. It is translated "faith" in Hab. 2:4, "the righteous will live by his faith." This shows the priority that God puts on His faithfulness and Deut. 32:20 shows the priority He puts on the faith of His children. Faith and grace are both biblical concepts rather than just NT concepts. The only way to respond to God's grace is through faith. 32:5 As YHWH is described in Deut. 32:3-4, now His covenant children, who were supposed to reflect His character (cf. Deut. 32:3-4), but did not, are described: "acted corruptly toward Him" ‒ BDB 1007, KB 1469, Piel PERFECT, cf. Deut. 4:16,25; 9:12; 31:29; Gen. 6:12; Exod. 32:7; described in Ps. 14:1-3, it usually denotes idolatry "not His children" ‒ BDB 119 negated "because of their defect" ‒ BDB 548 physical mutilation which excluded one from priestly service, cf. Lev. 21:17,18,21,23, and animals from being offered as sacrifice, cf. Lev. 22:20-21; Deut. 15:21; 17:1 moral blemish, cf. Lev. 22:25; Job 11:15; Prov. 9:7 "perverse" ‒ BDB 786 I, cf. Deut. 32:20, the basic meaning is twisted, which denotes a defection from the standard (rule) of YHWH's character (righteous) "crooked" ‒ BDB 836, found only here, the meaning is parallel to #4 32:6 "He your Father" The NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 222, has an interesting comment on this imagery for God. It is used reluctantly in the OT because of the possible association with fertility worship (e.g. Jer. 2:27). This song of Moses is one of the earliest usages to describe God (cf. Exod. 4:22; Deut. 1:31; 8:5 and later in the prophets, cf. Isa. 1:2; 63:16; Jer. 3:19; Hosea 11:1-3; Mal. 1:6). YHWH's "fatherhood" is mentioned in Deut. 32:6,18 and 19-20. This fatherhood of corporate Israel is identified in YHWH's relationship to the Davidic king (cf. 2 Sam. 7:14; Ps. 2:7; and 89:26). Family imagery (father-son; husband-wife) is the most powerful ways to communicate the intimate relationship that God desires with His human creation (made in His image and likeness, cf. Gen. 1:26-27). Humans can understand the depth of God's feelings and commitment by analogy to these foundational human experiences (i.e. family, marriage, children). SPECIAL TOPIC: FATHERHOOD OF GOD 32:6-14 This continues a description of Israel and begins a legal case against them by enumerating all that YHWH had done for them: their actions toward YHWH "foolish" ‒ BDB 614 I, cf. Deut. 32:21 "unwise" ‒ BDB 314, opposite in Deut. 32:29; 4:6; Ps. 107:43 YHWH's actions toward them: He was their Father, Deut. 32:6 ‒ BDB 888 I, KB 1111, Qal PERFECT He made them, Deut. 32:6 ‒ BDB 793 I, KB 889, Qal PERFECT, cf. Gen. 14:19,22 (this could refer to initial creation, but more likely in context, His founding them as a nation in the Exodus) He established them, Deut. 32:6 ‒ BDB 465, KB 464, Polel IMPERFECT with waw, Job 31:15; Isa. 62:7 He found them, Deut. 32:10 ‒ BDB 592, KB 679, Qal IMPERFECT (1) in a desert land (2) in a howling waste of wilderness He encircled them, Deut. 32:10 ‒ BDB 685, KB 738, Polel IMPERFECT, i.e. for protection He cared for them, Deut. 32:10 ‒ BDB 106, KB 122, i.e. for protection, "attentively consider" (only here) He guarded them, Deut. 32:10 ‒ BDB 665, KB 718, Qal IMPERFECT, cf. Ps. 25:21; 31:23; 41:11-12; 61:7; Isa. 26:3; 42:6; 49:8 cared for