What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 7:10? But those who hate Him - Deuteronomy 7:10 begins by acknowledging that real people can and do “hate” God—rejecting His covenant love, turning from His commands, and choosing idolatry (Romans 1:30; John 3:19–20). - In context, Moses is warning Israel against aligning with the Canaanite nations whose practices showed open hostility toward the LORD (Deuteronomy 7:1–5). - Hatred of God is not merely emotion; it is expressed in persistent disobedience (1 John 5:3; James 4:4). He repays to their faces with destruction - “Repays” highlights divine justice. God is perfectly righteous and cannot overlook sin (Galatians 6:7; Nahum 1:2–3). - “To their faces” shows judgment is personal and unmistakable—no one can claim ignorance when consequences arrive (Hebrews 10:31; Revelation 6:16). - “Destruction” points to comprehensive judgment, seen historically in the defeat of Egypt (Exodus 14:27–28) and prophetically in eternal separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:8–9). He will not hesitate to repay to his face - God’s retribution is timely; He does not drag His feet when the moment of judgment matures (Psalm 94:1–2; 2 Peter 3:9–10). - His justice isn’t abstract or hidden—it confronts the sinner “face to face,” underscoring accountability (Job 34:11; Romans 2:6). The one who hates Him - The singular phrasing underscores that divine justice reaches each individual, not just groups (Ezekiel 18:4; Revelation 20:12). - Even if culture tolerates or celebrates rebellion, every person must reckon with God personally (Matthew 16:27). - God’s unwavering standard means that unrepentant hostility toward Him brings certain judgment, yet His desire remains that all would turn and live (Ezekiel 33:11; 1 Timothy 2:4). summary Deuteronomy 7:10 assures us that God’s justice is direct, personal, and certain. Those who persist in hating Him—expressed through ongoing disobedience and rejection of His covenant—will meet a timely, face-to-face repayment that ends in destruction. While the passage warns sternly, it also points to the reliability of God: He is faithful to judge sin just as He is faithful to save those who love Him and keep His commands (Deuteronomy 7:9; John 14:23). |
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