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Deuteronomy 32

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‹ Chapter 31 Deuteronomy — All Chapters Chapter 33 ›

1 Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 2 Let my teaching fall like rain and my speech settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, like showers on tender plants. 3 For I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Ascribe greatness to our God! 4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He. 5 His people have acted corruptly toward Him; the spot on them is not that of His children, but of a perverse and crooked generation. 6 Is this how you repay the LORD, O foolish and senseless people? Is He not your Father and Creator? Has He not made you and established you? 7 Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you. 8 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. 9 But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance. 10 He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye. 11 As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions. 12 The LORD alone led him, and no foreign god was with him. 13 He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him the produce of the field. He nourished him with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty crag, 14 with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine. 15 But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked— becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation. 16 They provoked His jealousy with foreign gods; they enraged Him with abominations. 17 They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known, to newly arrived gods, which your fathers did not fear. 18 You ignored the Rock who brought you forth; you forgot the God who gave you birth. 19 When the LORD saw this, He rejected them, provoked to anger by His sons and daughters. 20 He said: “I will hide My face from them; I will see what will be their end. For they are a perverse generation— children of unfaithfulness. 21 They have provoked My jealousy by that which is not God; they have enraged Me with their worthless idols. So I will make them jealous by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation without understanding. 22 For a fire has been kindled by My anger, and it burns to the depths of Sheol; it consumes the earth and its produce, and scorches the foundations of the mountains. 23 I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them. 24 They will be wasted from hunger and ravaged by pestilence and bitter plague; I will send the fangs of wild beasts against them, with the venom of vipers that slither in the dust. 25 Outside, the sword will take their children, and inside, terror will strike the young man and the young woman, the infant and the gray-haired man. 26 I would have said that I would cut them to pieces and blot out their memory from mankind, 27 if I had not dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest their adversaries misunderstand and say: ‘Our own hand has prevailed; it was not the LORD who did all this.’" 28 Israel is a nation devoid of counsel, with no understanding among them. 29 If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate. 30 How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? 31 For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies concede. 32 But their vine is from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are poisonous; their clusters are bitter. 33 Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison of cobras. 34 “Have I not stored up these things, sealed up within My vaults? 35 Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly." 36 For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one remains, slave or free. 37 He will say: “Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge, 38 which ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you; let them give you shelter! 39 See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. 40 For I lift up My hand to heaven and declare: As surely as I live forever, 41 when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me. 42 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." 43 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. 44 Then Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. 45 When Moses had finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all these words I testify among you today, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this law. 47 For they are not idle words to you, because they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess." 48 On that same day the LORD said to Moses, 49 “Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab across from Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites as their own possession. 50 And there on the mountain that you climb, you will die and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people. 51 For at the waters of Meribah-kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you broke faith with Me among the Israelites by failing to treat Me as holy in their presence. 52 Although you shall see from a distance the land that I am giving the Israelites, you shall not enter it."

‹ Chapter 31 Deuteronomy — All Chapters Chapter 33 ›

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 32

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a call to heaven and earth to witness against Israel, as Moses declares God's faithfulness and Israel's rebellion (Deuteronomy 32:1-6). Moses then recounts God's care for Israel, from their formation as a nation to their settlement in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 32:7-14). However, Israel forgot God and turned to idolatry, provoking God's anger (Deuteronomy 32:15-18). God's judgment is pronounced upon Israel, but also a promise of restoration and vengeance upon their enemies (Deuteronomy 32:19-42). The chapter concludes with a call to rejoice, O nations, with God's people, for He will avenge His people and have compassion on His servants (Deuteronomy 32:43).

Context for the Chapter

Deuteronomy 32 is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites, given on the eve of their entry into the Promised Land. The chapter serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness, providing a theological framework for understanding their history and their relationship with God. It is situated within the larger narrative of the book of Deuteronomy, which emphasizes the importance of covenant obedience and the consequences of disobedience. The chapter's themes and messages are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, including the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Joshua, which recount God's creation of the world, His redemption of Israel from slavery, and His guidance of them into the Promised Land.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of the importance of remembering God's works and fearing Him, lest we forget His faithfulness and turn to idolatry. We must cultivate a deep reverence for God's character and a commitment to obedience, recognizing the consequences of sin and the promise of restoration through faith in Jesus Christ.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Deuteronomy chapter 32 is a song that reminds us of God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness. It emphasizes the importance of remembering God's works and fearing Him, lest we forget His faithfulness and turn to idolatry. The chapter points to God's character and the consequences of sin, highlighting the need for a Savior and the promise of restoration through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Deuteronomy 32:36.

