What does Deuteronomy 31:18 mean?

And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods. Deuteronomy 31:18

Explanation

Deuteronomy 31:18 is part of a set of teachings by Moses to the Israelites before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. The verse reflects a divine warning of what would happen if the Israelites turned away from God and worshiped other deities. It speaks of God’s “hiding of the face,” which is a metaphor for the withdrawal of His favor and protection. The phrase “for all the evils which they shall have wrought” means because of all the wrongdoings that the Israelites would commit. The emphasis is on the covenant relationship between God and His people, and the consequences of breaking that covenant by turning to idolatry.

Historical Context

The Book of Deuteronomy is considered to be a part of the Pentateuch or Torah, traditionally believed to have been written by Moses. It contains a series of speeches by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. The historical context is the end of the Israelites’ forty-year journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The verse foretells the dangers of adopting the religious practices of the surrounding pagan nations and underscores the importance of loyalty to the covenant with God.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse may be seen as reflecting the justice of God, who responds to faithfulness with favor and to disobedience with judgment. The “hiding of the face” by God is a motif that suggests God’s displeasure and the resulting consequences of sin. The verse underscores the monotheistic foundation of the Judeo-Christian belief system and stresses the exclusivity of worship that should be directed solely toward God.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied to the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of moral and spiritual deviation. In practical terms, it can be seen as a call to integrity and consistency in one’s relationship with God, a reminder to avoid being influenced by society’s idols, which can take many forms beyond traditional pagan deities, such as materialism, power, or any form of obsession that takes the place of God.

Cross-References

• Exodus 32:10 – “Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.”
• Deuteronomy 31:17 – “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?”
• Hebrews 3:12 – “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

Language Study

• “Hide my face” (Hebrew: “הָסְתִּ֥יר פָּנָ֖י”): This is an anthropomorphic expression signifying the withdrawal of divine favor. In Hebrew culture, the face represents presence and favor, so the hiding of the face implies absence or judgment.
• “Evils” (Hebrew: “הָרָעוֹת”): This word conveys the idea of calamities, misfortunes, or bad deeds. It is a general term for the results of sin and disobedience.
• “Wrought” (Hebrew: “עָשֹׂ֑וּ”): This translates to “to make” or “to do.” It implies the actions or deeds that the Israelites would commit.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be made with other ancient Near Eastern cultures that had multiple gods and frequently engaged in syncretism, merging different religious practices. The verse strikes a contrast with such cultural norms, emphasizing the distinct monotheism of Israelite religion and the necessary avoidance of blending their worship with those of Canaanite gods like Baal and Asherah.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings as it primarily deals with matters of faith and obedience within a religious and moral framework. However, the concept of actions leading to consequences could be loosely tied to the scientific idea of cause and effect.

Commentaries

Most biblical scholars agree that Deuteronomy 31:18 presents the concept of covenant faithfulness and spiritual fidelity. The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary reflects on this verse as part of the dramatic moment before Israel enters Canaan, stressing the gravity of God’s warning. Matthew Henry’s Commentary articulates the danger of false worship and the disaster it invites. These experts, and others, acknowledge this verse as a crucial component of the Mosaic covenant narrative and a testament to God’s righteous standards.