Deuteronomy 32 31

Deuteronomy 32:31 kjv

For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

Deuteronomy 32:31 nkjv

For their rock is not like our Rock, Even our enemies themselves being judges.

Deuteronomy 32:31 niv

For their rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede.

Deuteronomy 32:31 esv

For their rock is not as our Rock; our enemies are by themselves.

Deuteronomy 32:31 nlt

But the rock of our enemies is not like our Rock,
as even they recognize.

Deuteronomy 32 verses

Deuteronomy 32 31 Meaning

Deuteronomy 32:31 asserts the absolute incomparable superiority of Israel's God, the LORD (Yahweh), over the false gods or sources of strength revered by the surrounding nations. It declares that the foundational strength, refuge, or deity (their "rock") of Israel's adversaries is fundamentally inferior to and distinctly different from the true God of Israel (our "Rock"). The latter part of the verse proclaims that this truth is so self-evident and powerfully demonstrated through divine acts that even Israel's enemies, who would naturally be biased against them, are forced to acknowledge or concede this divine preeminence, serving as unwilling "judges" or witnesses to YHWH's unparalleled power and nature.

Deuteronomy 32 31 Context

Deuteronomy 32:31 is embedded within the "Song of Moses" (Deut 32:1-43), a divinely inspired prophetic poem. This song, delivered by Moses just before his death, serves as a testament and a warning to Israel about their covenant relationship with God. It recounts God's benevolent care for Israel from their very beginnings, contrasting His faithful love with Israel's persistent rebellion, idolatry, and subsequent unfaithfulness. The song foretells God's future judgment upon a disobedient Israel, which would involve facing the very nations whose false gods they served.

In the immediate context (v. 28-30), God expresses His lament over Israel's lack of understanding and their inability to discern the true source of their woes or blessings. He wonders how their enemies could rout them if it weren't for God's withdrawal of protection. Verse 31 directly follows this lament, explaining why Israel's enemies do not truly pose a threat on their own account and why Israel's downfall, if it comes, is not because the gods of those nations are stronger, but because Israel abandoned its own true God. This verse stands as a powerful polemic against the polytheistic beliefs of the ancient Near East, challenging the idea that national gods held ultimate power based on the prosperity or adversity of their worshipers. It firmly asserts that YHWH, the God of Israel, stands supreme and incomparable, a truth so profound that even His adversaries are compelled to affirm it.

Deuteronomy 32 31 Word analysis

• For: This conjunction connects the statement to the preceding thoughts, providing the divine reasoning behind God's earlier musings regarding Israel's potential defeat and the lack of understanding of both Israel and her enemies (Deut 32:29-30). It introduces the definitive reason why the nations cannot truly boast of their own power over Israel.
• their rock: (Hebrew: tsur - צוּר). Refers to the perceived source of strength, stability, refuge, or divine protection for the pagan nations and Israel's enemies. In polytheistic cultures, various gods were seen as providing these attributes to their adherents and nations. The term here is used generally, likely encompassing their idols and the deities they represented. It underscores the contrast with Israel's singular God.
• is not as: A direct, emphatic statement of qualitative inferiority and dissimilarity. It is not merely "different from," but fundamentally "not comparable to" in terms of power, faithfulness, and ultimate reality. It denotes an absolute distinction.
• our Rock: (Hebrew: Tsur - צוּר, capitalized in English to reflect divine significance). This term exclusively refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel. When applied to God, "Rock" metaphorically signifies His unchangeable nature, His steadfastness, His unwavering protection, His reliability as a refuge and foundation, and His eternal power. The capitalization in English translation emphasizes His unique divine status compared to the "rock" of the nations.
• even: An intensifying adverb. It highlights the extraordinary nature of the subsequent admission, making it even more striking that such a testimony would come from this specific source.
• our enemies: Refers to the nations and peoples who are hostile to Israel, both militarily and ideologically. These are groups whose nationalistic and religious pride would normally compel them to exalt their own gods and diminish the God of Israel.
• themselves are judges: (Hebrew: peliylim - פְלִילִים). This phrase signifies that Israel's enemies are compelled to admit or witness to the truth of YHWH's incomparability. They are forced by the evidence of divine acts, or by ultimate divine decree, to concede the superior power and true nature of the God of Israel, even if begrudgingly or unknowingly. This judgment can arise from witnessing God's powerful acts for Israel, or from experiencing their own powerlessness when contending with Him.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• For their rock is not as our Rock: This forms the central polemic of the verse. It's a foundational theological statement challenging the polytheistic worldviews of the time. It directly asserts monotheistic uniqueness against idolatry. This claim is not merely an opinion but a declaration of inherent, objective truth regarding the nature of the divine. The failure of the enemies' "rock" to truly protect or deliver them, when compared to YHWH's actions on behalf of His people (or even His allowing Israel's defeat due to their sin, not His weakness), validates this comparison.
• even our enemies themselves are judges: This second clause reinforces the first with an external, unexpected, and powerful testimony. It signifies that the truth of God's unmatched supremacy is so undeniable that even those least inclined to acknowledge it will eventually be forced to do so. This implies either an internal realization by their adversaries of the vast difference in divine power or an ultimate, public concession under duress of circumstances controlled by YHWH. It underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and their understanding.

Deuteronomy 32 31 Bonus section

• The term "Rock" (tsur) for God is a recurring motif in Old Testament poetry and prophecy, symbolizing stability, permanence, refuge, and faithfulness, characteristics completely lacking in idols.
• This verse contributes significantly to the unique monotheism presented in the Torah, challenging the pervasive polytheism of Israel's neighbors. It is a core part of Moses' theological argument for exclusive devotion to YHWH.
• The concept of enemies acknowledging God's power is a recurring theme in biblical narratives, seen from the Pharaoh's Egyptians after the plagues (Ex 12:33, 14:25) to Rahab's confession (Josh 2:9-11) and later prophecies where nations will come to recognize the LORD.
• The "judges" metaphor carries legal weight, suggesting that the evidence for God's supremacy is so compelling that even hostile parties must render a verdict in His favor.

Deuteronomy 32 31 Commentary

Deuteronomy 32:31 serves as a definitive and powerful declaration of God's singular supremacy in a world teeming with false gods. Moses, speaking on behalf of God, exposes the impotence and falsehood of pagan deities by asserting that their supposed "rocks" or sources of strength are utterly inferior to the living God of Israel. This comparison directly counters ancient Near Eastern beliefs where a nation's strength was often tied to the power of its gods. Israel's potential defeat would never be a testament to the might of other gods, but always to Israel's unfaithfulness to its incomparable "Rock."

The surprising element that "even our enemies themselves are judges" underscores the self-revealing nature of God and the unavoidable reality of His power. It implies that through either witnessing God's extraordinary deeds for Israel or through their own ultimate defeat when they challenge Him, these adversaries will eventually be forced to acknowledge the vast, unbridgeable chasm between their vain idols and the almighty Yahweh. This truth applies not only to ancient foes but also to any who reject God; His truth is ultimately manifest, and His reign undeniable, compelling a confession, willing or unwilling. This verse reminds God's people to put their trust in no other but the One true God, whose might and steadfastness are unparalleled and acknowledged even by His foes.