Voices from the Church

“The faithfulness of God is the foundation of our faith, and the rock upon which we build our hopes.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The covenant which God made with Israel was not a covenant of works, but a covenant of grace, and it is this same covenant which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Song (Deuteronomy 32:1-6) — Moses calls heaven and earth to witness against Israel, declaring God's faithfulness and Israel's rebellion.
  2. God's Care for Israel (Deuteronomy 32:7-14) — Moses recounts God's care for Israel, from their formation as a nation to their settlement in the Promised Land.
  3. Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment (Deuteronomy 32:15-18) — Israel's unfaithfulness and rebellion against God are condemned, and God's judgment is pronounced upon them.
  4. Promise of Restoration and Vengeance (Deuteronomy 32:19-42) — Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God promises to restore and avenge them, demonstrating His compassion and mercy.
  5. Conclusion and Call to Rejoice (Deuteronomy 32:43) — The chapter concludes with a call to rejoice, O nations, with God's people, for He will avenge His people and have compassion on His servants.

Core Doctrines

God's Faithfulness
This chapter teaches that God is faithful and just, emphasizing His reliability and trustworthiness in all His dealings with Israel.
Human Sinfulness
The chapter highlights Israel's unfaithfulness and rebellion against God, serving as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience.
Divine Judgment
God's judgment is pronounced upon Israel, demonstrating His righteousness and justice in response to sin.
Redemption and Restoration
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God promises to restore and avenge them, demonstrating His compassion and mercy, and foreshadowing the redemption that comes through Jesus Christ.

Lessons from Deuteronomy 32

  1. The Importance of Remembering God's Works — We must remember God's works and fear Him, lest we forget His faithfulness and turn to idolatry.
  2. The Consequences of Sin — Sin has consequences, and we must recognize the gravity of our rebellion against God.
  3. The Promise of Restoration — Despite our unfaithfulness, God promises to restore and avenge us, demonstrating His compassion and mercy.
  4. The Faithfulness of God — God is faithful and just, and we can trust in His character and promises.
  5. The Call to Obedience — We must cultivate a deep reverence for God's character and a commitment to obedience, recognizing the consequences of sin and the promise of restoration through faith in Jesus Christ.

Themes from Deuteronomy 32

  1. God's Faithfulness — This chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness and reliability in all His dealings with Israel.
  2. Human Rebellion — The chapter highlights Israel's unfaithfulness and rebellion against God, serving as a reminder of the consequences of sin.
  3. Divine Judgment — God's judgment is pronounced upon Israel, demonstrating His righteousness and justice in response to sin.
  4. Redemption and Restoration — Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God promises to restore and avenge them, demonstrating His compassion and mercy, and foreshadowing the redemption that comes through Jesus Christ.
  5. The Importance of Remembering God's Works — The chapter teaches us the importance of remembering God's works and fearing Him, lest we forget His faithfulness and turn to idolatry.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does this chapter teach us about God's character, and how can we apply this to our lives?
  2. How does Israel's rebellion against God serve as a warning to us, and what can we learn from their mistakes?
  3. What does the promise of restoration and vengeance in this chapter reveal about God's heart for His people, and how can we trust in His goodness?
  4. How can we cultivate a deep reverence for God's character and a commitment to obedience, recognizing the consequences of sin and the promise of restoration through faith in Jesus Christ?
  5. What does this chapter teach us about the importance of remembering God's works and fearing Him, and how can we prioritize this in our daily lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Song (Deuteronomy 32:1-6)

32:1 Moses calls heaven and earth to witness against Israel, declaring God's faithfulness and Israel's rebellion.
32:2 Moses compares God's words to the rain and the dew, emphasizing their life-giving power and nourishment.

2. God's Care for Israel (Deuteronomy 32:7-14)

32:7 Moses reminds Israel to remember the days of old, and to consider the years of many generations.
32:8 Moses recounts how God established the boundaries of the nations, and how He cared for Israel as a father cares for his children.

3. Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment (Deuteronomy 32:15-18)

32:15 Israel forgot God and turned to idolatry, provoking God's anger and judgment.
32:16 Moses condemns Israel's idolatry, emphasizing the gravity of their rebellion against God.

4. Promise of Restoration and Vengeance (Deuteronomy 32:19-42)

32:19 God's judgment is pronounced upon Israel, but also a promise of restoration and vengeance upon their enemies.
32:20 Moses declares that God will hide His face from Israel, but will also have compassion on them and avenge them.

5. Conclusion and Call to Rejoice (Deuteronomy 32:43)

32:43 The chapter concludes with a call to rejoice, O nations, with God's people, for He will avenge His people and have compassion on His servants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Deuteronomy 32?

The main theme of Deuteronomy 32 is God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's works and fearing Him, lest we forget His faithfulness and turn to idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Deuteronomy 32:15-18.

