Deuteronomy 31:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 31:17
17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 31 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, faith, discipleship. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 31:17
17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?
Analysis
Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day—covenant violation would provoke divine wrath. And I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them—the terrifying withdrawal of God's presence and protection. And they shall be devoured—by enemies and circumstances. And many evils and troubles shall befall them—covenant curses enumerated in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. So that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?—belated recognition that calamity resulted from God's absence due to their rebellion.
God's 'hidden face' is Scripture's most dreadful judgment—not annihilation but abandonment (Psalm 27:9, Isaiah 59:2). Israel would recognize consequences of forfeiting divine protection but apparently not repent adequately, since God describes their response as question rather than confession. The prophets repeatedly warned that judgment was coming, exile was inevitable, yet mercy would eventually restore remnants (Jeremiah 29:10-14). Christ experienced the ultimate 'hidden face' on the cross ('My God, why have You forsaken Me?') to ensure believers never face final abandonment.
Historical Context
Prophesied circa 1406 BC, fulfilled progressively through Israel's history. Periods of divine protection alternated with judgment—Philistine oppression, Assyrian invasion, Babylonian exile. Each demonstrated that military defeat wasn't merely geopolitical misfortune but covenant consequences. The question 'Is not God among us?' tragically echoed their presumptuous confidence before disasters (Jeremiah 7:4, Micah 3:11). Only after seventy years of exile did Judah adequately repent, and the return remained incomplete until Christ established the new covenant.
Reflection
- What does it mean that God 'hides His face'? How is divine absence worse than direct punishment?
- How do people recognize consequences of sin yet fail to adequately repent? What's the difference?
- How does Christ's experience of God's hidden face on the cross guarantee believers never face ultimate abandonment?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Chronicles 28:9
- Parallel theme: Numbers 14:42, Judges 6:13, 2 Chronicles 15:2, Psalms 30:7, 104:29, Isaiah 8:17