Deuteronomy 32:36

Authorized King James Version

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For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָדִ֤ין shall judge H1777
יָדִ֤ין shall judge
Strong's: H1777
Word #: 2 of 15
to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
יְהוָה֙ For the LORD H3068
יְהוָה֙ For the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַמּ֔וֹ his people H5971
עַמּ֔וֹ his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 4 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְעַל H5921
וְעַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עֲבָדָ֖יו himself for his servants H5650
עֲבָדָ֖יו himself for his servants
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 6 of 15
a servant
יִתְנֶחָ֑ם and repent H5162
יִתְנֶחָ֑ם and repent
Strong's: H5162
Word #: 7 of 15
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִרְאֶה֙ when he seeth H7200
יִרְאֶה֙ when he seeth
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 9 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 10 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אָ֣זְלַת is gone H235
אָ֣זְלַת is gone
Strong's: H235
Word #: 11 of 15
to go away, hence, to disappear
יָ֔ד that their power H3027
יָ֔ד that their power
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 12 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְאֶ֖פֶס and there is none H657
וְאֶ֖פֶס and there is none
Strong's: H657
Word #: 13 of 15
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
עָצ֥וּר shut up H6113
עָצ֥וּר shut up
Strong's: H6113
Word #: 14 of 15
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
וְעָזֽוּב׃ or left H5800
וְעָזֽוּב׃ or left
Strong's: H5800
Word #: 15 of 15
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

Analysis & Commentary

For the LORD shall judge his people (כִּי־יָדִין יְהוָה עַמּוֹ)—din means to judge, vindicate, or execute justice. God judges Israel both in discipline (vv. 15-27) and in vindication against their oppressors (vv. 34-43). And repent himself for his servants—the Hebrew yitnachem (repent/relent/have compassion) doesn't imply God changes morally but that He responds to changed circumstances with appropriate action. When Israel reaches extremity, God's covenant loyalty moves Him to intervention.

When he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left (כִּי יִרְאֶה כִּי־אָזְלַת יָד וְאֶפֶס עָצוּר וְעָזוּב)—azlat yad (power is gone, literally "hand has departed") indicates total helplessness. 'Atzur (shut up) and 'azuv (left/forsaken) likely mean "bond and free" (ESV) or "slave and free"—a merism indicating totality: absolutely no one remains to help. Only when Israel exhausts all human resources does God act, teaching dependence on Him alone.

Historical Context

This pattern of discipline-unto-restoration recurred throughout Israel's history: Egyptian bondage, Philistine/Canaanite oppression (Judges), Babylonian exile. Each time Israel reached apparent extinction, God intervened to preserve a remnant, demonstrating His covenant is irrevocable despite Israel's unfaithfulness. The church fathers saw this as typological of Christ's saving work when humanity reached spiritual bankruptcy.

Questions for Reflection

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