Deuteronomy 32:20

KJV

And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end [shall be]: for they [are] a very froward generation, children in whom [is] no faith.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, I will hide {H5641} my face {H6440} from them, I will see {H7200} what their end {H319} shall be: for they are a very froward {H8419} generation {H1755}, children {H1121} in whom is no faith {H529}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, 'I will hide my face from them and see what will become of them; for they are a perverse generation, untrustworthy children.

Berean Standard Bible

He said: “I will hide My face from them; I will see what will be their end. For they are a perverse generation— children of unfaithfulness.

American Standard Version

And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: For they are a very perverse generation, Children in whom is no faithfulness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:20 unveils a solemn declaration from God within the "Song of Moses," expressing His righteous judgment and profound displeasure over Israel's persistent rebellion and spiritual apathy. This verse reveals God's decision to withdraw His divine favor and protection, allowing the natural, destructive consequences of their "froward" (perverse) and faithless disposition to unfold, thereby illustrating the severe implications of covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the "Song of Moses" ([Deuteronomy 32](/deuteronomy/32 "Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses")), a profound poetic and prophetic discourse delivered by Moses to the Israelites just before his death. The song serves as a comprehensive theological reflection, recounting God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people despite their repeated cycles of apostasy. It functions as a solemn warning, outlining the blessings contingent upon obedience and the curses that would inevitably follow disobedience, specifically foretelling Israel's future spiritual decline and God's resultant judgment. The immediate preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 32:15-19](/deuteronomy/32-15-19 "Deuteronomy 32:15-19 - Israel's Rebellion and Idolatry")) vividly describe Israel's prosperity leading to spiritual arrogance, idolatry, and a profound provocation of God's anger, setting the stage for the divine declaration in verse 20.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Song of Moses" is delivered on the plains of Moab, with the Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. This generation had witnessed God's mighty acts of deliverance from Egypt and sustenance in the wilderness, yet they were prone to murmuring, rebellion, and idolatry, as documented throughout [the books of Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus") and [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers"). The concept of God "hiding His face" was a deeply significant expression in ancient Israel, signifying the withdrawal of divine favor, protection, and blessing, often leading to vulnerability and distress. Conversely, God "showing His face" implied His benevolent presence and blessing, as seen in the priestly blessing of [Numbers 6:25](/numbers/6-25 "Numbers 6:25 - The Priestly Blessing"). The "froward" nature speaks to a deep-seated cultural and spiritual stubbornness that often characterized Israel's relationship with Yahweh, despite His covenantal faithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 32:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the "Song of Moses" and the broader book of Deuteronomy. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's ultimate authority to respond to human sin and His righteous indignation against covenant unfaithfulness. It highlights the **Consequences of Unfaithfulness and Rebellion**, illustrating that persistent spiritual apathy and idolatry inevitably lead to divine discipline and the withdrawal of blessing, as also seen in the curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the critical importance of **Faith and Steadfastness** in the covenant relationship, contrasting God's unwavering character with Israel's fickle and faithless disposition. This tension between God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness is a central motif throughout the Pentateuch, culminating in this prophetic warning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Froward (Hebrew, _tahpukâh'_):** This term (H8419), derived from a root meaning "to turn, overturn, pervert," signifies a twisted, perverse, or crooked disposition. It describes a moral and spiritual corruption that actively opposes and deviates from God's righteous path. It implies a willful, stubborn rebellion, a disposition that turns things upside down or acts contrary to what is right and expected, indicating a deep-seated spiritual perversity rather than mere accidental transgression.

* **Faith (Hebrew, _ʼêmûwn'_):** The word "faith" (H529), here negated by "no" (לֹא, _lōʾ_), denotes faithfulness, trustworthiness, steadfastness, or loyalty. The absence of _ʼêmûwn_ indicates a fundamental lack of trust, reliability, and steadfast commitment to God. It's not merely a momentary lapse but a deep-seated deficiency in their relationship with Yahweh, reflecting a failure to believe in His character, promises, and commands, which is the root cause of their perversity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said":** This introduces the direct speech of God (H559, _ʼâmar_), emphasizing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the declaration. It is Yahweh Himself who is speaking, not Moses's interpretation.

* **"I will hide my face from them":** This is a powerful anthropomorphic expression (H5641, _çâthar_ for "hide"; H6440, _pânîym_ for "face") signifying God's withdrawal of His benevolent presence, favor, protection, and blessings. It implies a deliberate act of divine distancing, leaving the people vulnerable to their enemies and the consequences of their own choices. It is a sign of profound displeasure and judgment.

* **"I will see what their end [shall be]":** This does not imply God's ignorance of the future (H7200, _râʼâh_ for "see"; H319, _ʼachărîyth_ for "end"), but rather His sovereign decision to allow their rebellion to run its course, observing the inevitable, self-inflicted destruction that will result. It is an active, judicial observation, permitting the natural and supernatural consequences of their actions to unfold as a form of divine retribution and demonstration of their folly.

* **"for they [are] a very froward generation":** This clause provides the primary reason for God's judgment. Their "frowardness" (H8419, _tahpukâh_ - perversity, crookedness, rebellion) describes their inherent disposition and consistent behavior—a willful turning away from God's ways and a persistent opposition to His commands. The intensifier "very" underscores the depth of their spiritual corruption. The term "generation" (H1755, _dôwr_) highlights this as a characteristic of the collective people.

* **"children in whom [is] no faith":** This second reason clarifies and deepens the first. Their "frowardness" stems from a fundamental lack of _ʼêmûwn_ (H529)—faith, trust, loyalty, and steadfastness towards God. Despite being His covenant "children" (H1121, _bên_), their actions demonstrated a profound absence of belief in His promises, character, and commands, which is the ultimate root of their perverse behavior and rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:20 employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "I will hide my face from them" is a powerful example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (hiding one's face) to God to convey His emotional state of displeasure and His deliberate withdrawal of favor. This action also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future distress and suffering Israel will experience when left to their own devices, without divine protection. The description of Israel as "a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith" utilizes **Parallelism**, where the second phrase ("children in whom is no faith") reinforces and elaborates upon the first ("a very froward generation"), emphasizing the deep-seated nature of their spiritual malady. The use of "very" before "froward" also functions as **Intensification**, underscoring the extreme degree of their perversity and rebellion in God's eyes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:20 profoundly articulates God's righteous response to covenant infidelity, highlighting that while God is patient and merciful, His justice demands accountability for persistent rebellion and unbelief. The concept of God "hiding His face" is a recurring theological motif throughout Scripture, symbolizing divine judgment, the removal of favor, and the experience of spiritual desolation when humanity turns away from Him. This verse underscores the foundational biblical truth that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a steadfast trust and loyalty that manifests in obedience and faithfulness. The absence of such faith leads inevitably to spiritual perversion and the dire consequences of being outside God's protective presence, demonstrating that God's character remains consistent in both His love and His justice.

* [Psalm 27:9](/psalm/27-9 "Psalm 27:9 - Do Not Hide Your Face")
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God")
* [Hebrews 3:12-19](/hebrews/3-12-19 "Hebrews 3:12-19 - The Danger of Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 32:20 serves as a timeless mirror for all generations, urging us to examine the depth of our own faith and the integrity of our walk with God. It powerfully reminds us that God's covenant relationship with His people demands not only outward adherence but also an inward disposition of genuine trust and loyalty. When we allow "frowardness"—a stubborn, perverse inclination toward self-will and sin—to take root, and when our "faith" becomes superficial or absent, we risk experiencing a withdrawal of God's manifest presence and blessing. This is not arbitrary punishment, but the natural consequence of severing ourselves from the Source of life and protection. The verse calls us to a radical self-assessment: are we truly "children of faith," or are we prone to the same spiritual apathy and rebellion that plagued ancient Israel? Our spiritual well-being and flourishing depend on cultivating a heart of steadfast trust and obedience, continually turning towards God rather than away from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting "frowardness" or a "perverse" turning away from God's will?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate genuine "faith" (trust and loyalty) in God, or are there areas where I lack steadfastness?**
* **What might it look like for God to "hide His face" in my own life or in the life of my community, and what steps can be taken to prevent or reverse such a state?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous judgment in this verse deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace?**

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

Answer: While God does not literally have a physical face to hide, the phrase "hide my face" is a powerful anthropomorphism that signifies a withdrawal of His manifest favor, protection, and blessing. In a spiritual sense, when individuals or communities persistently reject God's commands and live in rebellion and unbelief, they experience the natural consequences of being outside His protective and guiding presence. This can manifest as spiritual barrenness, a lack of discernment, exposure to the consequences of sin, or a sense of divine distance. It is not that God ceases to exist or to be sovereign, but that He allows the trajectory of human choices to unfold, demonstrating the profound implications of living apart from Him. The New Testament emphasizes that through Christ, believers always have access to God's presence, but persistent sin can still hinder the experience of His blessing and communion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:20, with its stark portrayal of Israel's "frowardness" and "no faith," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. Israel, as a "very froward generation," consistently failed to maintain the covenant of faith and obedience. However, Jesus embodies the perfectly faithful Son, the one in whom there is absolute and unwavering faith, as the author and finisher of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). He is the true Israel, the obedient one who never turned His face from the Father's will, even unto death. On the cross, it was Jesus's face that was "hidden" from the Father, as He cried out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" This profound moment of divine abandonment, where the Father turned His face from the Son, was not due to Christ's own "frowardness," but because He bore the "frowardness" and "no faith" of humanity. He became our substitute, experiencing the ultimate consequence of sin—separation from God—so that those who believe in Him might never have God's face hidden from them. Through Christ, we are given a new heart of faith ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")) and are reconciled to God, able to approach Him with confidence at the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Jesus, therefore, is the end of our "froward" generation and the source of true, saving faith, perfectly fulfilling what Israel so tragically lacked.

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 31:17

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?

Deuteronomy 31:18

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.

Deuteronomy 32:5

They have corrupted themselves, their spot [is] not [the spot] of his children: [they are] a perverse and crooked generation.

Luke 7:31

And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

Luke 7:32

They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

Luke 18:8

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

2 Chronicles 20:20

¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.