Deuteronomy 32:20
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God declares He will "hide His face," not to be aloof, but to observe and demonstrate the ultimate consequences of their "perverse" and "faithless" ways. This isn't passive observation; it's a deliberate withdrawal of divine favor to let their actions and their end become a stark, practical lesson for all to see.
And he said, ‘I will hide my face from them; I will see what their end will be, for they are a perverse generation, children in whom is no faithfulness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is about to deliver his farewell song to Israel, a powerful recounting of God's faithfulness and their repeated unfaithfulness. The song serves as a final testimony and warning before Moses dies and Israel enters the Promised Land, emphasizing the covenant relationship and the consequences of breaking it. God declares His intention to withdraw His favor and observe the ultimate outcome of their perversity, highlighting their deep-seated lack of faithfulness.
What does it mean for God to 'hide his face'? It's more than just turning away; it signals a profound shift in His interaction with His people.
In Deuteronomy 32:20, God declares, 'I will hide my face from them.' This isn't a casual dismissal. Throughout Scripture, God's face represents His presence, favor, and active engagement. When He hides His face, it signifies:
This act of hiding His face is a solemn indicator that the relationship has reached a breaking point, and God is allowing their chosen path to lead them to its natural, destructive conclusion.
God calls Israel a 'perverse generation, children in whom is no faithfulness.' What does this deep-seated faithlessness look like, and why does it evoke such a strong response from God?
The description of Israel as a 'froward generation, children in whom is no faithfulness' (Hebrew: lo emon bam, 'no steadfastness in them') points to a fundamental brokenness. This isn't just about occasional mistakes; it's about a character flaw that permeates their existence.
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This deep-seated lack of faith and perversity is what moves God to judge, as their very nature resists the steadfast love and faithfulness He offers.
Understand the original words
satar panim · Hebrew Verb phrase
A withdrawal of God's favor, presence, and blessing, often serving as a judgment against the persistent sin and rebellion of the people.
tahpukah · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Twisted, corrupt, or crooked; describing a heart or character that has turned away from God's ways to follow its own sinful desires.
'emun · Hebrew Noun
Trustworthiness, steadfastness, or truthfulness; it refers to a firm, reliable moral character that reflects God's own nature.
This verse comes from Moses' final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It reflects God's deep disappointment with their repeated unfaithfulness throughout their journey from Egypt, a pattern that would tragically continue even after they settled in the land.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through miraculous signs and wonders, initiating their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wandering
After the Exodus, the Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith. During this time, God provides for them but also judges their rebellion.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses' Final Address
As the Israelites are poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses delivers his final speeches, recorded in Deuteronomy, recounting their history and reaffirming God's covenant.
c. 1406 BC
Death of Moses
Moses ascends Mount Nebo and dies, having seen the Promised Land but not entering it, a consequence of a past act of disobedience.
c. 1406 BC onwards
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin the military conquest of the Promised Land, facing various nations and challenges.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Deuteronomy 32:20 by questioning 'what iniquity did your fathers find in me that they went far from me?' This highlights the theme of God's people turning away from Him despite His faithfulness, a core issue in Deuteronomy 32:20.
Romans 3:23The phrase 'children in whom is no faithfulness' in Deuteronomy 32:20 finds a parallel in Romans 3:23's statement that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' Both passages speak to a universal human failing and a lack of righteousness before God.
Hebrews 10:30-31Deuteronomy 32:35-36, which speaks of God's vengeance and judgment, is quoted in Hebrews 10:30, linking the idea of God's righteous judgment on those who forsake Him with a warning against falling into His hands.
Psalm 78:37This psalm laments that 'their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not true to his covenant.' This directly reflects the 'no faithfulness' and 'froward generation' described in Deuteronomy 32:20, emphasizing the lack of loyalty to God's covenant.
Matthew 13:15Quoting Isaiah 6:10 (which itself builds on the idea of hardened hearts evident in Deuteronomy's context), Jesus describes people whose 'hearts have become dull, and with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes.' This spiritual dullness and refusal to 'see' or 'hear' resonates with God hiding His face in Deuteronomy 32:20 because of their perversity.
calvinDeuteronomy 32:1-52: "Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth."
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Ipsi ad zelum provocaverunt me, in eo quod non est Deus, ad iracundiam me provocaverunt in vanitatibus suis: et ego ad zelum provocabo eos in eo qui non…
clarkeDeuteronomy 32:20: "And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith."
Children in whom is no faith - לא אמן בם lo emon bam, "There is no steadfastness in them," they can never be depended on. They are fickle, because they are faithless.
God declares He will "hide His face," not to be aloof, but to observe and demonstrate the ultimate consequences of their "perverse" and "faithless" ways. This isn't passive observation; it's a deliberate withdrawal of divine favor to let their actions and their end become a stark, practical lesson for all to see.
Moses is about to deliver his farewell song to Israel, a powerful recounting of God's faithfulness and their repeated unfaithfulness. The song serves as a final testimony and warning before Moses dies and Israel enters the Promised Land, emphasizing the covenant relationship and the consequences of breaking it. God declares His intention to withdraw His favor and observe the ultimate outcome of their perversity, highlighting their deep-seated lack of faithfulness.
Moses is about to deliver his farewell song to Israel, a powerful recounting of God's faithfulness and their repeated unfaithfulness. The song serves as a final testimony and warning before Moses dies and Israel enters the Promised Land, emphasizing the covenant relationship and the consequences of breaking it. God declares His intention to withdraw His favor and observe the ultimate outcome of their perversity, highlighting their deep-seated lack of faithfulness.
"And he said, ‘I will hide my face from them; I will see what their end will be, for they are a perverse generation, children in whom is no faithfulness." — God declares He will "hide His face," not to be aloof, but to observe and demonstrate the ultimate consequences of their "perverse" and "faithless" ways. This isn't passive observation; it's a delibe…
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Last reviewed October 2026
