Deuteronomy 32:29
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If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
In this chapter we have, I. The song which Moses, by the appointment of God, delivered to the children of Israel, for a standing admonition to them, to take heed of forsaking God. This takes up most of the chapter, in which we have, 1. The preface (Deu 32:1, Deu 32:2). 2. A high character of God, and, in opposition to that, a bad character of the people of Israel (Deu 32:3-6). 3. A rehearsal of the great things God had done for them, and in opposition to that an account of their ill carriage towards him (Deu 32:7-18). 4. A prediction of the wasting destroying judgments which God would bring upon them for their sins, in which God is here justified by the many aggravations of their impieties (Deu 32:19-33). 5. A promise of the destruction of their enemies and oppressors at last, and the glorious deliverance of a remnant of Israel (Deu 32:36-43). II. The exhortation with which Moses delivered this song to them (Deu 32:41-47). III. The orders God gives to Moses to go up to Mount Nebo and die (Deu 32:48, etc.).
Open source ↗32:29 their fate (literally their latter end): Israel’s future had not been predetermined; this statement expresses how things would turn out if Israel continued on its rebellious course.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways,
If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever.
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.
But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’
Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD.
What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth?
You said, ‘I will be queen forever.’ You did not take these things to heart or consider their outcome.
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?
Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men.
Her uncleanness stains her skirts; she did not consider her end. Her downfall was astounding; there was no one to comfort her. Look, O LORD, on my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed!