Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 31:17. It’s a pretty dramatic verse about the future and God’s plan. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a time when God is going to eliminate those who are causing trouble or disobeying him. It’s a moment of intense judgment and a shift in God’s focus. Let’s unpack the parts: “Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day…” – This means God is going to feel very angry with those who are troubling him. It's not just a mild annoyance; it’s a strong, righteous indignation. Think of it like a fire starting within God. “…and I will forsake them…” - God is choosing to leave these people behind, withdrawing from them. He’s no longer going to be involved in their lives or problems. "...and I will hide my face from them…” – This is a crucial part. God is going to deliberately not look at these people. He's choosing to distance himself from their negativity and wrongdoing. It’s like turning away from someone you don't want to see. “…and they shall be devoured…” - This isn’t just a simple "they will suffer." It means they will experience significant hardship, pain, and destruction. Think of it as being crushed under the weight of their problems. “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?” – This is the most profound part. God is telling them, "You are suffering because you don't recognize that we, as a nation or people, are suffering because of your disobedience." It’s essentially saying, “This isn’t fair. You are causing problems for yourselves.” What it’s trying to say: The verse is a warning about the consequences of sin and rebellion. God is using this judgment to bring about a time when they will understand the seriousness of their actions and recognize that they are in trouble. It’s a way of humbling them and demonstrating His power and justice. In essence, it's a call to repentance – a reminder to change our ways and seek God’s guidance. It's about recognizing that we need his help and protection. Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning. It's often interpreted as a prediction of future events, but it also speaks to the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example from the Bible? Discuss what this verse might mean for our lives today?