Deuteronomy Chapter 32 · Verse 43
Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
Original Language Analysis
הַרְנִ֤ינוּ
Rejoice
H7442
הַרְנִ֤ינוּ
Rejoice
Strong's:
H7442
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)
גוֹיִם֙
O ye nations
H1471
גוֹיִם֙
O ye nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
2 of 13
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
עַמּֽוֹ׃
and to his people
H5971
עַמּֽוֹ׃
and to his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
דַם
the blood
H1818
דַם
the blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
5 of 13
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
יָשִׁ֣יב
and will render
H7725
יָשִׁ֣יב
and will render
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
9 of 13
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְכִפֶּ֥ר
and will be merciful
H3722
וְכִפֶּ֥ר
and will be merciful
Strong's:
H3722
Word #:
11 of 13
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
Cross References
Revelation 19:2For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.Revelation 6:10And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?Psalms 85:1LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.Job 13:24Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?Deuteronomy 32:35To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.Luke 19:27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.2 Kings 9:7And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.
Historical Context
This verse concludes the Song of Moses (32:1-43), composed circa 1406 BCE. It prophetically describes the entire arc of Israel's history: covenant violation, judgment, near-extinction, divine intervention, restoration, and Gentile inclusion. Romans 15:7-12 shows Paul understood Moses' song as predicting the gospel age when Jews and Gentiles worship together. The Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint contain textual variants emphasizing angelic worship and divine sonship, suggesting early messianic interpretation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the inclusion of Gentiles in God's salvation plan from the beginning demonstrate His unchanging purpose?
- What does God's pattern of judgment-then-restoration reveal about His ultimate goals for His people?
Analysis & Commentary
Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people (הַרְנִינוּ גוֹיִם עַמּוֹ)—after judgment comes restoration and universal worship. Harninu (rejoice, shout for joy) calls goyim (nations/Gentiles) to celebrate with Israel, God's 'am (people). Paul quotes this in Romans 15:10 as proof that the gospel was always intended for Gentiles—God's plan includes all nations worshipping alongside Israel. The Song of Moses concludes not with Israel's exclusive vindication but with multinational praise.
For he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries (כִּי דַם־עֲבָדָיו יִקּוֹם וְנָקָם יָשִׁיב לְצָרָיו)—God avenges the dam (blood) of His 'avadav (servants), executing naqam (vengeance) on His tzarav (adversaries). And will be merciful unto his land, and to his people (וְכִפֶּר אַדְמָתוֹ עַמּוֹ)—kipper typically means "atone" or "make atonement," but here means "make atonement for" or "purge/cleanse" the land and people. God restores, purifies, and brings His people back into covenant relationship. Judgment clears the way for mercy; wrath gives way to reconciliation.