Deuteronomy 31:17

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then my anger {H639} shall be kindled {H2734} against them in that day {H3117}, and I will forsake {H5800} them, and I will hide {H5641} my face {H6440} from them, and they shall be devoured {H398}, and many {H7227} evils {H7451} and troubles {H6869} shall befall {H4672} them; so that they will say {H559} in that day {H3117}, Are not these evils {H7451} come {H4672} upon us, because our God {H430} is not among {H7130} us?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then my anger will flare up, and I will abandon them and hide my face from them. They will be devoured, and many calamities and troubles will come upon them. Then they will ask, 'Haven't these calamities come upon us because our God isn't here with us?'

Berean Standard Bible

On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’

American Standard Version

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 come upon them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us because our God is not among us?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:17 presents a solemn prophetic warning from God, delivered through Moses, outlining the severe consequences of Israel's future apostasy. It foretells a time when God's righteous anger will be kindled, leading to His deliberate withdrawal of presence and protection, resulting in profound suffering and calamity for His people. Crucially, the verse anticipates that in their distress, the Israelites will recognize their misfortunes as a direct result of God's perceived absence among them, prompting a moment of self-reflection about their covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Moses' final discourses to the Israelite nation, delivered just before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. The broader context of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - Moses' Farewell Speeches") is a restatement and renewal of the Mosaic covenant, emphasizing the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, particularly detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Chapter 31 specifically focuses on the transition of leadership to Joshua, the command to regularly read the Law, and a stark prophetic warning about Israel's inevitable future unfaithfulness. Moses, guided by divine foresight, explicitly predicts that the people will turn away from the covenant, leading to divine judgment, which this verse vividly describes. This prophecy sets the stage for the "Song of Moses" in [Deuteronomy 32](/deuteronomy/32 "Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses"), which further elaborates on Israel's rebellion and God's just response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land inhabited by pagan nations with idolatrous practices. Moses is keenly aware of the spiritual dangers awaiting them, having witnessed the previous generation's rebellion in the wilderness. The concept of a covenant, a binding agreement between a suzerain (God) and a vassal (Israel), was common in the ancient Near East, with stipulated blessings for loyalty and severe curses for disloyalty. God's warnings in Deuteronomy 31:17 resonate with the expectations of such treaties, where a breach of terms by the vassal would provoke the suzerain's wrath and withdrawal of protection. The threat of being "devoured" and suffering "evils and troubles" would have been understood in terms of military defeat, famine, disease, and ultimately, exile—calamities that were often interpreted as divine judgment in the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 31:17 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Anger and Judgment**, portraying God's wrath not as capricious emotion but as a holy, righteous response to covenant infidelity and idolatry. This anger manifests as **God's Withdrawal**, captured profoundly by the phrases "I will forsake them" and "I will hide my face from them." This concept, often referred to as *hester panim* (hiding of the face), signifies a deliberate removal of divine favor, protection, and intimate communion, leaving the people vulnerable to the natural and supernatural consequences of their sin, as seen in [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God"). The verse also highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, predicting that Israel "shall be devoured" by "many evils and troubles," encompassing various forms of suffering directly resulting from their breach of covenant. Finally, it introduces the theme of **Recognition of God's Absence**, where the suffering itself serves as a catalyst for the people to acknowledge the root cause of their calamities: "Are not these evils come upon us, because our God [is] not among us?" This painful self-realization, though born of distress, holds the potential for repentance and a return to God, a pattern frequently observed in Israel's history, such as during the period of the Judges or the Babylonian Exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kindled (Hebrew, חָרָה _ḥārâ_):** This verb literally means "to burn," "to be hot," or "to glow." When applied to God's anger, it denotes a righteous and intense indignation, not a loss of control, but a fervent, active response to sin and rebellion. It signifies a decisive and unyielding divine resolve to act in judgment against covenant breakers.
