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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 32:10 He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/32-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/05_Deu_32_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 32:10 - The Song of Moses" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/32-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/32-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/32.htm">Chapter 32</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-9.htm" title="Deuteronomy 32:9">◄</a> Deuteronomy 32:10 <a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm" title="Deuteronomy 32:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/32.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/32.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland. He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; he encircled him, he cared for him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“He found him in a desert land And in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“He found him in a desert land, And in the howling wasteland of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220He found him in a desert land, And in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“He found him in a desert land, And in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, And in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him; He cared for him; He guarded him as the pupil of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“He found him in a desert land, In the howling wasteland of a wilderness; He kept circling him, He took care of him, He protected him as the apple of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He found him in a desolate land, in a barren, howling wilderness; he surrounded him, cared for him, and protected him as the pupil of his eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He found him in a desolate land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, cared for him, and protected him as the pupil of His eye. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, And in the waste howling wilderness; He compassed him about, he cared for him, He kept him as the apple of his eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Israel, the LORD discovered you in a barren desert filled with howling winds. God became your fortress, protecting you as though you were his own eyes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, And in the waste howling wilderness; He compassed him about, he cared for him, He kept him as the apple of his eye:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He found his people in a desert land, in a barren place where animals howl. He guarded them, took care of them, and protected them because they were helpless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"He found them wandering through the desert, a desolate, wind-swept wilderness. He protected them and cared for them, as he would protect himself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD found him in a desert land, in a barren, eerie wilderness. He surrounded, cared for, and guarded him as the pupil of his eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD found him in a desolate land, in an empty wasteland where animals howl. He continually guarded him and taught him; he continually protected him like the pupil of his eye. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, in the waste howling wilderness. He surrounded him. He cared for him. He kept him as the apple of his eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, in the waste howling wilderness. He surrounded him. He cared for him. He kept him as the apple of his eye. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He finds him in a land—a desert, "" And in a void—a howling wilderness, "" He turns him around—He causes him to understand—He keeps him as the apple of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> He findeth him in a land -- a desert, And in a void -- a howling wilderness, He turneth him round -- He causeth him to understand -- He keepeth him as the apple of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He will find him in the land of the desert, In a waste howling desolation: He will encompass him about; he will teach him, He will keep him as the pupil of the eye.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, in a place of horror, and of vast wilderness: he led him about, and taught him: and he kept him as the apple of his eye. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He discovered him in a desert land, in a place of horror and a vast wilderness. He led him around and taught him, and he guarded him like the pupil of his eye,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He found them in a wilderness, a wasteland of howling desert. He shielded them, cared for them, guarded them as the apple of his eye. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He sustained him in a desert land, in a howling wilderness waste; he shielded him, cared for him, guarded him as the apple of his eye.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, and in the waste and howling wilderness; he made him to settle down, he loved him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He found him in the land of wilderness and in the wilderness of the deserts He brought him out, and he cherished him and he protected him as the pupil of the eye.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, And in the waste, a howling wilderness; He compassed him about, He cared for him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He maintained him in the wilderness, in burning thirst and a dry land: he led him about and instructed him, and kept him as the apple of an eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=9029" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/32.htm">The Song of Moses</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: yim·ṣā·’ê·hū (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">He found him</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: miḏ·bār (N-ms) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">in a desert</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bə·’e·reṣ (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">land,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8414.htm" title="8414: ū·ḇə·ṯō·hū (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-ms) -- From an unused root meaning to lie waste; a desolation, i.e. Desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain.">in a barren,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3214.htm" title="3214: yə·lêl (N-ms) -- A howling. From yalal; a howl; -howling.">howling</a> <a href="/hebrew/3452.htm" title="3452: yə·ši·mōn (N-ms) -- Waste, wilderness. From yasham; a desolation.">wilderness;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: yə·sō·ḇə·ḇen·hū (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">He surrounded him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: yə·ḇō·wn·nê·hū (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">He instructed him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5341.htm" title="5341: yiṣ·ṣə·ren·hū (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- To watch, guard, keep. A primitive root; to guard, in a good sense Or a bad one.">He guarded him</a> <a href="/hebrew/380.htm" title="380: kə·’î·šō·wn (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- The pupil (of the eye). Diminutive from 'iysh; the little man of the eye; the pupil or ball; hence, the middle.">as the apple</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">of His eye.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/32-7.htm">Psalm 32:7</a></span><br />You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-4.htm">Psalm 91:4</a></span><br />He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-9.htm">Isaiah 63:9</a></span><br />In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “After His Glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-4.htm">Exodus 19:4</a></span><br />‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/11-1.htm">Hosea 11:1</a></span><br />When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-3.htm">Jeremiah 31:3</a></span><br />The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-3.htm">Isaiah 46:3-4</a></span><br />“Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. / Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/36-7.htm">Psalm 36:7</a></span><br />How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/121-4.htm">Psalm 121:4-8</a></span><br />Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. / The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. / The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28-29</a></span><br />I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. / My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a></span><br />But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.