What does Deuteronomy 31:17 mean?

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 31:17

Explanation

Deuteronomy 31:17 outlines a warning given by God to the Israelites through Moses, his prophet. The verse reveals a conditional aspect of God’s relationship with His people: if they turn away from Him to worship other gods, His anger will be aroused. The consequences of such apostasy are dire: God will “forsake them,” “hide His face from them,” and they will experience devastation, calamities, and various troubles. The Israelites will become aware that these afflictions have befallen them as a result of God’s absence among them. There is both a literal interpretation, implying actual events that will occur, and a deeper meaning underscoring the spiritual separation that results from disobedience to God.

Historical Context

This verse is situated within a speech by Moses shortly before his death and the Israelites’ entrance into the Promised Land. The context is the renewal of the covenant—a pivotal moment where the Israelites are reminded of the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience to the Law. During this time, the Israelites are a nation that has historically experienced God’s direct guidance and intervention. They are at the threshold of a new chapter, and the admonition urges them to maintain faithfulness when they settle in Canaan.

Theological Insights

From an orthodox Jewish and Christian perspective, this verse embodies the righteousness of God in dealing with His chosen people: He is a God of both mercy and judgment. In contrast, some liberation theology might contextualize the warning as an expression of God’s preferential option for the poor and marginalized, emphasizing faithfulness to God’s command of justice as a societal obligation. Furthermore, Calvinist theology might see the verse as echoing the sovereignty of God, where divine providence includes retributive justice.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to one’s core beliefs and values. For individuals, it might mean cultivating integrity and accountability. For communities, it can be a call to collective responsibility, ensuring that actions align with shared principles, and recognizing the consequences of abandoning them. The idea that separation from foundational truths can lead to turmoil is applicable in both personal and communal settings.

Cross-References

Here are related verses:

• Leviticus 26:17, “And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.”
• Joshua 23:15-16, “Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the Lord your God promised you; so shall the Lord bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you.”
• 2 Chronicles 15:2, “The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.”

Language Study

The phrase “hide my face” in the original Hebrew is “הַסְתֵּר פָּנָי” (haster panai), symbolizing God withdrawing His presence and favor. The word “kindled” (חָרָה, ‘charah’) implies a burning anger, denoting a passionate response from God towards betrayal. The word “devoured” (וְאָכְלָה, ‘v’ochlah’) indicates consumption or destruction, suggesting complete devastation as a divine judgment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient cultures often understood divine-human relationships as transactional; gods were appeased to ensure wellbeing. This motif is seen in Ancient Near Eastern texts where gods abandon or punish their worshippers for failures in piety or offerings. Comparatively, the Biblical narrative presents a covenantal relationship wherein faithfulness results in blessing, and unfaithfulness leads to judgment, but also holds a unique aspect of divine mercy and eventual restoration.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings typically do not intersect directly with theological or religious judgments. However, from a psychological perspective, the concepts highlighted in this verse, such as the consequences of turning away from a community’s agreed-upon moral values, can have tangible social impacts, which can be studied empirically.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians offer insights into Deuteronomy 31:17. For instance, Matthew Henry observes that God’s warnings aim to prevent the sin that leads to suffering, emphasizing His desire for the Israelites’ obedience and well-being. The Pulpit Commentary discusses the justice and inevitability of divine retribution when the covenant is breached. John Wesley comments on the people’s acknowledgment of God’s absence as a catalyst for repentance, wherein lies the hope of restoration. Different commentaries stress the gravity of divine judgment and the importance of maintaining a covenantal relationship with God.