* **Forsake (Hebrew, עָזַב _‘āzav_):** This word implies abandonment, leaving something or someone behind, or withdrawing support and protection. In the context of God's relationship with Israel, it signifies a deliberate cessation of His active presence, help, and covenantal commitment due to their unfaithfulness. It contrasts sharply with God's promise never to forsake His people when they are faithful.
* **Hide my face (Hebrew, סָתַר פָּנִים _sātar pānîm_):** This is a profound theological idiom. "Face" (פָּנִים, _pānîm_) often represents God's presence, favor, and benevolent regard. To "hide" it means to withdraw His manifest presence, His favor, His protective gaze, and His intimate communion. It implies a state of spiritual darkness, vulnerability, and a profound sense of abandonment where God's sustaining and guiding presence is no longer perceived or experienced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day":** This clause sets the stage for divine judgment. "In that day" refers to a future time when Israel's predicted apostasy will have occurred. God's "anger" (אף, _‘aph_, often associated with the nose, implying intense breathing or snorting) is a holy, just, and active response to their deliberate turning away from Him and His covenant. It is not an arbitrary emotion but a righteous indignation against sin.
* **"and I will forsake them":** Following the kindling of anger, God declares a direct consequence: He will withdraw His active support and protection. This means Israel will be left to their own devices, no longer enjoying the divine intervention and assistance that had characterized their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
* **"and I will hide my face from them":** This phrase deepens the sense of divine withdrawal. Beyond merely forsaking them, God will remove His benevolent presence and favor. This implies a cessation of divine guidance, blessing, and the sense of intimate communion, leaving Israel exposed to the full force of their enemies and the natural consequences of their sin. It is a state of spiritual desolation.
* **"and they shall be devoured":** This passive construction indicates that Israel will be consumed or overwhelmed by external forces or circumstances. It suggests a vulnerability to their enemies, to famine, disease, or other calamities that will diminish and destroy them, without God's protective hand to deliver them.
* **"and many evils and troubles shall befall them":** This specifies the nature of the "devouring." "Evils" (רָעוֹת, _ra‘ot_) and "troubles" (צָרוֹת, _tsarot_) refer to a wide array of afflictions, including natural disasters, military defeat, social breakdown, and personal suffering. These are presented as direct consequences of God's judgment and the withdrawal of His blessing.
* **"so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God [is] not among us?":** This final clause provides a crucial insight into the purpose of the judgment. The suffering is intended to lead to a moment of realization and self-diagnosis. The rhetorical question indicates that the people, in their distress, will eventually connect their calamities to their spiritual condition—specifically, the absence of God's active presence and favor due to their unfaithfulness. This recognition, though painful, is a necessary step towards potential repentance and restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic warning. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Moses foretells future events concerning Israel's apostasy and the ensuing divine judgment. This pre-knowledge emphasizes God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even in judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the descriptions of God's "anger being kindled" and His decision to "hide His face." While God is spirit, these human-like actions make His righteous indignation and deliberate withdrawal comprehensible to the audience. The verse also utilizes a **Consequence-Clause Structure**, particularly with the phrase "so that they will say," which explicitly links the experience of suffering to the people's eventual self-realization. This highlights the pedagogical nature of divine discipline. Furthermore, the final clause presents a powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("Are not these evils come upon us, because our God [is] not among us?"), designed not for an answer but to provoke deep introspection and acknowledgment of culpability. Finally, a subtle **Parallelism** exists between "I will forsake them" and "I will hide my face from them," where the second phrase intensifies the meaning of the first, emphasizing a profound and comprehensive withdrawal of divine favor and presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:17 serves as a foundational text for understanding the Old Testament pattern of covenant, sin, judgment, and potential restoration. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His commitment to justice, demonstrating that His love for His people does not preclude righteous anger against their unfaithfulness. The "hiding of His face" is a severe form of divine discipline, signifying a removal of His protective hand and a allowing of the natural consequences of sin to unfold. Yet, the verse also subtly hints at God's ultimate redemptive purpose, as the suffering is designed to lead His people to a point of self-awareness and recognition of their spiritual state, thereby creating an opportunity for repentance and a return to Him. This passage exemplifies the tension between God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His just response to human rebellion, revealing that His discipline is often a means to draw His people back into right relationship.

