Keraia
Deuteronomy 32

Deuteronomy 32:27

The Song of Moses · Deuteronomy 32:1–47
Read Deuteronomy 32

Translations

Modern
…if I had not dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest their adversaries misunderstand and say: ‘Our own hand has prevailed; it was not the LORD who did all this.’”
Traditional
Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the Lord hath not done all this.
Literal
…if I had not feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should misunderstand, lest they should say, ‘Our hand is high, and it is not YHWH who has done all this.’”
Latin
Sed propter iram inimicorum distuli: ne forte superbirent hostes eorum, et dicerent: Manus nostra excelsa, et non Dominus, fecit hæc omnia.

Original

Hebrew
English
…if I had not dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest their adversaries misunderstand and say: ‘Our own hand has prevailed; it was not the LORD who did all this.’”

Notes

Deuteronomy 32:27

if I had not dreaded: God is never terrified or intimidated. This fear is concern that Israel’s enemies would attribute their success to their own efforts rather than to God’s sovereign judgment of his people (see Exodus 32:11–14).

Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47

In ancient times, vows from both parties secured a treaty between individuals or nations. Israel's promise was in a song of witness that Moses composed under divine inspiration (31:19–22).

Israel probably sang the song during a regular covenant-renewal ceremony (31:21). They invoked upon themselves the covenant's judgments and reminded themselves of its promises.

Parallels

Revelation 15:1–4

Glossary

Boast Deuteronomy, Book of Song of Moses

Topics

Arrows of God's Judgment Backsliders: General Scriptures Concerning Death: Scenes of Death of Moses Instruction in Religion Judgments: Denounced Against Disobedience Psalms: Didactic Songs Composed by Moses, Celebrating the Providence, Righteousness