Deuteronomy 31:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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?”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God's anger will manifest as withdrawal of His presence and covenant discipline.
The Context of Deuteronomy 31:17
God's withdrawal will bring suffering that reveals Israel's distance from Him.
What Does Deuteronomy 31:17 Mean?
God's response to covenant-breaking is not arbitrary punishment but the natural relational consequence of betrayal. To hide His face means to withdraw His protective presence and active care. The evils and troubles that follow are not imposed externally but arise from walking into danger without God's safeguarding presence.
The final clause is poignant: in distress, Israel will recognize the connection between their apostasy and their suffering. They will ask, 'Is God not with us?' The question itself becomes a moment of potential return—suffering can become a teacher, leading people to recognize what they have lost and to seek restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 31:17
What does Deuteronomy 31:17 mean?
God's anger will manifest as withdrawal of His presence and covenant discipline.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 31:17?
God's withdrawal will bring suffering that reveals Israel's distance from Him.