Deuteronomy 7:10 on God's justice?
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)

What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 7:10?
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