them as a mother eagle, Deut. 32:11, cf. Exod. 19:4 (1) "stirs up its nest" ‒ BDB 734, KB 802, Hiphil IMPERFECT, i.e. to activity (2) "hover over" ‒ BDB 934, KB 1219, Piel IMPERFECT, cf. Gen. 1:2 (3) teach babies to fly (a) spread wings ‒ BDB 831, KB 975, Qal IMPERFECT (b) caught them ‒ BDB 542, KB 534, Qal IMPERFECT (c) carried them ‒ BDB 669, KB 724, Qal IMPERFECT He guided them, Deut. 32:12 ‒ BDB 634, KB 685, Hiphil IMPERFECT He made them ride on the high places of the earth, Deut. 32:13 ‒ BDB 938, KB 1230, Hiphil IMPERFECT, cf. Isa. 58:14 He fed them, Deut. 32:13-14 (1) "ate" ‒ BDB 37, KB 46, Qal IMPERFECT (2) "suck" ‒ BDB 413, KB 416, Hiphil IMPERFECT with waw (3) "drank" ‒ BDB 1059, KB 1667, Qal IMPERFECT 32:7 There are several commands in this verse related to Israel remembering YHWH's care and provision: "remember" ‒ BDB 269, KB 269, Qal IMPERATIVE "consider" ‒ BDB 106, KB 122, Qal IMPERATIVE "ask" ‒ BDB 981, KB 1371, Qal IMPERATIVE "elder will tell you" ‒ BDB 616, KB 665, Hiphil JUSSIVE It was this historical information testified to in (1) the ancestral tradition passed down from generation to generation (cf. Deut. 4:9-10; 6:7,20-25; 11:19; 32:46) and (2) this Song of Moses that witnessed against Israel! ▣ "days of old" See SPECIAL TOPIC: DAY (yom) and SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam and aiōnios) 32:8 This verse asserts that Israel's God is also the only God (cf. Deut. 4:35,39; Isa. 54:5; Jer. 32:27). He and He alone sets the boundaries of all nations (cf. Deut. 2:5,9,19; Genesis 10). This is not henotheism, but monotheism! SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM ▣ "The Most High" This name for God (BDB 751) is first used in Num. 24:16 (Elyon). This seems to be an abbreviation for El Elyon (cf. Gen. 14:18,19,20,21; Ps. 78:35). This name for deity is used in connection with "the nations" (cf. Ps. 47:1-3). SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, B. ▣ "According to the number of the sons of Israel" NKJV, NJB, Peshitta "according to the number of the children of Israel" "according to the number of the gods" "He assigned to each nation a heavenly being" REB, RSV, NEB "according to the number of the sons of God" "In relation to Israel's numbers" "according to the number of divine sons" The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls have "the number of the angels of God" (El). This translation seems to fit better (cf. The Jewish Study Bible, p. 441) because: of Deut. 29:26 it follows the reading of the scroll from cave four of Qumran scrolls (i.e. Dead Sea Scrolls) national angels are mentioned in Daniel 10 and 12 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELS IN THE BIBLE, I. C. 2.) Each nation had an assigned angel (cf. Dan. 10:13), but Israel had YHWH (although Michael is also said to be Israel's angel, cf. Dan. 12:1). It is possible "the number of the sons of Israel" relates to the persons of Jacob's family who went into Egypt (i.e. Gen. 46:27). The rabbis later asserted the 70 represents the number of nations/languages (i.e. Gen. 10:31). The UBS Text Project, p. 302, gives "the sons of God" (REB) an "A" rating (high probability), even though the MT has "sons of Israel." SPECIAL TOPIC: "sons of God" in Genesis 6 32:9 "the Lord's portion is His people" Conversely His people's portion is God Himself (cf. Exod. 19:5; Ps. 16:5; 73:26; Lam. 3:24). The Israelites were in a unique sense YHWH's special covenant people (cf. Deut. 4:20; 7:6; 14:2; 26:18). 