Deuteronomy 7:10
But those who hate Him He repays to their faces with destruction; He will not hesitate to repay to his face the one who hates Him.
But those who hate Him
The phrase "those who hate Him" refers to individuals or nations that reject God and His commandments. In the Hebrew text, the word for "hate" is "שָׂנֵא" (sane), which implies a deep-seated animosity or rejection. Historically, this can be seen in the context of the Canaanite nations that Israel was instructed to drive out. These nations were characterized by idolatry and practices that were abominable to God. From a conservative Christian perspective, this phrase serves as a warning against turning away from God and embracing worldly or sinful practices.

He will repay to their faces
The concept of repayment "to their faces" indicates a direct and personal retribution. The Hebrew word "פָּנִים" (panim) is used here, which literally means "faces" and suggests an immediate and unmistakable confrontation. This phrase underscores the justice of God, who deals with individuals according to their actions. In a broader scriptural context, it reflects the principle of divine justice found throughout the Bible, where God holds individuals accountable for their deeds.

with destruction
The term "destruction" in Hebrew is "אָבַד" (abad), which conveys the idea of perishing or being utterly cut off. This is not merely a physical destruction but can also imply spiritual ruin. In the historical context of Deuteronomy, it refers to the complete overthrow of the Canaanite nations. For conservative Christians, this serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, emphasizing the need for repentance and obedience.

He will not hesitate
The phrase "He will not hesitate" suggests the certainty and swiftness of God's judgment. The Hebrew text implies that God is not slow or reluctant in executing justice. This reflects the biblical theme that God is both patient and just, giving people time to repent but ultimately holding them accountable. It serves as an encouragement for believers to trust in God's timing and justice, even when it seems delayed.

to repay to his face
Reiterating the earlier phrase, "to repay to his face" emphasizes the personal nature of God's judgment. It is a direct response to the individual's actions, leaving no room for misunderstanding or escape. This phrase reinforces the idea that God's justice is not abstract but personal and specific. For believers, it is a call to live righteously, knowing that God sees and judges all actions.

the one who hates Him
This final phrase brings the focus back to the individual who actively rejects God. It serves as a stark contrast to those who love and obey God, highlighting the consequences of enmity with the Creator. In the broader biblical narrative, it aligns with the theme of choosing between life and death, blessing and curse, as presented in Deuteronomy. For conservative Christians, it is a call to examine one's heart and ensure that it is aligned with God's will, avoiding the path of those who hate Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the covenant and laws as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites, where they are to live according to God's commandments.

4. God
The central figure, delivering justice and maintaining His covenant with those who love Him and punishing those who hate Him.

5. Enemies of God
Those who reject God and His commandments, facing His judgment and destruction.
Teaching Points
Divine Justice
God's justice is perfect and impartial. He repays those who hate Him directly, emphasizing His sovereignty and righteousness.

The Consequences of Hatred
Hatred towards God leads to destruction. This serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to His commandments.

God's Patience and Judgment
While God is patient, He will not delay His judgment forever. This encourages believers to live in a way that honors God.

Covenant Faithfulness
The importance of remaining faithful to God's covenant is underscored, as blessings and protection are promised to those who love Him.

Fear of the Lord
A healthy fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, guiding believers to live righteously and avoid the path of destruction.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's justice in Deuteronomy 7:10 influence your view of His character?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not counted among those who "hate" God in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of divine retribution in Deuteronomy 7:10 relate to the New Testament teachings on God's judgment?

4. What practical steps can we take to remain faithful to God's covenant in our current cultural context?

5. How can the fear of the Lord, as described in Deuteronomy 7:10, lead to a deeper relationship with Him and impact our decision-making?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:5
This verse speaks of God as a jealous God, punishing those who hate Him, which parallels the theme of divine retribution in Deuteronomy 7:10.

Romans 12:19
This New Testament passage echoes the idea of leaving vengeance to God, reinforcing the concept of divine justice.

Psalm 145:20
Highlights God's protection of those who love Him and the destruction of the wicked, similar to the message in Deuteronomy 7:10.
Israel's Iconoclastic MissionD. Davies Deuteronomy 7:1-11
Lessons from HistoryJ. Orr Deuteronomy 7:9, 10
The Divine VeracityR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 7:9-16
People
Amorites, Canaanites, Egyptians, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, Perizzites, Perrizites, Pharaoh
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt
Topics
Cause, Delay, Delayeth, Destroy, Destroying, Destruction, Face, Faces, Hate, Hater, Haters, Hates, Hateth, Hating, Mercy, Open, Perish, Punishment, Repay, Repayeth, Repaying, Repays, Requite, Requites, Rewarding, Slack, Slow
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 7:10

     5150   face
     5875   hatred
     9512   hell, experience

Deuteronomy 7:9-10

     5493   retribution
     8112   certainty

Library
God's Faithfulness
'Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him.'--DEUT. vii. 9. 'Faithful,' like most Hebrew words, has a picture in it. It means something that can be (1) leant on, or (2) builded on. This leads to a double signification--(1) trustworthy, and that because (2) rigidly observant of obligations. So the word applies to a steward, a friend, or a witness. Its most wonderful and sublime application is to God. It presents to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Match-Making.
SECTION I. THE RELATION OF PARENTS TO THE MARRIAGE CHOICE OF THEIR CHILDREN. "Youth longeth for a kindred spirit, and yet yearneth for a heart that can commune with his own; Take heed that what charmeth thee is real, nor springeth of thine own imagination; And suffer not trifles to win thy love; for a wife is thine unto death!" One of the most affecting scenes of home-life is that of the bridal hour! Though in one sense it is a scene of joy and festivity; yet in another, it is one of deep sadness.
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home

The First Covenant
"Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me."--EX. xix. 5. "He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments."--DEUT. iv. 13.i "If ye keep these judgments, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant,"--DEUT. vii. 12. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, which My covenant they brake."--JER. xxxi. 31, 32. WE have
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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