For their rock is not like our Rock
This phrase contrasts the false gods of other nations with the one true God of Israel. In biblical times, "rock" symbolized strength, stability, and protection. The Israelites often referred to God as their "Rock" (e.g., Psalm 18:2), emphasizing His reliability and unchanging nature. The false gods of surrounding nations, such as Baal or Asherah, were often associated with natural elements or celestial bodies but lacked the power and faithfulness of Yahweh. This distinction highlights the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel, underscoring His role as the ultimate source of security and salvation. Theologically, this points to the exclusivity of God as the only true deity, a theme echoed in the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3).

even our enemies concede
This part of the verse acknowledges that even Israel's adversaries recognize the superiority of Israel's God. Historically, nations surrounding Israel often witnessed the miraculous acts of God, such as the plagues in Egypt or the parting of the Red Sea, which demonstrated His power. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is reminding the Israelites of God's past deliverance and urging them to remain faithful. This acknowledgment by enemies serves as a testament to God's undeniable power and presence. It also foreshadows the ultimate recognition of God's sovereignty by all nations, a theme that is further developed in prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 45:23, where every knee shall bow to God. This recognition can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's power and authority, acknowledged by all in the New Testament (Philippians 2:10-11).

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering his final song to the Israelites before his death. This song serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and a warning against idolatry.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom Moses is speaking. They are on the brink of entering the Promised Land and are being reminded of their covenant with God.

3. The Rock
A metaphor for God, symbolizing strength, stability, and reliability. In contrast, the "rock" of other nations represents their false gods or sources of security.

4. Enemies
The surrounding nations who worship other gods and oppose Israel. They are used as a point of comparison to highlight the superiority of Israel's God.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter. It represents the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants.God's Unmatched Strength
God's strength and reliability are unparalleled. Just as a rock provides a firm foundation, God offers stability and security to those who trust in Him.

The Folly of Idolatry
Trusting in anything other than God is futile. The "rocks" of other nations, representing their gods or sources of security, cannot compare to the true Rock.

Acknowledgment by Enemies
Even those who oppose God recognize His power and superiority. This acknowledgment serves as a testament to God's greatness.

Covenant Faithfulness
The Israelites are reminded of their covenant with God. Faithfulness to God ensures His continued protection and blessing.

Personal Reflection
Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives to identify any "rocks" they might be relying on instead of God.(31) For their rock.--Perhaps this may be taken, For their rock (the enemies' God) is not as our Rock (Jehovah), and yet our enemies are judges, i.e., lords, over us. So Rashi takes it. The verse should be read as a parenthesis. The argument would be this: No cause can be found for the defeat of Israel except the displeasure of Jehovah. The enemies have no gods that could fight against Israel.

The word for judges occurs only in Exodus 21:22; Job 31:11. The phrase "our enemies themselves being judges" (of the question) is more like Latin than Hebrew, but it may be correct.

Verse 31. - The heathen had also a rock in which they trusted - their idol-gods; but even they knew and felt that their rock was not as the Rock of Israel, for, having often experienced the almighty power of God, they could not but acknowledge that he was mightier far than the gods whom they worshipped (cf. Exodus 14:25; Numbers 33, 34; Joshua 2:9; 1 Samuel 5:7). Moses is here himself again the speaker.

Parallel Commentaries ...


For
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

their rock
כְצוּרֵ֖נוּ (ḵə·ṣū·rê·nū)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 6697: A cliff, a rock, boulder, a refuge, an edge

is not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

like our Rock,
צוּרָ֑ם (ṣū·rām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6697: A cliff, a rock, boulder, a refuge, an edge

even our enemies
וְאֹיְבֵ֖ינוּ (wə·’ō·yə·ḇê·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

concede.
פְּלִילִֽים׃ (pə·lî·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6414: A magistrate


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 32:31 For their rock is not as our (Deut. De Du)