</p><p class="hdg">found</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm">Deuteronomy 8:15,16</a></b></br> Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, <i>wherein were</i> fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where <i>there was</i> no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/9-19.htm">Nehemiah 9:19-21</a></b></br> Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/107-4.htm">Psalm 107:4,5</a></b></br> They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in… </p><p class="hdg">led him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-36.htm">Deuteronomy 4:36</a></b></br> Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/9-20.htm">Nehemiah 9:20</a></b></br> Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/32-7.htm">Psalm 32:7-10</a></b></br> Thou <i>art</i> my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah… </p><p class="hdg">he kept</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8</a></b></br> Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2</a></b></br> Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a></b></br> For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Apple</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-7.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-14.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-12.htm">Cared</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-19.htm">Caring</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-16.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-3.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-5.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Encircled</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-56.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Howling</a> <a href="/numbers/27-23.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-9.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-9.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-5.htm">Led</a> <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Preserved</a> <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Pupil</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-8.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-19.htm">Round</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-30.htm">Sand</a> <a href="/exodus/40-21.htm">Shielded</a> <a href="/exodus/28-11.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-4.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-5.htm">Unpeopled</a> <a href="/numbers/30-15.htm">Void</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-5.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-7.htm">Watched</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-5.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Apple</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-11.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/judges/13-2.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/ruth/4-16.htm">Cared</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-5.htm">Caring</a> <a href="/joshua/2-15.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/joshua/6-3.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-51.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-15.htm">Encircled</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-28.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/psalms/59-6.htm">Howling</a> <a href="/joshua/8-27.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/ruth/3-15.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-34.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-12.htm">Led</a> <a href="/joshua/24-17.htm">Preserved</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">Pupil</a> <a href="/joshua/10-32.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/joshua/6-3.htm">Round</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-19.htm">Sand</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-5.htm">Shielded</a> <a href="/judges/16-2.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-43.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-29.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-11.htm">Unpeopled</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-28.htm">Void</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-51.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-9.htm">Watched</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-51.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 32</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-1.htm">Moses' song, which sets forth God's mercy and vengeance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm">He exhorts them to set their hearts upon it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">48. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-48.htm">God sends him up to mount Nebo to see the land, and to die</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/32.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/32.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He found him in a desert land</b><br>This phrase refers to God's discovery of Israel in a state of desolation and need, symbolized by the desert. The desert land represents the physical wilderness where the Israelites wandered for 40 years after the Exodus from Egypt. It also symbolizes spiritual barrenness and the need for divine intervention. The desert is often a place of testing and transformation in the Bible, as seen in the experiences of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. This setting underscores God's initiative in seeking out His people when they were lost and vulnerable.<p><b>in a barren, howling wilderness</b><br>The wilderness is described as barren and howling, emphasizing its harsh and inhospitable nature. This reflects the Israelites' physical and spiritual challenges during their journey. The wilderness is a place of danger and desolation, yet it is also where God reveals His power and provision. The "howling" suggests the presence of wild animals and the absence of human civilization, highlighting the miraculous nature of God's protection and guidance. This imagery connects to other biblical accounts of wilderness experiences, such as Hagar's encounter with God in the desert (<a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Genesis 16:7-14</a>).<p><b>He surrounded him</b><br>God's surrounding of Israel indicates His protective presence. This imagery suggests a divine encampment, where God Himself acts as a shield against external threats. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where He promises to be their God and protector. This concept is echoed in <a href="/psalms/125-2.htm">Psalm 125:2</a>, where the Lord surrounds His people as the mountains surround Jerusalem. It also prefigures the protective role of Christ, who surrounds believers with His love and grace.<p><b>He instructed him</b><br>God's instruction of Israel in the wilderness involved giving them the Law and teaching them His ways. This instruction was not only about legal statutes but also about forming a people who would reflect His character and holiness. The wilderness served as a classroom where Israel learned dependence on God and obedience to His commands. This instruction is foundational to the covenant relationship and is reiterated throughout Scripture, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>, where parents are commanded to teach God's laws to their children.<p><b>He guarded him as the apple of His eye</b><br>The phrase "apple of His eye" is a metaphor for something precious and highly valued. It indicates the special care and attention God gives to Israel, treating them as a cherished possession. This expression is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8</a> and <a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a>, to convey God's protective love for His people. It highlights the intimate and personal nature of God's relationship with Israel, foreshadowing the New Testament revelation of God's love for the Church through Christ. The imagery of the eye suggests vigilance and constant watchfulness, assuring believers of God's unwavering care.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, depicted as the protector and guide.