32:10 "He found him in a desert land, And in the howling waste of a wilderness" This is an allusion to YHWH's choice of Israel in romantic terms (cf. Jer. 2:23-; Hosea 2:14-15). This imagery supplements the exodus motif (cf. Deut. 1:19). It expresses in powerful imagery YHWH's initiating love for Israel (cf. Deut. 10:14-15; Amos 3:2). There are two contrasting ways in the Mosaic literature of evaluating the wilderness wandering period: a time of faith and faithfulness Deut. 32:10-14 Jer. 2:1-3 Hosea 2:14-23 a time of faithlessness Num. 14:1-17:11 Deut. 1:26-33 Ps. 95:8-11 Hosea 9:10-14 Jer. 2:4-13 Ezekiel 23 ▣ NASB, NKJV, REB, JPSOA, Peshitta "found him" "sustained him" "protected and cared for them" "protects him" "made him self-sufficient" The MT has the VERB "found" (BDB 592, KB 619, Qal IMPERFECT) but as you can see, the LXX translated it differently. Moderns do not know if the LXX was following a different Hebrew text the LXX translators misunderstood the Hebrew word or idiom they were interpreting the context differently SPECIAL TOPIC: MASORETIC TEXT SPECIAL TOPIC: SEPTUAGINT ▣ "the pupil of His eye" In English this idiom would be "the apple of His eye." This is imagery which denotes Israel as a special child (cf. Ps. 17:8). Literally the Hebrew is "little man of His eye." 32:11 NASB, NKJV "Like an eagle. . .that hovers over its young" "like an eagle that stirs up its nest" TEV, REB "like an eagle watching its nest" "as an eagle watches over its young" "like an eagle to protect his brood" "like an eagle encircles his nest" This shows YHWH as an extremely protective and powerful parent (cf. Deut. 32:19). This concept of God as an eagle is the imagery of God as a mother bird (cf. Deut. 32:18; Gen. 1:2; Exod. 19:4; Matt. 23:37; Luke 13:34). Deity is described as both male (cf. Deut. 32:6) and female (cf. Deut. 32:11). The NJB and REV translations follow the Septuagint. See my audio sermon, "The Femininity of God," #111 in the second green box on my home page, www.freebiblecommentary.org. SPECIAL TOPIC: PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS OF HUMAN LANGUAGE SPECIAL TOPIC: SHADOW AS A METAPHOR FOR PROTECTION AND CARE 32:12 "The Lord alone guided him" This term (BDB 94) is used to designate YHWH's exclusive relationship to Israel He and He alone guided them! 32:13 "ride on the high places of the earth" This is imagery for YHWH's abundance (as is all of Deut. 32:14) given to Israel (cf. Isa. 58:14; Hab. 3:19) Israel's security (IVP Bible Background Commentary, p. 206) ▣ "he ate the produce of the field" This is what the MT has but the ancient versions saw that the context is about YHWH's actions on Israel's behalf and changed the phrase to "He fed him with produce" (cf. LXX, Peshitta and Targums). ▣ "honey from the rock" This refers to the honey of wild bees, which often lived in the cracks of the rocks (cf. Ps. 81:16). ▣ "oil from the flinty rock" This refers to the wild olive trees that grew where not even grass could grow. Verses 13 and 14 are talking about the abundant produce of the Promised Land.