* [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God")
* [Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Jeremiah 2:19 - Your Own Wickedness Will Punish You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:17 carries profound relevance for believers today, serving as a timeless reminder of the gravity of our relationship with God and the consequences of spiritual drifting. While Christians live under the new covenant of grace, the principle that our choices have consequences remains. Persistent disobedience, idolatry (even in subtle forms like prioritizing worldly desires over God), or a casual approach to our faith can lead to a perceived sense of God's absence or a period of spiritual barrenness. This verse challenges us to value God's presence above all else, recognizing that true well-being and security are found in His favor and protection. When we face "evils and troubles," this passage invites us to engage in honest self-reflection, asking if our struggles might be a loving, albeit painful, discipline from God intended to draw us back into closer communion with Him. It calls us to actively seek His face, cherish His commands, and understand that His discipline is not punitive but redemptive, designed to restore us to a vibrant, obedient relationship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly "forsaking" God or allowing other things to take His place?**
* **How do I respond when I feel a sense of God's "hidden face" or a lack of His manifest presence in my life? Do I attribute it to external circumstances or consider my own spiritual condition?**
* **What "evils and troubles" in my life or in the world around me might be prompting me to ask, "Is God not among us?" and how should I respond to that question?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous anger and discipline shape my view of His love and faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**What does "hide my face" mean biblically, and how is it different from God simply being absent?**

Answer: The phrase "hide my face" (Hebrew: *hester panim*) is a profound theological concept that appears frequently in the Old Testament. It does not mean God ceases to exist or is literally absent from a place, as God is omnipresent. Instead, it signifies a deliberate withdrawal of God's manifest presence, favor, protection, and benevolent regard. When God hides His face, it means He is no longer actively intervening on behalf of His people, no longer granting them His blessings, and no longer providing the intimate communion they once enjoyed. It's a state of spiritual abandonment or desolation, where His people are left vulnerable to their enemies, the consequences of their sin, or the natural hardships of life without His sustaining hand. This concept is often found in contexts of judgment or lament, as seen in [Psalm 27:9](/psalm/27-9 "Psalm 27:9 - Do Not Hide Your Face From Me") where the psalmist pleads for God not to hide His face. It's a disciplinary act, intended to bring His people to repentance and a realization of their utter dependence on Him.

**Is God's anger, as described here, arbitrary or just?**

Answer: God's anger, as depicted in Deuteronomy 31:17 and throughout Scripture, is never arbitrary or capricious like human anger. It is always a righteous and holy response to sin, rebellion, and covenant unfaithfulness. In this context, God's anger is "kindled" because Israel has deliberately chosen to "forsake" Him and turn to idolatry, violating the solemn covenant they made with Him. This anger is an expression of His justice and His unwavering commitment to His own character and His covenant promises. It signifies His opposition to evil and His determination to uphold His moral order. Far from being a flaw, God's righteous anger is a necessary aspect of His perfect character, demonstrating that He is not indifferent to sin but actively opposes it, ultimately for the purpose of bringing His people back to Himself, as suggested by the final clause of the verse where the people recognize their plight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:17, with its stark warning of God's anger and the withdrawal of His face due to sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "hiding of God's face" and the experience of being "devoured" by evils due to sin reached its climax not in Israel's history, but on the cross. There, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly bore the full weight of God's righteous anger against humanity's sin. He experienced the ultimate "forsaking" and the most profound "hiding of the Father's face" when He cried out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" This was the moment when the Son, who had always known perfect communion with the Father, was separated by the burden of our iniquity, enduring the very judgment promised in Deuteronomy 31:17. Through His vicarious suffering, Christ absorbed the divine wrath and removed the barrier of sin that caused God to hide His face from humanity. Now, for those who are in Christ, the promise is that God will "[never leave you nor forsake you](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")" and that we have "[access to the Father through one Spirit](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")" because Jesus is "[Immanuel, God with us](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")". He is the ultimate presence of God among His people, ensuring that the covenant curses of separation are transformed into the blessings of eternal communion for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 6:13

And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where [be] all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

Psalms 104:29

Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

2 Chronicles 15:2

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

Isaiah 8:17

And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

Numbers 14:42

Go not up, for the LORD [is] not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.

Isaiah 64:7

And [there is] none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

Deuteronomy 29:24

Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?