How does Deuteronomy 7:10 emphasize God's justice towards those who hate Him? The Text at a Glance “ But He repays those who hate Him to their faces, to destroy them. He will not hesitate to repay to his face the one who hates Him.” (Deuteronomy 7:10) Key Observations in the Verse • “repays … to their faces” – judgment is direct and unmistakable • “to destroy them” – outcome is total; no partial penalty • “will not hesitate” – God’s justice is never postponed or compromised • “the one who hates Him” – hatred of God is not passive; it provokes a righteous response Justice That Is Personal • “to their faces” underscores that God does not act through anonymous forces; He confronts the sinner personally • Exodus 32:33 – “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.” • Psalm 96:13 – “He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.” Justice That Is Complete and Final • “to destroy them” conveys the finality of divine judgment • Nahum 1:2 – “The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.” • 2 Thessalonians 1:9 – “They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction…” Justice Without Delay • “will not hesitate” highlights swiftness; God’s timetable is perfect • Ecclesiastes 8:11 – when sentence is delayed, evil grows; here God prevents that • Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” Justice That Reflects God’s Holy Character • The surrounding context (Deuteronomy 7:9) speaks of covenant love; justice is the flip side of that holiness • Romans 2:6 – “He will repay each one according to his deeds.” • Psalm 5:5 – “You hate all who do wrong.” Implications for Believers Today • God’s justice is certain; no sin escapes His notice • Personal confrontation means no one can hide behind excuses or anonymity • The finality of judgment motivates earnest evangelism and personal holiness • Confidence in divine justice frees believers from taking vengeance (Romans 12:19) |
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