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>Represented by "him," referring to the nation of Israel whom God found and cared for.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/desert_land.htm">Desert Land</a></b><br>Symbolizes the challenging and desolate conditions from which God rescued Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a></b><br>Represents the trials and tribulations faced by Israel, both physically and spiritually.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/apple_of_his_eye.htm">Apple of His Eye</a></b><br>A metaphor for God's deep care and protection over Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_desolation.htm">God's Faithfulness in Desolation</a></b><br>Even in the most barren and challenging circumstances, God remains faithful and present. Reflect on how God has been present in your own "wilderness" experiences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_instruction_and_guidance.htm">Divine Instruction and Guidance</a></b><br>God not only protects but also instructs. Consider how God’s Word and Spirit guide you today, just as He guided Israel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_being_god's_people.htm">The Value of Being God's People</a></b><br>Being the "apple of His eye" signifies immense value and love. Embrace your identity as cherished by God and live in a way that reflects this truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/protection_and_security_in_god.htm">Protection and Security in God</a></b><br>Just as God guarded Israel, He offers protection to His people today. Trust in His security amidst life's uncertainties.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_god's_care.htm">Responding to God's Care</a></b><br>Recognize and respond to God's care with gratitude and obedience. How can you actively show appreciation for His guidance and protection?<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_32.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 32</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'apple_of_god's_eye'_mean.htm">What does "Apple of God's Eye" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_verify_deut._10's_historical_truth.htm">How can we verify the historical authenticity of the events in Deuteronomy 10 when there is minimal supporting evidence outside the text?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_ask_god_for_favor_if_he's_impartial.htm">Why does Psalm 17:8 ask God to treat the psalmist as 'the apple of Your eye' if God is supposed to be impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_deut._33_2_with_no_evidence.htm">In Deuteronomy 33:2, how do we reconcile the claim of God's appearance from Sinai, Seir, and Paran with the lack of archaeological evidence for these events?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) The whole of this verse is in the pictorial present in the Hebrew--<p>"He findeth him in a desert land,<p>In a waste howling wilderness;<p>He compasseth him about, He instructeth him,<p>He guardeth him as the apple of his eye."<p><span class= "bld">He found him.</span>--This beautiful expression is common to the Old and New Testaments as a description of God's first revelation of Himself to man. In the case of Hagar it is written (<a href="/genesis/16-7.htm" title="And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.">Genesis 16:7</a>), "the angel of Jehovah <span class= "ital">found her </span>by a fountain of water in the wilderness." Concerning Jacob, that "<span class= "ital">He found him </span>in Bethel," when Jacob said "Surely the Lord is in this place, <span class= "ital">and I knew it not</span>" (<a href="/hosea/12-4.htm" title="Yes, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication to him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spoke with us;">Hosea 12:4</a>; <a href="/genesis/28-16.htm" title="And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.">Genesis 28:16</a>). A series of similar passages is closed by the three examples of the lost sheep, the lost money, and the son that had been lost, and <span class= "ital">was found </span>(Luke 15). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - God's fatherly care of Israel. <span class="cmt_word">In the desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness</span>; literally, <span class="accented">in the land of the desert</span>, <span class="accented">in the waste</span> (the formless waste; the word used is that rendered, <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>, "without form"), <span class="accented">the howling of the wilderness</span>. "Israel is figuratively represented as a man without food or water, and surrounded by howling, ferocious beasts, and who must needs have perished had not God found him and rescued him" (Herxheimer). <span class="cmt_word">The apple of his eye</span>; literally, <span class="accented">the mannikin</span> (<span class="hebrew">אִישׁון</span>) of his eye, the pupil; so called because in it, as in a mirror, a person sees his own image reflected in miniature (Gesenius), or because, being the tenderest part of the eye, it is guarded as one would a babe (cf. <a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8</a>; <a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2</a>; <a href="/zechariah/2-12.htm">Zechariah 2:12</a>). By Delitzsch and others this explanation of the word is rejected as not philologically justified, there being no evidence that the termination <span class="hebrew">ון</span> had a diminutive force; and as not in keeping with the earnestness of the passages in which this word occurs. They prefer the explanation <span class="accented">man image</span> to <span class="accented">mannikin</span>. Anyhow, the use of the word here must be taken as indicating that Israel is ever in the eye of the Lord, the object of his constant and tenderest care. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He found him</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמְצָאֵ֙הוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(yim·ṣā·’ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in a desolate</span><br /><span class="heb">מִדְבָּ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(miḏ·bār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pasture, a desert, speech</span><br /><br /><span class="word">land,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאֶ֣רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’e·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in a barren,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְתֹ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·ṯō·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8414.htm">Strong's 8414: </a> </span><span class="str2">A desolation, desert, a worthless thing, in vain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">howling</span><br /><span class="heb">יְלֵ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(yə·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3214.htm">Strong's 3214: </a> </span><span class="str2">A howling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wilderness;</span><br /><span class="heb">יְשִׁמֹ֑ן</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ši·mōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3452.htm">Strong's 3452: </a> </span><span class="str2">Waste, wilderness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He surrounded him,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְסֹֽבְבֶ֙נְהוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(yə·sō·ḇə·ḇen·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, go around, surround</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He instructed him,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְב֣וֹנְנֵ֔הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḇō·wn·nê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He guarded him</span><br /><span class="heb">יִצְּרֶ֖נְהוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiṣ·ṣə·ren·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5341.htm">Strong's 5341: </a> </span><span class="str2">To watch, guard, keep</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as the apple</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּאִישׁ֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(kə·’î·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_380.htm">Strong's 380: </a> </span><span class="str2">The little man of the eye, the pupil, ball, the middle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of His eye.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵינֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 32:10 He found him in a desert land (Deut. 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