Deuteronomy 31:18

KJV

And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will surely {H5641} hide {H5641} my face {H6440} in that day {H3117} for all the evils {H7451} which they shall have wrought {H6213}, in that {H3588} they are turned {H6437} unto other {H312} gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I will be hiding my face from them because of all the evil they will have done in turning to other gods.

Berean Standard Bible

And on that day I will surely hide My face because of all the evil they have done by turning to other gods.

American Standard Version

And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evil which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:18 delivers a stark prophetic warning from Moses to the Israelites, anticipating their future spiritual infidelity, specifically their turning to idolatry, after they enter the Promised Land. This verse underscores the severe, divinely ordained consequences of such covenant unfaithfulness, revealing that God's active favor and protective presence would be withdrawn, leaving the nation vulnerable to the repercussions of their sin and the distress of His hidden countenance. It serves as a profound testament to God's foreknowledge and the conditional nature of the Old Covenant blessings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 31 is situated within Moses' final discourses to Israel, delivered just before his death and their entry into Canaan. This chapter marks a pivotal transition, as Moses commissions Joshua, delivers the Song of Witness (Deuteronomy 32), and provides a solemn warning about Israel's future apostasy. The immediate verses (Deuteronomy 31:16-17) explicitly foretell that the people will "go whoring after the foreign gods of the land," provoking God's anger and leading to His abandonment of them. Verse 18 then specifies the consequence: God will "surely hide my face," confirming the withdrawal of His benevolent presence as a direct result of their idolatry. This prophecy serves as a foundational premise for the historical narratives that follow in Judges, Samuel, and Kings, where Israel's cycles of apostasy and judgment are repeatedly demonstrated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the brink of entering Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic worship, fertility cults, and pagan practices fundamentally antithetical to Yahweh's monotheistic covenant. Moses' warning reflects an acute awareness of the seductive power of these surrounding cultures. The concept of a suzerain (God) withdrawing favor from a disobedient vassal (Israel) was comprehensible within the ancient Near Eastern treaty patterns, where covenant curses for infidelity were common. Unlike other nations whose gods were tied to specific territories, Israel's God was universal, yet He chose to dwell among His people. Thus, His "hiding His face" was not merely a political or military consequence but a profound spiritual rupture, signifying the breaking of a unique, intimate relationship forged in the wilderness and sealed at Sinai.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment** as a righteous response to covenant infidelity, particularly idolatry. God's "hidden face" signifies a withdrawal of His active favor, protection, and blessing, allowing the natural consequences of sin to unfold. This directly relates to the theme of **Idolatry as the Root Sin**, explicitly stating that turning "unto other gods" is the primary trigger for divine displeasure, violating the very first commandment (cf. [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Implicitly, it underscores the critical importance of **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that Israel's prosperity and security in the Promised Land were directly contingent upon their exclusive devotion to Yahweh. Finally, the verse functions as a **Prophetic Warning**, showcasing God's foreknowledge and His grace in providing His people with a clear understanding of the severe repercussions of their actions, thereby offering an opportunity for repentance and avoidance of future distress, a theme echoed in the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hide my face (Hebrew, _satar panim_):** This powerful idiom describes God's withdrawal of His benevolent presence, active favor, and protective oversight. It does not imply God's non-existence or His inability to see, but rather a cessation of His manifest intervention and a removal of His visible favor. When God "hides His face," His people are left vulnerable to their enemies, the consequences of their sin, and the distress of a broken relationship, without His active assistance or blessing. It is a profound expression of divine displeasure and judgment, signifying a deliberate distancing due to human unfaithfulness.
* **in that day (Hebrew, _bay-yom ha-hu_):** This phrase refers to a specific, yet unspecified, future period. It is a prophetic marker indicating a time of distress, apostasy, and divine judgment that Moses foresees will inevitably come upon Israel. It points to a future reality where the consequences of their unfaithfulness will manifest, rather than a single, isolated moment. This phrase emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of the predicted outcome, serving as a solemn warning that the promised judgment will indeed arrive.
* **turned unto other gods (Hebrew, _panah el elohim acherim_):** The verb _panah_ (פָּנָה) means "to turn," "to face," or "to turn toward." When combined with "other gods" (_elohim acherim_), it vividly describes a deliberate act of spiritual deviation and allegiance shift. It signifies a conscious turning away from Yahweh, the one true God, and directing one's worship, devotion, and trust towards false deities. This is the ultimate act of covenant betrayal, violating the foundational commandment of exclusive worship and representing a profound spiritual prostitution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will surely hide my face in that day":** This clause reveals God's active role in the consequences of Israel's sin. The emphatic "surely" (often conveyed by the infinitive absolute in Hebrew, though not explicitly present in the KJV translation here, the force of the statement implies certainty) underscores the divine resolve. "Hiding His face" is a direct, deliberate act of God, a withdrawal of His manifest presence and favor, which will occur during a future, specified period of distress and apostasy.
* **"for all the evils which they shall have wrought":** This phrase establishes the direct causal link between Israel's actions and God's response. The "evils" refer broadly to their wicked deeds, rebellion, and disobedience, encompassing the full spectrum of covenant violations. The future perfect tense "shall have wrought" emphasizes that these evils will be a completed reality by the time God's face is hidden, indicating a cumulative pattern of sin rather than an isolated incident.
* **"in that they are turned unto other gods":** This final clause pinpoints the specific, primary evil that triggers God's withdrawal. It identifies idolatry as the ultimate betrayal and the root cause of the divine judgment. The turning "unto other gods" signifies a fundamental shift in allegiance and worship, a rejection of the unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, and the embrace of false deities, which is the most grievous offense against the first commandment.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described as having a "face" that He can "hide." This human-like attribute helps the audience grasp the concept of divine presence and absence in relatable terms, even though God is spirit and without a physical body. The phrase "hide my face" is also a powerful **Idiom**, signifying not literal concealment but a withdrawal of favor, protection, and benevolent intervention. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired foretelling of future events, specifically Israel's apostasy and its consequences. This prophecy carries a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the historical narratives of Israel's recurring cycles of sin and judgment found throughout the Old Testament. Furthermore, the verse uses **Conditional Language** implicitly, where God's action ("I will hide my face") is directly contingent upon Israel's future actions ("in that they are turned unto other gods"), highlighting the cause-and-effect relationship inherent in the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:18 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God, humanity, and the covenant relationship. It reveals God as both sovereign and just, capable of withdrawing His manifest favor when His people betray their covenant vows through idolatry. This "hiding of the face" is not an act of abandonment in the sense of ceasing to exist or care, but rather a righteous judgment that allows the natural, often painful, consequences of sin to unfold without His active protection. It underscores that true worship demands exclusive devotion, and any turning to "other gods"—whether literal idols or anything that usurps God's rightful place in our lives—constitutes a profound spiritual infidelity that ruptures the intimate relationship God desires. The verse also highlights the enduring theme of divine foreknowledge, demonstrating God's awareness of humanity's propensity to stray, yet still offering a path to relationship and warning of the consequences of deviation.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment: No Other Gods")
* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - Seeking God's Face and Repentance")
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:18, though rooted in ancient Israel's covenant, resonates deeply with contemporary believers. The principle of God "hiding His face" due to spiritual infidelity remains profoundly relevant. While we may not bow to physical idols, anything that displaces God from the supreme position in our hearts—be it career, wealth, relationships, comfort, self-reliance, or even ministry itself—becomes an "other god." When we prioritize these things, we subtly, yet surely, withdraw ourselves from the active experience of God's favor and presence, not because He has moved, but because our focus has shifted. This verse calls us to a constant, honest self-examination, urging us to identify and dismantle any idols that subtly claim our allegiance, ensuring that our devotion remains singularly fixed on the one true God. It reminds us that walking in the light of His countenance requires unwavering faithfulness and a vigilant guarding of our hearts against spiritual compromise, leading to a life of sustained blessing and intimacy rather than the distress of a hidden divine presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" might subtly claim my allegiance in today's world, diverting my focus and devotion from God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing the "hidden face" of God, and could it be a consequence of misplaced priorities or spiritual compromise?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more exclusive devotion to God, ensuring He remains the singular focus of my worship and trust?**
* **What practical steps can I take to consistently "seek God's face" and remain in the light of His favor?**

