Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 31:18. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering verse from the Old Testament. Here's what it means in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about the future – it’s happening after a specific time – and warns that God will be very angry with people who have made choices that lead to terrible things. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And I will surely hide my face…” - This is a powerful image. It means God is going to withdraw from the world, to become distant and silent. He's choosing not to be involved in the suffering and negativity of people. Think of it like turning away from a difficult situation. “…for all the evils which they shall have wrought…” - This is saying that the people are doing terrible things – things like worshipping other gods, lying, stealing, and causing harm to others. These aren’t just small mistakes; they're significant and damaging choices. “in that they are turned unto other gods…” – This is the core of the warning. It means that these people have abandoned God and started worshiping other deities instead. It suggests a rejection of God’s authority and his plan for their lives. So, what's the message? Deuteronomy 31:18 is essentially saying that God is deeply disappointed with humanity because they are choosing to disobey him and turn away from him. It’s a warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience. It’s a reminder that God loves his people and wants them to live in faithfulness to him. Why is this verse important? This verse is often seen as a prophecy about the rise of idolatry – the worship of idols – which was a major problem for Israel during the time of Moses. It highlights the importance of staying true to God’s laws and commandments, because those laws are meant to protect people from evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about how this verse relates to modern-day issues?