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Deuteronomy 32:35 - Divine justice awaits sinners.

Deuteronomy 32:35 - דברים 32:35

Hebrew Text

לִי נָקָם וְשִׁלֵּם לְעֵת תָּמוּט רַגְלָם כִּי קָרוֹב יוֹם אֵידָם וְחָשׁ עֲתִדֹת לָמוֹ׃

English Translation

To me belongs vengeance, and recompense, when their foot slides: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

Transliteration

Li nakam veshilem le'et tamut raglam ki karov yom eidam vechash atidot lamo.

Hebrew Leining Text

לִ֤י נָקָם֙ וְשִׁלֵּ֔ם לְעֵ֖ת תָּמ֣וּט רַגְלָ֑ם        כִּ֤י קָרוֹב֙ י֣וֹם אֵידָ֔ם וְחָ֖שׁ עֲתִדֹ֥ת לָֽמוֹ׃        
לִ֤י נָקָם֙ וְשִׁלֵּ֔ם לְעֵ֖ת תָּמ֣וּט רַגְלָ֑ם        כִּ֤י קָרוֹב֙ י֣וֹם אֵידָ֔ם וְחָ֖שׁ עֲתִדֹ֥ת לָֽמוֹ׃        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 32:35

This verse appears in Shirat Ha'azinu (Devarim 32), a prophetic song delivered by Moshe before his passing. The song warns of Israel's future straying from Hashem and the consequences, while also affirming divine justice and ultimate redemption.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets "לִי נָקָם וְשִׁלֵּם" ("To me belongs vengeance, and recompense") as emphasizing that retribution is solely Hashem's domain. He cites the Midrash (Sifrei 32:35) to explain that human beings should not seek personal vengeance, as it is reserved for Hashem to exact justice in His time.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that "לְעֵת תָּמוּט רַגְלָם" ("when their foot slides") refers to the moment when Israel's enemies stumble due to their own wickedness. He connects this to the principle of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure), where those who cause others to falter will themselves experience downfall.

Rambam on Divine Justice

In Hilchot Teshuvah, Rambam discusses how divine retribution is precise and inevitable. The phrase "כִּי קָרוֹב יוֹם אֵידָם" ("for the day of their calamity is at hand") reflects the idea that while punishment may seem delayed, it is predetermined and will come swiftly when the time arrives.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ha'azinu 4) elaborates that this verse reassures Israel during exile: though enemies may seem victorious, their downfall is imminent. "וְחָשׁ עֲתִדֹת לָמוֹ" ("and the things that shall come upon them make haste") implies that divine justice cannot be postponed indefinitely.

Practical Lessons

  • Bitachon (Trust): The verse teaches reliance on Hashem's justice rather than human retaliation.
  • Divine Timing: "קָרוֹב יוֹם" reminds us that Hashem's timeline differs from human perception.
  • Accountability: Even powerful oppressors will face consequences for their actions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'To me belongs vengeance' mean in Deuteronomy 32:35?
A: This verse teaches that only Hashem has the right to exact vengeance, not human beings. As Rashi explains, it is forbidden for a person to take revenge, because judgment and retribution belong solely to G-d. The Talmud (Berachot 33a) also emphasizes that we must leave vengeance to Hashem.
Q: Why does the verse say 'when their foot slides'?
A: The phrase 'when their foot slides' refers to the moment when wrongdoers stumble in their wickedness. The Ramban explains that this describes how Hashem's justice comes precisely when evildoers are most vulnerable, showing divine precision in judgment. The Midrash (Sifrei) connects this to how punishment comes when people are unprepared.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us to trust in Hashem's justice rather than seeking revenge ourselves. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 7:7) teaches that we must emulate G-d's ways by being patient and leaving judgment to Him. When we see injustice, we pray for divine justice rather than taking matters into our own hands.