In the Song of Moses, the dying leader of Israel preaches the word of God to God’s people. In Deuteronomy 32:35, God declares in this song, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” God’s vengeance is deadly: “I put to death and I bring to life; I have wounded and I will heal.” Lest his enemies think they’re safe in their sin, God says, “I will take vengeance on my adversaries and repay those who hate me.”
The songbook of Israel isn’t skittish about vengeance. Rather, the psalmists celebrate the God of vengeance. “The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked” (Psalm 58:19). The psalmist calls God to rise up and judge on the basis that “the Lord is a God who avenges.” (Psalm 94:1). God’s people are counseled to be patient and “wait for the Lord.” They are not lulled into passivity because their God is passive. They wait for God because “He will avenge you” (Prov 20:22). The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah preach God’s vengeance upon Israel’s enemies. Even Joseph’s refusal to punish his brothers who sold him into slavery is based on God’s exclusive right to avenge. Joseph asks, “Am I in the place of God?” (Gen 50:19). Joseph assumes God has the position and authority to punish and repay, not him.
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