READ: Deut. 32:15-21: But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; … They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods; with abominations they provoked Him to anger. … Of the Rock who begot you, you are unmindful, … And He said: ‘I will hide My face from them, …. But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation…
Moses outlines the intimate covenant relationship between God and His people and he speaks of God’s special blessings of prosperity and abundance. As a contrast, he describes the attitude of Israel as that of a fattened animal that rebelliously kicks against its owner. Israel forsakes God, who created them, and blaspheme the Rock of their salvation (v.15). That is not only incomprehensible but also abominable and repugnant. Their sacrifices are to demons, devils, and not to God (v.17). It culminates with God declaring in verse 20 that they are a completely corrupt generation, children in whom there is no faithfulness.
The LORD’s response is not one of acceptance because He is also faithful to His threat. No, the LORD is made jealous and shows His wrath over His rejected love. Israel had forgotten Him and worships idols or demons. He will hide His face. In anger, He will withdraw His favor from them (v.20) and turn to look to the heathen. To give them power over Israel. Much later these heathen will be given even the gospel (Rom. 9:22-33).
Israel’s apostasy reminds us of the developments in a country like the Netherlands. It used to be called a Christian nation. After the great Reformation, Scriptural preaching was found in the church. And for a long time, the church of Christ made an impact on society. Over time, error and apostasy crept into the church. Under the guise of religion, more and more people denied the Rock of salvation. The church has now become small, and many ‘Christians’ fit right in with the world and sacrifice to the idols of this world.
Can you say that God now hides His face?
Singing: Ps. 79:3