Deuteronomy 32:35
Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that vengeance and recompense are God's alone, not just as a future punishment, but specifically "for the time when their foot shall slip." This highlights that God's justice is already in motion, anticipating and actively intervening at the very moment of their misstep, not merely reacting after they have fully fallen.
This passage comes from Moses' final song to Israel, a powerful and somber reflection on their history and future. As God's chosen people are on the brink of entering the Promised Land, Moses recounts their repeated unfaithfulness, their turning to other gods, and the consequences that will inevitably follow. The song warns of divine judgment, contrasting God's faithfulness with Israel's persistent rebellion.
Ever felt wronged and wished for immediate justice? This verse speaks directly to that impulse, reminding us who truly holds the scales.
The phrase 'Vengeance is mine, and recompense' isn't just a statement of divine ownership; it's a declaration of divine prerogative. Humans are often quick to judge and administer what they perceive as justice, but God's justice is perfect and comprehensive.
This verse paints a stark picture of impending doom. What does it mean for judgment to be 'at hand' and 'make haste'?
The latter part of the verse speaks of the certainty and immediacy of divine judgment on those who oppose God and His people. It’s not a matter of if, but when.
Understand the original words
naqam · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to the righteous judgment and retribution of God. It signifies that God alone has the authority and the character to balance the scales of justice and punish evildoers according to His holy standard.
shillem · Hebrew Noun
The act of paying back or rewarding someone for their actions. Biblically, it refers to God's retributive justice where He responds to the deeds of the wicked with appropriate consequences.
ed · Hebrew Noun
A state of deep distress, disaster, or misfortune. In Scripture, it is often the direct result or manifestation of divine judgment against unrepentant individuals or nations.
Deuteronomy 32 is Moses' final song, a prophetic indictment of Israel's future unfaithfulness and a clear warning of God's judgment. Verse 35, 'Vengeance is mine, and recompense,' speaks directly to the inevitable consequences of their repeated turning away from God, highlighting that even though God's justice may seem delayed, His accounting is sure, and their 'calamity is at hand.'
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, marking the beginning of their covenant relationship with Him. This liberation is a foundational act of divine power and grace.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
After the Exodus, the Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years. During this time, they experience God's provision and faithfulness, but also their own rebellion and unfaithfulness.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin the conquest of the Promised Land, driving out the Canaanite nations. This is a fulfillment of God's promises but also a grave warning about the consequences of disobedience.
c. 1400-1070 BC
Period of the Judges
A cycle of disobedience, oppression by enemies, crying out to God, and deliverance by judges characterizes this era. The people repeatedly turn away from God, inviting judgment.
This passage directly quotes Deuteronomy 32:35 to caution believers against taking personal vengeance, emphasizing that retribution belongs to God and He will repay.
Hebrews 10:30Echoing Deuteronomy 32:35, this verse also highlights God's ultimate authority in judgment and vengeance, serving as a solemn warning to those who reject Him.
Psalm 94:1This psalm speaks of God as a God of vengeance who will repay, mirroring the sentiment in Deuteronomy 32:35 that retribution belongs to the Lord.
Jeremiah 51:6This verse warns Babylon to flee and to remember God's vengeance for what she has done to Israel, aligning with the theme of God's just recompense for wrongdoing found in Deuteronomy 32:35.
calvinDeuteronomy 32:1-52: "Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth."
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Ipsi ad zelum provocaverunt me, in eo quod non est Deus, ad iracundiam me provocaverunt in vanitatibus suis: et ego ad zelum provocabo eos in eo qui non…
gillDeuteronomy 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."
To me belongeth vengeance and recompense,.... Or, I will repay, or recompence, as it is quoted in Romans 12:19 ; and so all the three Targums, the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions, here, and so Jarchi interprets it. Vengeance belongs only to a divine Person, not to an Heathen deity called Dice, or…
The verse emphasizes that vengeance and recompense are God's alone, not just as a future punishment, but specifically "for the time when their foot shall slip." This highlights that God's justice is already in motion, anticipating and actively intervening at the very moment of their misstep, not merely reacting after they have fully fallen.
This passage comes from Moses' final song to Israel, a powerful and somber reflection on their history and future. As God's chosen people are on the brink of entering the Promised Land, Moses recounts their repeated unfaithfulness, their turning to other gods, and the consequences that will inevitably follow. The song warns of divine judgment, contrasting God's faithfulness with Israel's persistent rebellion.
This passage comes from Moses' final song to Israel, a powerful and somber reflection on their history and future. As God's chosen people are on the brink of entering the Promised Land, Moses recounts their repeated unfaithfulness, their turning to other gods, and the consequences that will inevitably follow. The song warns of divine judgment, contrasting God's faithfulness with Israel's persistent rebellion.
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c. 1070 BC
Establishment of the Monarchy
The Israelites demand a king, leading to the establishment of the monarchy with Saul, David, and Solomon. While this brings stability, it also introduces new challenges to their faithfulness.
c. 975 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Both kingdoms largely continue in disobedience, leading to eventual exile.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, and its people are exiled. This marks a severe judgment for their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness.
"Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.’" — The verse emphasizes that vengeance and recompense are God's alone, not just as a future punishment, but specifically "for the time when their foot shall slip." This highlights that God's justice is…
