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 31:17KJV
truelightbible.com

Deuteronomy 31:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 31:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 31:17 describes a time when God’s anger will be stirred against the Israelites because of their unfaithfulness, leading Him to withdraw His presence and allow them to experience many hardships. The people will recognize that their troubles have come because God is no longer among them.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He warns them that if they turn away from God and break their covenant, God will “hide His face” from them, meaning He will no longer protect or help them. The verse highlights the serious consequences of abandoning God, making clear that the people’s suffering will be a result of their own choices.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:17

  • “Anger” (אַף, ’af; H639) refers to God’s wrath, often pictured as a flaring of the nostrils, showing strong emotion rather than a distant or cold response.
  • “Kindled” (חָרָה, charah; H2734) means to burn or become hot, emphasizing that God’s anger is not passive but active and intense.
  • “Hide” (סָתַר, satar; H5641) and “face” (פָּנִים, panim; H6440) together mean God will deliberately withdraw His attention and favor, not just step back but actively conceal His presence.
  • “Evils” (רַע, ra‘; H7451) and “troubles” (צָרָה, tsarah; H6869) describe not just generic misfortune but real calamities and distress, showing the depth of suffering that will come.

Why Deuteronomy 31:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the hardships Israel faces are not random but directly connected to their relationship with God and their choices.
  • The language of God “hiding His face” is a powerful image in the Hebrew Bible, showing that God’s presence is the source of blessing and protection.
  • Deuteronomy 31:17 fits into Moses’ larger warning that faithfulness to God brings life and blessing, while turning away brings real and painful consequences.