Deuteronômio 32:15-18

32:15-18 "fat" When Israel was blessed (cf. Deut. 31:20) she rejected YHWH: "forsook God (Eloah, cf. v. 17a) who made him" (cf. Deut. 32:6) ‒ BDB 643, KB 695, Qal IMPERFECT with waw, cf. Deut. 31:16,17; Jdg. 10:6 "scorned the Rock of his salvation" (cf. Deut. 32:4) ‒ BDB 614, KB 663, Piel IMPERFECT with waw, this is the VERB form of the ADJECTIVE "foolish," found in Deut. 32:6 (cf. Ps. 74:18) How did Israel "forsake" and "scorn" YHWH? they made Him jealous with strange gods, Deut. 32:16 they made Him jealous with abominations, Deut. 32:16 they sacrificed to demons, Deut. 32:17 who were not known new gods unknown to their fathers they neglected the Rock, Deut. 32:18 - BDB 1009, KB 1477, Qal JUSSIVE but in an IMPERFECT sense (only here) they forgot their God, Deut. 32:18 - BDB 1013, KB 1489, Qal IMPERFECT with waw, cf. Deut. 4:23, forgetting the covenant is forgetting YHWH SPECIAL TOPIC: ABOMINATION 32:15 "Jeshurun" This word means "the upright one" (BDB 449), and is a poetic name for Israel (cf. Deut. 33:5,26; Isa. 44:2). This is a touch of sarcasm (i.e. Deut. 32:15-16). SPECIAL TOPIC: ISRAEL (THE NAME) ▣ "kicked" This VERB (BDB 127, KB 142, Qal IMPERFECT with waw) is used only twice in the OT and seems to be imagery of rejection (cf. 1 Sam. 2:29). As unruly cattle kick at their owners so Israel kicks at her God! 32:16 "jealous" See SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD DESCRIBED AS HUMAN SPECIAL TOPIC: JEALOUS. . .ZEALOUS 32:17 "They sacrificed to demons who were not God" This concept is also used in Ps. 106:37 (i.e. the only other place this word for demons is used [BDB 993]). The OT talks very little about the demonic. Paul alludes to this verse in 1 Cor. 10:20. SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELS AND DEMONS SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEMONIC IN THE OT SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSONAL EVIL ▣ "known" See SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOW ▣ "Whom your fathers did not dread" "That your fathers did not fear" "Whom your ancestors had not feared" "gods that Israel had never obeyed" "who stirred not your fathers' fears" "gods who your fathers did not acknowledge" "whom their fathers did not know" "whom your fathers had never worshipped" The JPSOA translation footnote suggests an Arabic root with resolution meaning "whom your fathers did not know," following the LXX.

Deuteronômio 32:19-22

32:19-22 This paragraph is repetitious of preceding themes. Poetry is very repetitious. God's covenant people reject Him and then He rejects them (cf. Hosea 1:9; 2:23; Rom. 9:25). His rejection (i.e. anger) is for the purpose of reconciliation. He will use "a people" to provoke Israel to jealousy (and hopefully faith, cf. Rom. 11:11,14). This sounds very much to me like Paul's discussion in Romans 9-11. Paul even quotes Deut. 32:21 in Rom. 10:19! The added irony is that Israel left YHWH for non-existent gods (i.e. vanities, cf. Jer. 2:13). Oh, the stupidity of human superstition and idolatry (cf. Isa. 40:19-20; 44:9-20; Jer. 10:3-5,14)! 32:19 The Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) and Septuagint (LXX) add the phrase, "was jealous," which surely fits the context but is absent in the Masoretic Text (MT). 32:20 "I will hide My face from them" This is imagery for the cessation of YHWH's personal care and attention (cf. Deut. 31:17-18). SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD DESCRIBED AS HUMAN ▣ "I will see what their end shall be" YHWH had previously shown Moses the future of Israel in Deut. 31:29, as He will later do for Joshua in Josh. 24:19. ▣ "For they are a perverse generation, Sons in whom is no faithfulness" These two lines of poetry describe the tragedy of Israel who had YHWH's special care and presence (cf. Rom. 9:4-5). They are characterized as: perverse (BDB 246) ‒ a term usually used in Proverbs (cf. Prov. 2:12,14; 6:14; 8:13; 10:31,31; 16:30; 23:33). It is related to the Hebrew word for "stocks" (BDB 246), which put one's body into a crooked or twisted posture. no faithfulness (BDB 53 negated) ‒ a term also common to Proverbs (cf. Prov. 13:17; 20:6; also note Ps. 31:23; Isa. 26:3; see SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS IN THE OT). This characterization is parallel to Deut. 32:5: perverse (BDB 786 I) crooked (BDB 836) YHWH is the true standard or rule (see SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS). His covenant people have deviated from the standard. 