Comentário sobre Deuteronômio 32:28

כי FOR that nation גוי אבד עצות המה ואין בהם תבונה IS A NATION OF ERRING COUNSEL, NEITHER IS THERE ANY UNDERSTANDING IN THEM — for if they were wise (לו חכמו),‎ ישכילו זאת THEY WOULD UNDERSTAND THIS viz., איכה ירדף וגו׳ HOW COULD ONE PURSUE [A THOUSAND] etc.

FOR THEY ARE A NATION VOID OF COUNSEL. [This verse and] the entire section [further on] refers to the aforementioned enemy, according to the words of Rabbi Nechemyah.¹¹⁴Sifre, Ha’azinu 322. And, so too, the verse, For their Rock is not as our rock¹¹⁵Further, Verse 31. is to be understood as the words of the enemy. Scripture thus states, the enemy should have considered and understood that what was done with Israel had been brought about by G-d because of their sin, and from it they should have realized their own ultimate punishment, for He would do the same to all the nations since they rebel against G-d more than does Israel. They should have been wise and said: “How should one pursue a thousand from Israel except their Rock had given them over.¹¹⁶Verse 30. For their Rock is powerful and possesses the capability to help and save more than does our rock, and our enemies [i.e., the Israelites] were ‘pelilim’ (judges)¹¹⁵Further, Verse 31. over us originally to execute judgments upon us as they wished. And now, why do a thousand [of the Israelites] flee from before us at the shout of one man, except that their mighty Rock gave them over and sent a faintness into their heart¹¹⁷Leviticus 26:36. and they fell when there was no pursuer.”¹¹⁸See ibid., Verse 37. The term ‘pelilim’ (judges)¹¹⁵Further, Verse 31. is associated with the expressions: that ‘pilalt’ (thou hast given judgment) for thy sisters;¹¹⁹Ezekiel 16:52. Then stood up Phinehas ‘vayephaleil’ (and wrought judgment).¹²⁰Psalms 106:30.

כי גוי אובד עצות המה, Moses is quoting the gentiles’ assessment of the Jewish people at that point.