And repaieth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he wil not be slacke to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. Deuteronomy 7:10 (KJV)
Deuteronomy, the seventh book of the Pentateuch, records Moses’ final exhortations to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. In this chapter Moses reminds the people of the covenant relationship they share with Yahweh and the consequences that flow from faithfulness or rebellion.
The verse quoted above declares that God will deal directly with those who oppose Him. It affirms that divine justice is swift and uncompromising: God will not be “slack” toward the hater, but will repay him “to his face.” This language underscores the seriousness with which God regards persistent rebellion and the moral order He upholds. The passage serves as a stark warning that hostility toward God will not be ignored or postponed.
For the original audience, the warning reinforced Moses’ broader call to remain wholly devoted to the Lord amid surrounding nations that practiced idolatry and injustice. The surrounding verses repeatedly urge love for God, careful keeping of His statutes, and wholehearted obedience as the proper response to the covenant blessings promised to the ancestors.
Today the principle remains relevant. Believers are reminded that God’s justice is certain; a heart that rejects Him invites divine accountability. At the same time, the passage calls for reverence, loyalty, and a commitment to live in accordance with God’s commands. Faithful obedience aligns the believer with the covenant blessings of peace, security, and spiritual longevity that God intended for His people.
In summary, Deuteronomy 7:10 highlights God’s unwavering justice toward opposition while urging the faithful to maintain a reverent, obedient relationship with Him, trusting that such devotion secures His enduring blessing.
