Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 10:30

"For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people." — Hebrews 10:30 (ASV)

The expression “we know” reminds us of Paul, who is fond of appealing to his readers’ understanding. The author calls God the One who spoke the words of Scripture to humankind. The first quotation here is from Dt 32:35 (also quoted in Ro 12:19). It mentions that vengeance is a divine prerogative; it is not for us to take it into our own hands. But the emphasis is on the certainty that the Lord will act. The wrongdoer cannot hope to go unpunished because avenging wrong is in the hands of none less than God. The second quotation leaves no doubt whatever about the Lord’s intervention, for he is named and so is his activity.

The word “judge” (GK 3212) may mean “give a favorable judgment” as well as “condemn.” In both Dt 32:36 and Ps 135:14, it is deliverance that is in mind. But in the OT God does not vindicate his people if they have sinned. Vindication implies that they have been faithful in their service. But where they have not, that same principle of impartial judgment according to right demands that intervention bring punishment. This is what the author has in mind. That one claims to be a member of God’s people does not exempt one from judgment. God judges all.