32:21 "idols" This is literally "vapor" or "vanity" (BDB 210) and represents that which is worthless or non-existent. Here, like Jer. 2:5; 8:19; 10:14-15; 16:19-20, it is used of idols. See a play on the word in Isa. 57:13. SPECIAL TOPIC: IDOLATRY SPECIAL TOPIC: MAGIC 32:22 This verse is imagery of the complete destruction and judgment that God will bring on rebellious Israel (cf. Jer. 15:14; 17:4). All of God's creation (i.e. earth, sheol) are affected! This is not a reference to the place of eternal punishment (see SPECIAL TOPIC: ETERNAL PUNISHMENT). The imagery used in this verse is typical of the ANE view of creation. John H. Walton, ANE Thought and the OT, describes this as "cosmic geology," see pp. 165-178. Also see John Walton, Genesis 1: An Ancient Cosmology. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEAD, WHERE ARE THEY? (SHEOL/HADES, GEHENNA, TARTARUS), I., B. ▣ "the foundations of the mountains" The Hebrew Bible shares the ANE worldview of physical creation. Remember, the ancient world is not anti-scientific, but pre-scientific (i.e. phenomenological language ‒ the descriptive language of the five senses). The earth's land is set on pillars (i.e. foundations) that come from the bottom of the seas (cf. 1 Sam. 2:8; Ps. 75:3; 104:5). Above the land is a dome shaped disk (see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE CIRCLE OF THE EARTH). YHWH did it! (Deut. 32:22; 1 Chr. 16:30; Job 38:4-6; Ps. 24:2; 102:25; Isa. 48:13; see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE AGE AND FORMATION OF THE EARTH) For a good brief discussion of the ANE's worldview as illustrated from the OT, see John H. Walton, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible, chapter 7, "Cosmic Geography," pp. 165-178; esp. pp. 174-175.

Deuteronômio 32:23-27

32:23-25 This paragraph describes YHWH's judgment on Israel: "I will heap misfortunes on them" ‒ BDB 705, KB 763, Hiphil IMPERFECT, found only here. The Qal means "to sweep away" or "snatch away." "I will use My arrows on them" ‒ BDB 477, KB 476, Piel IMPERFECT. This VERB'S basic meaning "is to bring something to completion," i.e. totally destroy (cf. Deut. 32:22). wasted by famine, Deut. 32:24, cf. Deut. 28:22 consumed by plague, Deut. 32:24 (or famine, BDB 536 II, "burning heat") bitter destruction, Deut. 32:24 (or poisonous pestilence, cf. #e) the teeth of beasts, Deut. 32:24, cf. Lev. 26:22 venom of crawling things, Deut. 32:24, cf. Amos 5:18-19 sword (outside), Deut. 32:25 terror (inside), Deut. 32:25 (1) young men (of marriageable age) (2) young women (virgin of marriageable age) (3) children (nursing) (4) elderly (man of gray hair) Possibly a. and b. are presonified demons; see SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELS AND DEMONS and SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEMONIC IN THE OT 32:26-27 YHWH would have destroyed them: cut them to pieces, Deut. 32:26 ‒ BDB 802, KB 907, Hiphil IMPERFECT, but COHORTATIVE in meaning to match the next VERB (only here, LXX has "scattered them"; NJB, "crush them to dust") remove the memory of them, Deut. 32:26 ‒ BDB 991, KB 1407, Hiphil COHORTATIVE (i.e. totally exterminate) This is only one of several texts which assert Israel's complete annihilation if they disobey the covenant (cf. Deut. 4:26; 28:20-22; 30:19). But to do so would thwart His purpose for Israel. Israel's enemies would claim victory and attribute it to YHWH (cf. Deut. 32:27). SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN

