Deuteronomy 32:37
And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהֵ֑ימוֹ
Where are their gods
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֑ימוֹ
Where are their gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 6
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
צ֖וּר
their rock
H6697
צ֖וּר
their rock
Strong's:
H6697
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
Cross References
Jeremiah 2:28But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.Judges 10:14Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples believed gods had territorial jurisdiction and were defeated when their people were conquered. Israel's prophets inverted this: Yahweh used foreign nations to judge His people, proving He controls all nations and their supposed deities are nothing. This radical monotheism distinguished Israel absolutely from surrounding polytheism and anticipated the gospel's universal claim.
Questions for Reflection
- What false "rocks" have you trusted instead of God—money, relationships, achievement, security?
- How does recognizing the impotence of idols free you to trust the one true God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted (וְאָמַר אֵי אֱלֹהֵימוֹ צוּר חָסָיוּ בוֹ)—God's rhetorical question mocks the impotence of idols. Israel called false gods their tzur (rock), the same title used for Yahweh (vv. 4, 15, 18, 30, 31)—a tragic inversion. Chasayu bo (trusted in him) shows they sought refuge in what cannot save. The question echoes Elijah's taunt at Carmel (1 Kings 18:27) and anticipates Isaiah's idol satires (Isaiah 44:9-20).
This verse begins God's sarcastic interrogation (vv. 37-38) exposing idolatry's futility. When judgment comes, false gods cannot deliver—they don't speak, act, or exist as independent powers. The question reverberates through history: Where were Baal and Asherah when Assyria destroyed Samaria? Where were Egypt's gods when Rome conquered? Where are modernity's idols—wealth, power, pleasure—in the day of calamity?