Deuteronomy 32:41,42 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

He Threatens Judgment On His Enemies (Deuteronomy 32:41-42).

Deuteronomy 32:41-42

“If I whet my glittering (lightning) sword,

And my hand takes hold on judgment,

I will render vengeance to mine adversaries,

And will recompense them that hate me.

I will make my arrows drunk with blood,

And my sword will devour flesh,

With the blood of the slain and the captives,

From the head of the long haired ones of the enemy.”

When He wills He can take vengeance on His enemies. He has but to sharpen His sword which is like lightning, and take in His hand the means of judgment, and then He can render vengeance on all of them, whether the unfaithful of Israel or their enemies. He can recompense all of them for their hatred of Him. His arrows will slay innumerable foes, and His sword will devour their flesh. It will be covered with the blood of the slain and the blood of captives, and blood will flow from the long haired ones of the enemy. The long haired ones were probably the elite troops who let their hair grow long in order to give them extra power in battle (compare Judges 5:2 in a literal rendering)

Yahweh is here pictured as a mighty Conqueror and Judge whom none can resist, for He is invincible and can do whatever He will, and brings His judgment on all alike Who resist His will.

Deuteronomy 32:41-42

41 If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.

42 I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.