On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, 'Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?' On that day My anger will burn against them,This phrase indicates a specific time when God's wrath will be kindled due to Israel's disobedience. The concept of divine anger is consistent throughout the Old Testament, where God's holiness demands justice against sin (Exodus 32:10). The "day" refers to a future time of judgment, often seen as a warning to the Israelites to remain faithful to the covenant. Deu 32:22 For a fire has been kindled by My anger,… and I will abandon them Abandonment by God is a severe consequence of Israel's idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. This echoes the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where God warns of the repercussions of disobedience. The idea of God withdrawing His presence is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of His guidance and protection (Judges 10:13). Isa 54:7 For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion… and hide My face from them, The hiding of God's face signifies a withdrawal of His favor and blessing. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the face of a deity represented presence and benevolence. This phrase is a metaphor for divine displeasure and is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe times of distress and divine silence (Psalm 13:1). Psa 13:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD?… so that they will be consumed, The consumption here refers to the destruction and devastation that will follow God's abandonment. This is a fulfillment of the covenant curses, where disobedience leads to calamity (Leviticus 26:14-17). The imagery of being consumed underscores the totality of the judgment. Psa 90:7-9 For we are consumed by Your anger and terrified… and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. This phrase highlights the multiplicity and severity of the consequences Israel will face. The troubles and afflictions are both physical and spiritual, affecting the nation as a whole. This is reminiscent of the plagues and hardships described in the curses of Deuteronomy 28:15-68. Deu 28:65-67 Among those nations you will find no repose,… On that day they will say, The repetition of "on that day" emphasizes the certainty and imminence of the prophesied events. It also introduces a moment of realization and reflection for the Israelites, prompting them to acknowledge the cause of their suffering. Jdg 10:10 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD,… ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’ This rhetorical question indicates a moment of self-awareness and recognition of the link between their suffering and God's absence. It reflects the covenant relationship where God's presence is contingent upon Israel's faithfulness (Deuteronomy 28:15). The disasters serve as a catalyst for repentance and a return to God, aligning with the prophetic calls for Israel to acknowledge their sin and seek restoration (Hosea 5:15). Num 14:42 Do not go up, lest you be struck down by your enemies… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of Israel who is delivering God's message to the people. He is preparing them for his departure and the leadership transition to Joshua. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, who are being warned about the consequences of turning away from God. 3. God (Yahweh) The covenant-keeping God who promises blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. 4. Promised Land The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter. It represents both a physical inheritance and a spiritual promise. 5. Covenant The agreement between God and Israel, which includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Teaching Points The Seriousness of SinSin has real consequences, both spiritually and physically. When we turn away from God, we invite trouble into our lives. God’s Faithfulness to His Word God is faithful to His promises, both in blessing and in judgment. We can trust that He will do what He says. The Importance of Repentance When we find ourselves in trouble, it is crucial to examine our relationship with God and repent if necessary. God’s Presence as a Blessing The presence of God is a source of protection and blessing. We should strive to maintain a close relationship with Him. Learning from History The experiences of the Israelites serve as a warning and a lesson for us today. We should learn from their mistakes and seek to obey God. Bible Study Questions 1. What does this passage teach us about the nature of God’s relationship with His people?2. How can we apply the warning in Deuteronomy 31:17 to our personal lives today? 3. In what ways do we see the consequences of turning away from God in our world today? 4. How can we ensure that we remain in God’s presence and avoid the pitfalls described in this passage? 5. What steps can we take to repent and seek God’s face when we realize we have strayed from Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28These chapters outline the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a broader context for the consequences mentioned in Deuteronomy 31:17. Judges 2 This passage describes a time when Israel turned away from God, and He allowed them to face oppression, illustrating the fulfillment of the warning in Deuteronomy 31:17. 2 Chronicles 7:14 This verse offers a solution to the problem of God hiding His face, emphasizing repentance and seeking God’s presence.
People Amorites, Israelites, Joshua, Levi, Levites, Moses, Nun, Og, SihonPlaces Jordan River, MoabTopics Anger, Befall, Befallen, Burned, Consumed, Consumption, Destroyed, Destruction, Devoured, Difficulties, Disasters, Distresses, Evils, Face, Forsake, Forsaken, Haven't, Hidden, Hide, Kindled, Midst, Moved, Overtake, Troubles, Unnumbered, Veiling, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 31:17 5770 abandonment 8705 apostasy, in OT 1255 face of God Library Pilgrim SongGerhard Ter Steegen Deut. xxxi. 8 On, O beloved children, The evening is at hand, And desolate and fearful The solitary land. Take heart! the rest eternal Awaits our weary feet; From strength to strength press onwards, The end, how passing sweet! Lo, we can tread rejoicing The narrow pilgrim road; We know the voice that calls us, We know our faithful God. Come, children, on to glory! With every face set fast Towards the golden towers Where we shall rest at last. It was with voice of singing We … Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others First Sunday in Lent Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! Jesus Makes a Preaching Tour through Galilee. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 31:17 NIVDeuteronomy 31:17 NLT Deuteronomy 31:17 ESV Deuteronomy 31:17 NASB Deuteronomy 31:17 KJV Deuteronomy 31:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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