17 " Then My anger will be kindled against them in that day , and I will forsake them and hide My face from them, and they will be consumed , and many evils and troubles will come upon them; so that they will say in that day , ' Is it not because e our God is not among us that these evils have come upon us?' 18 "But I will surely hide My face in that day because of all the evil which they will do , for they will turn to other gods .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:17-18
Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:14-22
(Read Deuteronomy 31:14-22)
Moses and Joshua attended the Divine Majesty at the door of the tabernacle. Moses is told again that he must shortly die; even those who are most ready and willing to die, need to be often reminded of its coming. The Lord tells Moses, that, after his death, the covenant he had taken so much pains to make between Israel and their God, would certainly be broken. Israel would forsake Him; then God would forsake Israel. Justly does he cast those off who so unjustly cast him off. Moses is directed to deliver them a song, which should remain a standing testimony for God, as faithful to them in giving them warning, and against them, as persons false to themselves in not taking the warning. The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of men's hearts, and meets them by reproofs and correction. Ministers who preach the word, know not the imaginations of men; but God, whose word it is, knows perfectly.