Deuteronomy 32:8
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When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.
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 ↗32:8 God is sovereign over and concerned with all nations and has allotted their land in accord with his own purposes (see Ps 74:17; Acts 17:26). • the Most High (Hebrew ‘Elyon): Abraham learned this name for God when he encountered Melchizedek (Gen 14:19). This ancient name describes God’s universal sovereignty. • assigned lands: One evidence of God’s sovereignty was his distribution of lands to the nations (see Gen 10).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.
This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’
Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan.
The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.
And Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites,
But You, O LORD, are exalted forever!
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’
I will thank the LORD for His righteousness and sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: