Deuteronomy 32:1 kjv
Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
Deuteronomy 32:1 nkjv
"Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; And hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
Deuteronomy 32:1 niv
Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.
Deuteronomy 32:1 esv
"Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
Deuteronomy 32:1 nlt
"Listen, O heavens, and I will speak!
Hear, O earth, the words that I say!
Deuteronomy 32 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 1:2 | Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken... | Creation invoked as witness against rebellion |
| Mic 6:1-2 | ...contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice... Hear ye, O mountains... | God calls nature to witness His controversy |
| Ps 50:4 | He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. | Creation called to witness judgment |
| Deut 31:19 | Now therefore write ye this song... put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness... | Song's purpose: a witness against Israel |
| Deut 31:21 | ...this song shall testify against them as a witness... | Song as evidence of future apostasy |
| Rev 15:3 | And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb... | Future saints sing the Song of Moses |
| Deut 18:18 | ...I will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak... | Prophecy of a prophet speaking God's words |
| Num 12:8 | With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches... | Moses' unique direct divine communication |
| Jn 3:34 | For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. | Jesus speaks the Father's words with full authority |
| Jn 12:49-50 | For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say... | Jesus' words are the Father's commands |
| Deut 6:4 | Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD... | Fundamental call to listen and obey God's oneness |
| Deut 4:1 | Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes... for to do them, that ye may live... | Call to hearken to laws for life and well-being |
| Mt 13:9 | Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. | Call for spiritual understanding and receptivity |
| Jas 1:22 | But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. | Emphasizes acting upon God's word |
| Lk 11:28 | But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. | Blessing comes from hearing and keeping God's word |
| Gen 1:1 | In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. | Heavens and Earth as God's sovereign creation |
| Ps 19:1 | The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. | Creation testifies to God's glory |
| Rom 1:20 | For the invisible things of him from the creation... are clearly seen... | Creation reveals God's attributes and power |
| Ps 103:19 | The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. | God's sovereignty over heaven and earth |
| 2 Pet 3:10 | But the day of the Lord will come... the heavens shall pass away... the earth also... burned up. | Creation's temporary nature; future judgment |
| Rev 21:1 | And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away... | Promise of new creation and eternal dwelling |
Deuteronomy 32 verses
Deuteronomy 32 1 Meaning
Deuteronomy 32:1 begins Moses' great prophetic Song, an eloquent poetic summons to all of creation. It is an urgent plea for universal attention, calling upon the celestial heavens and the terrestrial earth to serve as solemn witnesses to the profound truths and divine pronouncements about to be delivered. The words spoken by Moses are not his own, but God’s, highlighting their immense gravity and authority. This invocation underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, placing the cosmos as an immutable bystander to the upcoming covenant history, including Israel's future disobedience and God's enduring faithfulness and righteous judgment.
Deuteronomy 32 1 Context
Deuteronomy 32:1 is the opening verse of "The Song of Moses," a pivotal prophetic poem delivered by Moses just before his death. This song, spanning chapter 32, serves as Moses' final address to the Israelites as they stand on the threshold of the Promised Land. Chapters 31-34 narrate Moses' final preparations, the appointment of Joshua, and his impending death. The Lord commanded Moses to write this song and teach it to the children of Israel, so that it might serve as a "witness" against them in future generations when they would inevitably rebel and turn to other gods (Deut 31:19, 21). The invocation of heaven and earth aligns with ancient Near Eastern covenant treaty forms, where celestial and terrestrial elements were called upon as immutable witnesses to solemn agreements and pronouncements, emphasizing the universal scope and eternal significance of the divine words spoken.
Deuteronomy 32 1 Word analysis
- Give ear (הַאֲזִינוּ,
ha'azinu): This imperative verb implies a command for deep, attentive, and intentional listening, rather than mere hearing. It suggests a call to pay heed, to apply the mind, and to consider seriously what is about to be spoken. This contrasts with a casual listen. - O heavens (הַשָּׁמַיִם,
ha-shamayim): Refers to the visible sky and the entire celestial sphere. In biblical theology, the heavens are God's creation (Gen 1:1), His dwelling place (Ps 103:19), and a silent witness to His glory (Ps 19:1). Here, they are personified and called to witness the solemn declaration, highlighting the cosmic significance and eternal implications of the covenant message. It also subtly reinforces the singular sovereignty of the God of Israel over all creation, distinct from pagan deities associated with celestial bodies. - and I will speak (וַאֲדַבֵּרָה,
va'adaberah): Moses identifies himself as the speaker, but by divine commission. His words are not personal opinions but authoritative declarations from God Himself, emphasized later by "words of my mouth." This sets the stage for a prophetic utterance from God through His chosen servant. - and hear (וְתִשְׁמַע,
v'tishma): This imperative,shama, is distinct fromazan. Whileazanfocuses on the act of giving ear attentively,shamaoften carries the stronger connotation of not just hearing but also understanding, internalizing, and obeying. It suggests a call for active reception and subsequent action based on the words. - O earth (אָרֶץ,
arets): Refers to the land, the ground, and by extension, all humanity residing upon it. Just as the heavens represent the cosmic sphere, the earth represents the terrestrial realm where humanity lives and experiences God's judgments and blessings. Calling upon both heaven and earth ensures that no part of creation is excluded from bearing witness. - the words (אִמְרֵי,
imrei): This plural noun signifies utterances, sayings, or declarations. It refers to the specific content of Moses' discourse, which is weighty and profound, being divinely inspired. - of my mouth (פִי,
pi): This phrase explicitly identifies the source of the words, authenticating them as coming directly from the speaker. In this context, Moses' mouth is God's instrument, emphasizing the direct revelation and the divine authority of the impending song.
Deuteronomy 32 1 Bonus section
The structure of the Song of Moses in Deut 32 echoes wisdom literature and covenant lawsuits, beginning with an invocation of witnesses. This serves to impress upon Israel the severe consequences of breaking the covenant and the unchallengeable truth of the prophecies within the song. The personification of "heavens" and "earth" is a literary device to underscore the immutability and universality of the divine truths Moses is about to proclaim. Even though they cannot literally "hear," their being called as witnesses ensures that God's justice will be manifest throughout the created order. This powerful opening also subtly discredits the polytheistic nature worship prevalent among surrounding nations, where "heaven" and "earth" were often deified. Here, they are merely summoned creatures, subservient to the one true God who speaks.
Deuteronomy 32 1 Commentary
Deuteronomy 32:1 serves as a profound preamble to one of the Bible's most significant prophetic songs. Moses, standing on the edge of the Promised Land and his own life, issues a solemn, cosmic summons. By commanding "heavens" and "earth" to listen, he invokes all of creation as unchangeable witnesses to the covenant history of Israel that will unfold. This draws from the common ancient Near Eastern practice in covenant treaties where natural elements witnessed pacts, emphasizing the enduring and binding nature of God's word and the covenant He established. The twin imperatives, "Give ear" (attentive listening) and "hear" (attentive listening leading to understanding and potential obedience), highlight the immense gravity of the message. These are not mere human words, but words infused with divine authority, a direct declaration from God Himself through Moses' faithful mouth. This sets the stage for the song's themes of God's perfect work, Israel's unfaithfulness, and God's eventual restoration. The verse powerfully reminds all hearers—then and now—that God's covenant actions are observed by all creation, and His pronouncements carry ultimate, universal authority.For practical usage, this verse highlights the importance of truly listening to God's Word, recognizing its divine origin, and understanding that our obedience (or disobedience) to God is witnessed not just by other believers, but by creation itself and ultimately by God. It calls us to receive divine revelation with the utmost seriousness.