### FAQ
**Does God literally "hide His face" from believers today?**

Answer: The phrase "hide my face" is an anthropomorphism, a way of describing God's actions in human terms. It doesn't mean God literally turns away or becomes unaware. For ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, it signified a withdrawal of His active, benevolent intervention, protection, and manifest favor due to their unfaithfulness and idolatry. For New Testament believers, our relationship with God is mediated through Jesus Christ and established by grace through faith. God's presence is promised to those in Christ through the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). However, while God's ultimate commitment to His children in Christ is secure, our *experience* of His favor, peace, and guidance can be hindered by unconfessed sin, disobedience, or a turning away from Him in our hearts. This isn't a loss of salvation, but a disruption of intimacy and a forfeiture of the blessings that flow from walking closely with Him. In a sense, our own spiritual choices can create a veil that obscures our perception of His face, even if He never truly abandons us ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")).

**What does "in that day" refer to in this context?**

Answer: "In that day" (Hebrew: _bay-yom ha-hu_) is a common prophetic phrase in the Old Testament that refers to a future, often unspecified, period of significant divine action, whether judgment or salvation. In Deuteronomy 31:18, it points to a future time when Israel's predicted apostasy and turning to "other gods" would become a widespread reality. This "day" is not a single 24-hour period but a period of history marked by their unfaithfulness and the subsequent withdrawal of God's manifest favor, leading to distress and hardship. It foreshadows the cycles of judgment and exile that Israel would experience throughout its history, as recorded in the books of Judges, Kings, and Chronicles, culminating in the Babylonian exile. It serves as a warning that the consequences of their actions would certainly come to pass.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:18, with its sobering prophecy of God "hiding His face" due to Israel's idolatry, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant's conditional blessings and the threat of divine withdrawal highlight humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep God's law and maintain a flawless relationship. The "hidden face" of God, a consequence of sin, was fully experienced by Jesus on the cross. In that moment, as He bore the sin of the world, Christ cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). This agonizing cry signifies the Son experiencing the Father's "hidden face"—the full weight of divine wrath and separation due to sin—so that we, through faith in Him, might never have to. Jesus, the perfect image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - The Image of the Invisible God")) and the radiance of God's glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")), came to reveal God's face fully to humanity ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except the Son")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), removing the barrier of sin that caused God to hide His face. Now, in Christ, believers are invited into a New Covenant relationship where God's presence is not withdrawn due to our failures, but secured by His grace, allowing us to approach Him with confidence and behold His glory in the face of Jesus Christ ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 31:16

And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go [to be] among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.

Deuteronomy 31:17

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?