Deuteronômio 32:28-33

32:28-33 The question is to whom this paragraph is directed-Israel or their enemies (cf. Deut. 32:26-27)? against Israel? Deut. 32:28-29 Deut. 32:30 as reverse holy war Deut. 32:32 Israel's current rebellion against her enemies? Deut. 32:30 as current military failure of Israel's part (cf. Josh. 23:10) Deut. 32:30-31, their Rock had sold them and the Lord had given them up Deut. 32:32-33, Canaanite abominations Deut. 32:34-43 are about YHWH's rejection and judgment of Canaanite idolatry 32:28-29 Notice the words in Deut. 32:28-29 for "thinking": "lacking in counsel" ‒ BDB 1, KB 2, Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE "no understanding in them" ‒ BDB 108 negated "that they were wise" ‒ BDB 314, KB 314, Qal PERFECT "they understood this" ‒ BDB 968, KB 1328, Hiphil IMPERFECT "that they would discern" ‒ BDB 106, KB 122, Qal PERFECT Israel is incapable of right thinking! 32:30 Notice the parallel of verse 30 c and d: "their Rock had sold them" ‒ BDB 569, KB 581, Qal PERFECT, cf. Jdgs. 2:14; 3:8; 4:2; 10:7; Ps. 44:10; Isa. 50:1 "the Lord had given them up" ‒ BDB 688, KB 742, Hiphil PERFECT Israel's defeat is possible because the divine Warrior (YHWH) has left them because of their covenant disobedience. Verses 32-33 are imagery of wine symbolizing Canaanite worship. It is deadly (i.e. poison, bitter, venom)! SPECIAL TOPIC: WINE AND STRONG DRINK 32:31b "Even our enemies themselves judge this" NKJV, Peshitta "Even our enemies themselves being judges" "our enemies are fools" "our enemies cannot pray for us" "in themselves they are mere fools" "in our enemies' own estimation" "our enemies are without understanding" The JPSOA footnote says, "Meaning of Hebrew uncertain." MT reads, "Even our enemies judge." It is obviously a sarcastic comment about the blind, dumb, lifeless idols of the Canaanites.

Deuteronômio 32:34-43

32:34 It seems to me contextually that Deut. 32:34 can relate to Deut. 32:32-33. It is also possible that it refers to Deut. 32:35 (a quote from YHWH [i.e. Deut. 32:34-35] like Deut. 32:39-42). The larger context is still YHWH heaping judgment on Israel so that the nations will not get the wrong message. YHWH will judge them and vindicate His people. It does not state whether Israel repents or that YHWH's eternal redemptive purposes must be allowed to manifest in history. A rebellious covenant people is the lesser of two evils (i.e. the idolatrous nations). The Messiah will come and Israel will still be covenant breakers! This verse has two Qal PASSIVE PARTICIPLES: laid up in store ‒ BDB 485, KB 481 (found only here) sealed up ‒ BDB 367, KB 364, cf. Job 14:17 32:35 The first line of this verse is quoted in the NT in Rom. 12:19 and Heb. 10:30. The term "vengeance" (BDB 668) is also mentioned in Deut. 32:41 and 43. It is often used by Isaiah and Jeremiah: against Israel ‒ Isa. 59:17 against Israel's enemies ‒ Isa. 34:8; 35:4; 61:2; 63:4; Jer. 46:10; 50:15,18; 51:6,11 The term "retribution" (BDB 1024) is also found in Isa. 59:18 (twice) in a context where YHWH will restore a sinful Israel (i.e. Zion). ▣ "In due time their foot will slip" This VERB (BDB 556, KB 555, Qal IMPERFECT) can refer to: a personal fall into trouble ‒ David in Ps. 38:17 a divine judgment ‒ Isa. 24:19 a divine promise of restoration ‒ Ps. 94:18; Isa. 54:10 Humans stumble and nature is disrupted (cf. Isa. 24:19), but YHWH will restore both (cf. Rom. 8:18-25). ▣ The last two lines of poetry in Deut. 32:35 denote the rapid and sure coming of YHWH's justice: day of calamity (BDB 15) is near (BDB 898) the impending things are hastening upon them (BDB 301 I, KB 300, Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE) 32:36 In this song of warning and prediction of Israel's disobedience resulting in divine judgment, there is also