Deuteronomy 32:43Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

At the time of our Savior's birth, the angels' faces radiated with the glory of the divine humanity, declaring, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14). The archangel Gabriel also announced His miraculous and pain-free birth, and during His battle with the devil, it is noted that "angels came and served Him" (Matthew 4:11). Angels remained with Him throughout His ordeal, and after His resurrection, they appeared at the tomb, asking the women, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:5). After His ascension, they addressed the holy apostles, saying, "Why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will likewise come, in the same way you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). Additionally, an angel directed Cornelius to the great Peter (Acts 10:5-6), and the apostle reassured those sailing with him, stating, "The angel of God, whom I serve, has appeared to me" (Acts 27:23). Numerous similar instances can be found. However, the prophet who addressed believers also prophesies the judgments that await the unbelievers, exposing the reasons behind these judgments. He declares, "For the blood of his children he will avenge, and will avenge; and he will avenge his enemies, and will avenge those who hate him; and the Lord will cleanse the land of His people." The saints, who were murdered by the Jews, are referred to as the sons of God. I do not speak here only of the prophets who suffered nor of the Lord's saving passion; they stoned the virtuous Stephen and killed the apostle James by crucifixion. Herod beheaded another James to win their favor. They committed many other acts of violence and looted the homes of those who believed in the Lord. The divine apostle speaks of this in his Epistle to the Hebrews, stating, "And you joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions" (Hebrews 10:34). In his letter to the Thessalonians, he noted: "You are like the saints in Judea, for you too will suffer at the hands of your own countrymen, just as they did from the Jews, who killed the Lord Jesus and His prophets, and drove us out, and did not please God, and opposed all men" (1 Thessalonians 2:14-15). This was also the Lord's charge against them in the parable of the vineyard, wherein His servants were beaten, killed, and stoned (Matthew 21:35), leading to their scattering throughout the earth.

‘Let all the sons of God be strengthened,’ — this teaches the nations about the suffering endured by the Son of God for our behalf; however, dear friends, do not let kings or the wrath of oppressors dissuade you, for in being conformed to the Son of God, you have faced physical trials. Additionally, Moses spoke of another matter, saying: ‘For he will avenge the blood of his sons, and will take vengeance on his enemies.’ Here, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Moses indicates that just as one seeks retribution for the blood of their sons and justice against their adversaries, the Lord will enact vengeance upon those responsible for the crucifixion of your Savior. ‘And the Lord shall cleanse the land of His people’: to ensure the promised land would be occupied by Christians, the Lord and Savior Himself came, purifying and sanctifying it through His presence.