Deuteronomy 7:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 7:10
10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 7 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, wisdom, truth. 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 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 7:10
10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.
Analysis
God's righteous judgment balances His covenant mercy. 'Repayeth them that hate him to their face' (meshalleim leson'av el-panav) means swift, direct, personal judgment. The phrase 'to their face' emphasizes that God's justice is neither delayed nor indirect—He confronts rebellion openly. 'He will not be slack' (lo ye'acher) means God doesn't procrastinate in judgment. This vindicates God's holy character—He cannot overlook sin. The Hebrew parallelism (repeating 'to their face' and 'repay') emphasizes certainty and immediacy. This is the flip side of election: those who persist in hating God receive judgment. Romans 2:5-6 affirms this principle: God 'will render to every man according to his deeds.'
Historical Context
Israel's history demonstrates this principle repeatedly. Those who 'hated' God (rebelled against His covenant) faced immediate judgment: Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16), Achan's theft (Joshua 7), Uzzah's irreverence (2 Samuel 6:7). The Canaanite nations received judgment 'to their face' through Israel's conquest. The northern kingdom's persistent idolatry led to Assyrian exile (722 BC); Judah's apostasy resulted in Babylonian captivity (586 BC). God's judgment, though patient, arrives with certainty.
Reflection
- How does understanding God's certain judgment against sin deepen your appreciation for Christ bearing that judgment for you?
- What attitudes or actions in your life might indicate 'hating God' rather than loving Him?
- How should God's immediate judgment of rebellion shape your urgency in repentance and obedience?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 7:9, 32:25, 32:35, Exodus 20:5, Proverbs 11:31, Isaiah 59:18