What Did God Mean When He Said ‘Vengeance Is Mine’?

　　Moses was the scribe, but God authored the words “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.” (Deuteronomy 32:35)

　　This is God’s promise and His law, given first in Exodus and a second time here. Deuteronomy is a reminder of the covenant that God made with His people. The word ‘Deuteronomy’ is ‘eleh ha-devarim’ in Hebrew” meaning “‘these are the words.’”

　　Moses is preparing to pass the baton to a new generation of Israelites led by a next-generation leader, Joshua. Moses is reminding the people to remain faithful to the one true God and His laws. The Lord has fed them and provided water in the desert. And now, knowing he will soon die and not see the Promised Land, Moses rebukes the people:

　　For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you have been rebellious against the Lord while I am still alive and with you, how much more will you rebel after I die! – Deuteronomy 31:27

　　In Deuteronomy 32, referred to as ‘The Song of Moses,’ Moses sings to God and the phrase “vengeance is mine” is first recorded here in Deuteronomy 32:35. It is a promise Moses claims for himself and his people. He continues with: In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.” The LORD will vindicate his people...

　　Later, Paul quotes this verse to the Christians in Rome to emphasize the point that they should not “repay evil for evil.” (Romans 12:17)