the promise of YHWH's forgiveness and restoration. The Lord will vindicate His people ‒ BDB 192, KB 220, Qal IMPERFECT, cf. Ps. 135:14 The Lord will have compassion on His servants ‒ BDB 636, KB 688, Hithpael IMPERFECT YHWH will judge His people (Ps. 7:8; 96:10), but in so doing, will establish them! 32:37-38 YHWH mocks Canaanite idolatry (cf. Jer. 2:27-28; 11:12-13). He calls on their gods to act on their behalf (Deut. 32:38): Let them rise ‒ BDB 877, KB 1086, Qal IMPERFECT used as a JUSSIVE Let them help ‒ BDB 740, KB 810, Qal IMPERFECT used as a JUSSIVE Let them be your hiding place ‒ BDB 224, KB 243, Qal JUSSIVE (this term [BDB 340, KB 337, Qal PERFECT] is always used of taking refuge in YHWH. He and He alone is the safe place) 32:39-40 YHWH establishes His uniqueness. There is no pantheon! Notice the use of antithetical parallelism: See ‒ BDB 906, KB 1157, Qal IMPERATIVE I am He ‒ cf. Exod. 3:13-14 (YHWH; see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.) There is no god beside Me ‒ cf. Deut. 4:35,39; 33:26; Exod. 8:10; 9:14; Isa. 44:6,8; 45:7 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C.) I who put to death or give life ‒ cf. 1 Sam. 2:6; 2 Kgs. 5:7 (also note Romans 9) I have wounded, and it is I who heal ‒ cf. Job 5:18; Isa. 45:7; Hosea 6:1; Amos 3:6 (often in the OT all causality is attributed to God as a way to express the truth of monotheism) There is no one who can deliver from My hand ‒ cf. Ps. 50:22; Isa. 43:13; Dan. 4:35 In Deut. 32:40 YHWH (the ever-living, only living God) takes an oath by His own character! This lifting of the hand (BDB 669, KB 724, Qal IMPERFECT) may be in contrast to the nations (i.e. lifting their hand as a sign of victory over Israel) in Deut. 32:27. YHWH lifts His hand to swear an oath (cf. Ezek. 20:5-6). SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM SPECIAL TOPIC: ONE CAUSALITY 32:40 See SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (NT) and SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam and aiōnios) 32:41-43 YHWH describes His actions of justice against idolaters (Deut. 32:41-42). In Deut. 32:43 He asserts His commitment to Israel. Paul uses the first line of Deut. 32:43 in Rom. 15:10 and asserts that it shows that YHWH loves and includes Gentiles. Paul, in Romans 15, also quotes Ps. 18:49 or 2 Sam. 22:5; Ps. 117:1 and Isa. 11:10; 42:4 (cf. Matt. 12:21) to assert the same truth. YHWH is willing to forgive Israel based on His character and promises, not their actions. This, in essence, is the new covenant of Jer. 31:31-34 and Ezek. 36:22-36. Human hope is ultimately in the unchanging character of a gracious God in Whose image and likeness they are created! SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT) 32:43 "Rejoice" This VERB (BDB 943, KB 1247) is a Qal IMPERATIVE. It is a shout of joy, cf. Job 38:7; Isa. 12:6; 24:14; 44:23; 49:13; 54:1; Jer. 31:7. But, who is to rejoice and for what reason? The Jewish Study bible, p. 444, asserts that v. 43, as it stands in the MT, cannot be right. "rejoice you nations who are being judged" does not make sense the parallelism between the first two lines is unclear (unless the "gods" is paralled with "nations," cf. Deut. 32:8) v. 43 has many problems in the MT the LXX and DSS have a different version that makes more sense "Rejoice, O believers with Him! Worship Him, O every one! For He'll avenge the blood of His children Wreak vengeance on His foes; He will repay those who hate Him, And cleanse the land of His people." The UBS Text Project, p. 305-307, supports this rendering with a "B" rating (some doubt). This is the translation of the NEB, REB, NRSV. The DSS and LXX add a phrase after line 1, "and let all the angels of God prevail for him." The NRSV translates this as, "worship him, all you gods," and REB, "bow down all you gods, before him." The DSS and LXX also add a phrase after line 3, "and he will repay those who hate" (see NRSV, REB, NJB).