How does this chapter relate to the rest of the book of Deuteronomy?

Deuteronomy 32 is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites, and serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness, providing a theological framework for understanding their history and their relationship with God, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:1-6 and Deuteronomy 32:7-14.

What does this chapter teach us about God's character?

This chapter teaches us that God is faithful, just, and compassionate, emphasizing His reliability and trustworthiness in all His dealings with Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Deuteronomy 32:36.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Deuteronomy 32:4 → Psalm 92:15 Both passages emphasize God's faithfulness and justice, highlighting His character as the foundation of our faith.
2 Deuteronomy 32:15 → Hosea 11:1-4 Both passages condemn Israel's idolatry and rebellion against God, emphasizing the gravity of their sin and the consequences of disobedience.
3 Deuteronomy 32:19 → Isaiah 54:7-8 Both passages declare God's promise to restore and avenge His people, demonstrating His compassion and mercy.
4 Deuteronomy 32:20 → Matthew 23:37-39 Both passages emphasize God's desire to gather and care for His people, despite their rebellion against Him.
5 Deuteronomy 32:36 → Hebrews 10:30 Both passages quote Deuteronomy 32:36, emphasizing God's promise to judge His people and avenge them.
6 Deuteronomy 32:43 → Romans 15:10 Both passages quote Deuteronomy 32:43, emphasizing the call to rejoice with God's people and to praise Him for His salvation.
7 Deuteronomy 32:1-6 → Genesis 1:1-3 Both passages emphasize the importance of remembering God's works and fearing Him, serving as a reminder of God's character and our relationship with Him.
8 Deuteronomy 32:7-14 → Exodus 19:5-6 Both passages emphasize God's care for Israel and His establishment of them as a nation, highlighting His faithfulness and covenant love.
9 Deuteronomy 32:15-18 → Joshua 24:1-28 Both passages condemn Israel's idolatry and rebellion against God, emphasizing the gravity of their sin and the consequences of disobedience.
10 Deuteronomy 32:19-42 → Psalm 103:1-5 Both passages declare God's promise to restore and avenge His people, demonstrating His compassion and mercy.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 32

SermonDescription
Jonathan Edwards Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending
Art Katz (Becoming a Prophetic Church) 3. Israel the Suffering Servant - Part 1 by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the crucifixion of Jesus as the most profound episode in history that reveals the heart of all reality. He suggests that the crucifixion is
Leonard Ravenhill Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength
Jonathan Edwards Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God (Alternate) by Jonathan Edwards In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incomprehensible power of God's anger and the eternal misery that awaits those who have not been born again. The preacher warns that eve
A.W. Tozer Attributes of God (Series 2): The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples were initially discouraged and disheartened, b
C.H. Spurgeon Everybody's Sermon by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that even those who are not able to spend much time in nature can still learn from God's creation. He gives examples such as a baker who see
A.W. Tozer The Way to Paradise by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the word of God and accepting Jesus as one's advocate. He encourages the listeners to come out on God's side
Carter Conlon Snares, Traps, Scourges, and Thorns by Carter Conlon In this sermon on Judges chapter 6, the preacher highlights the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience to God. The nation of Midian oppresses them and steals their crops, lea
Carter Conlon Blessed Are They Who Consider by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his personal struggle with leaving his job and following God's calling. He shares how God spoke to him through the sight of four birds peck
Art Katz The Tent of Shem by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a radical message he gave as a young believer at a Full Gospel Businessmen's Conference. Despite facing backlash and criticism, the message

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 32

Matthew Henry's commentary on Deuteronomy 32 emphasizes the importance of remembering God's works and fearing Him, lest we forget His faithfulness and turn to idolatry. Henry highlights God's character as the foundation of our faith, emphasizing His faithfulness, justice, and compassion. He also emphasizes the consequences of sin and the promise of restoration through faith in Jesus Christ, serving as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the dangers of rebellion against God. As Henry notes, 'The Lord is a God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he' (Deuteronomy 32:4), and it is this character that we must trust and obey, recognizing the gravity of our sin and the promise of redemption that comes through Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Character

The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness, justice, and perfection, highlighting His character as the foundation of Israel's relationship with Him. This is seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, where God is described as the Rock, whose works are perfect and ways are just.

Israel's Rebellion

Israel's unfaithfulness and rebellion against God are contrasted with God's faithfulness, serving as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience. This is evident in Deuteronomy 32:15-18, where Israel's idolatry and forgetfulness of God are condemned.

Promise of Restoration

Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God promises to restore and avenge them, demonstrating His compassion and mercy. This is seen in Deuteronomy 32:36, where God says He will judge His people and have compassion on His servants.

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