Deuteronomy 32:42 Meaning and Explanation
“I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God's judgment will be thorough and comprehensive, affecting both the slain and the captured.
The Context of Deuteronomy 32:42
Moses depicts the totality of God's judgment through vivid military imagery.
What Does Deuteronomy 32:42 Mean?
The image of arrows drunk with blood is vivid and total. Every arrow finds its mark; the flow is continuous and complete. This is not partial judgment but comprehensive divine action. The sword that devours flesh suggests nothing escapes the judgment.
The reference to 'beginning of revenges' suggests multiple acts of judgment unfolding. From the first strike, consequences multiply. The captives are included: judgment extends not only to death but to the degradation of captivity. This thoroughness reflects the thoroughness of Israel's covenant violation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 32:42
What does Deuteronomy 32:42 mean?
God's judgment will be thorough and comprehensive, affecting both the slain and the captured.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 32:42?
Moses depicts the totality of God's judgment through vivid military imagery.