Deuteronomy 32:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

By dwelling in falsehood, we turn our transgressions into combustible materials for the flames, provoking the wrath of God upon ourselves, as stated, ‘Fire shall be kindled by my fury.’

Dear brothers who love Christ, let us contemplate the awe-inspiring and dreadful return of our Lord Jesus Christ. I recall that moment and feel a profound fear, pondering what shall be unveiled at that time. How will we endure, dear ones, when we witness the raging river of fire surging like a tumultuous sea, consuming the mountains and the wilderness, igniting the entirety of creation and all that it holds? Then, my beloved, from such flames, the rivers will dry up, the springs will vanish, the stars will tumble, the sun will lose its brightness, the moon will wane, as it is written, the heavens shall be rolled back like a scroll (Is. 34:4). In the tenth chapter of the Illuminator, the Monk Joseph of Volotsk references the harmony between the teachings of St. Ephraim and the Scriptures by citing Deut. 32:22.

Ultimately, it is believed by some that individuals residing in the underworld serve as the basis for those whose sinful ways led them to prioritize worldly matters. Concerning these very foundations of the earth, Scripture states, "A fire has been kindled by my wrath; it will burn up to the depths of the underworld, consuming the earth and its foundations."

The brother inquired, "Why, Father, do I lack a sense of brokenness?" The elder responded, "It is because neither you nor I hold the fear of the Lord in our hearts. We have allowed ourselves to become a haven for all that is wicked, treating the severe admonishments of God as trivial notions. Otherwise, how could we remain unshaken when we hear Moses proclaiming God's message about the unrighteous: 'like fire shall be kindled by my fury,' 'it shall break forth unto hell; it shall consume the earth and its bounty, it shall demolish the foundations of the mountains'? Furthermore, 'I will wield my sword like lightning; my hand shall administer judgment; I will exact vengeance on my adversaries and repay those who harbor hatred toward me' (Deuteronomy 32:41).

The notable Moses discloses that they will be condemned to perpetual suffering and the flames of Gehenna.

It is indeed astonishing to witness periods of drought, barren lands, and the ensuing decay and hunger that accompany such times. But what accounts for these afflictions? Who bears the blame for this misfortune? The answer lies in our transgressions. The Lord speaks clearly: ‘A fire shall burn with my fury, it shall go up to the hell of the underworld, it shall consume the earth and its fat, it shall destroy the foundations of the mountains. I will gather the wicked upon them, and I will finish my arrows in them, and they shall melt with a glaze. Why, O Lord, are You so terribly angry with Your beloved people? ‘Because of their sins,’ says He, ’because they have angered Me, and in their abominations have grieved Me. (Deuteronomy 32:16).