Deuteronômio 32:44-47

32:44 "Joshua" The MT has "Hoshea" (i.e. "salvation," BDB 448) but the LXX, Peshitta, and Vulgate have "Joshua." The names Joshua (BDB 221) and Jesus (Aramaic) are based on the same two Hebrew words, "YHWH" (in English a "J" and a vowel prefixed) and "salvation" (a VERB must be supplied). Joshua is positioned with Moses before the people to confirm and establish his leadership role. 32:46 "Take to your heart" This VERB (BDB 962, KB 1321) is a Qal IMPERATIVE. The same idiom can be seen in Ezek. 44:5. Israel has a choice, an informed choice based on YHWH's past actions and current promises (cf. Deut. 4:26; 30:19; 31:28), but she must choose now (i.e. conditonal covenant)! For "heart" see SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART. ▣ "you shall command your sons" This emphasizes the educational responsibility of parents (cf. Exod. 13:8,14; Deut. 4:9,10; 6:7,20-25; 11:19; 31:13; 32:7). See note at Deut. 4:9. 32:47 "it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life" This is the concept of YHWH's word as having an independent power once spoken (cf. Duet. 8:3; Ps. 33:6,9; Isa. 55:11). This word (Moses writings) can bring life and health (cf. Deut. 30:20) or death and destruction (cf. Deut. 30:19). Obedience is the continuing key to its effectiveness! SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP

Deuteronômio 32:48-52

32:49-50 These two verses have several IMPERATIVES: "go up," Deut. 32:49 ‒ BDB 748, KB 828, Qal IMPERATIVE "look at," Deut. 32:40 ‒ BDB 906, KB 1157, Qal IMPERATIVE "die," Deut. 32:50 ‒ BDB 559, KB 562, Qal IMPERATIVE "be gathered," Deut. 32:50 ‒ BDB 62, KB 74, Niphal IMPERATIVE The last acts of Moses are scripted by a God who loved him, used him, and held him responsible for his actions! 32:49 "Abarim" This is the mountain range (BDB 720, cf. Num. 27:12-14). ▣ "Mount Nebo" This is the highest peak in that mountain range. Possibly this peak is very close to the northern part of the Dead Sea across from Jericho on the opposite side of the Jordan Valley. SPECIAL TOPIC: NEBO 32:50 "Then die on the mountain" The implication of the verse is that this will be the end of Moses' earthly life (cf. Deut. 32:34), but he will live on with his family and countrymen who have died before. ▣ "Mount Hor" Aaron's death and burial are first recorded in Num. 20:22-29; 33:38-39. However, Deut. 10:6 says he died and was buried at Moseroth (cf. Num. 33:30-31). Hard Sayings of the Bible, p. 166, says Moserah is the name of the area and Mount Hor (BDB 246) the name of the specific mountain. 32:51 "because you broke faith with Me" (cf. Numbers 20; 27:14; Deut. 1:37; 3:23-27). This is parallel to "because you did not treat Me as holy." Moses' open and obvious disobedience before all the people in Numbers 20 and again in Numbers 27, caused him to be publicly judged by YHWH and not allowed to enter the Promised Land. 32:52 This is further expanded in chapter 34. ▣ "wilderness of Zin" See SPECIAL TOPIC: THE WILDERNESSES OF THE EXODUS