Deuteronomy 32:35 – “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Deuteronomy 32:35 is a powerful statement from God about His role as the ultimate judge and avenger. God declares that vengeance belongs to Him and that He will repay those who do wrong. This verse assures us that no evil goes unnoticed and that, in His perfect timing, God will act against those who oppose Him or harm His people. The phrase “their foot will slip” is a vivid metaphor suggesting that those who are arrogant or think they can escape judgment will inevitably face the consequences of their actions.
The verse emphasizes that God’s judgment is not random but comes “in due time,” highlighting His patience and control. The certainty of the “day of disaster” and the “doom” that rushes upon the wicked serves as a warning that God’s justice, though delayed, is sure. This verse reassures us that we do not need to take matters into our own hands because God sees all and will act justly.
Historical Context
This verse is part of the Song of Moses, delivered to the Israelites as they were about to enter the Promised Land. The song is both a reminder of God’s faithfulness and a stern warning about the consequences of turning away from Him. Throughout their history, the Israelites experienced God’s protection, but they also witnessed His judgment when they rebelled. Moses used this song to highlight that God is both a protector and a just judge.
In the context of Israel’s journey, they often faced enemies who mistreated them, and they sometimes struggled with the desire for immediate retribution. This verse reminded them that vengeance belongs to God, not to them. It was a call to trust God’s timing and His ability to deal with wrongdoers, whether those were external enemies or internal corruptions.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Deuteronomy 32:35 emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His role as the ultimate judge. It teaches that God alone has the authority to avenge and repay wrongdoing. This verse challenges the human tendency to seek personal revenge, reminding us that justice is God’s responsibility. It underscores the need for humility, patience, and trust in God’s perfect judgment.
This passage also highlights the certainty of God’s justice. The idea that “their foot will slip” suggests that those who live in opposition to God are on unstable ground, even if it doesn’t seem that way immediately. God’s justice may seem delayed, but it is never denied. This verse calls believers to live righteously and to trust that God will deal with all wrongs in His perfect time.
Literary Analysis
Deuteronomy 32:35 uses strong, vivid language to convey the inevitability of God’s judgment. The metaphor of a foot slipping illustrates the sudden and unexpected downfall of those who oppose God. The phrase “in due time” emphasizes God’s control over the timing of His actions, assuring us that His judgment will come exactly when He determines.
The terms “day of disaster” and “doom rushes upon them” create a sense of urgency and certainty about the fate of the wicked. This literary approach is designed to instill both a sense of reverence for God’s justice and a warning to those who might think they can act without consequences. The verse serves as both a comfort to those who trust in God and a warning to those who defy Him.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Paul directly quotes Deuteronomy 32:35, emphasizing the call to leave vengeance to God.
- Psalm 94:1-2 – “The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.” This psalm reflects the same theme of God as the rightful judge who will repay.
- Hebrews 10:30 – “For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’” This verse echoes the message that God’s justice is certain and that He alone is the judge.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Deuteronomy 32:35 serves as a reminder to trust God’s justice and not to take matters into our own hands. It challenges believers to resist the temptation to seek personal revenge when wronged, encouraging them to leave judgment to God. This verse teaches that God is fully aware of every injustice and will act at the right time.
This passage also reassures Christians that they are not forgotten or ignored when they suffer at the hands of others. It reminds us that God sees every wrong and that His justice, though sometimes delayed, is always perfect. Christians are called to live in peace, knowing that God’s justice will prevail and that no wrong will go unaddressed.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Deuteronomy 32:35 reflects God’s love in His commitment to justice. God’s declaration that “It is mine to avenge” shows that He cares deeply about right and wrong and that He is not indifferent to the suffering of His people. God’s promise to repay wrongdoers is a reflection of His love for justice and His desire to protect those who trust in Him.
God’s patient timing also shows His love, giving people opportunities to repent and turn from their ways before judgment falls. His justice is not impulsive but measured, reflecting His perfect wisdom and mercy. God’s love is seen in His promise to set things right, assuring His people that He will not overlook their suffering or the wrongs done against them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s justice and mercy. On the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the judgment that was reserved for us, satisfying God’s justice while offering us grace. In Christ, the demand for vengeance is met, not through our suffering, but through His sacrifice. This allows us to experience forgiveness and to extend forgiveness to others.
In 1 Peter 2:23, it says of Jesus, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” Jesus modeled the ultimate trust in God’s justice, refusing to take revenge and leaving everything in the Father’s hands. Through His example, we learn to trust in God’s timing and His perfect judgment.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to trust God’s justice rather than seeking revenge when wronged?
- In what ways can you practice patience, knowing that God sees all and will act at the right time?
- How does understanding that “vengeance belongs to God” change your approach to conflicts and grievances?
- What does Jesus’ response to suffering and injustice teach you about leaving judgment to God?
- How can you encourage others to trust in God’s perfect timing and to refrain from taking matters into their own hands?
This verse calls us to recognize that God is the ultimate judge, urging us to trust in His perfect timing and to leave vengeance to Him, finding our peace and assurance in Jesus Christ, who embodies God’s justice and mercy.