Deuteronomy 32:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Among the Gentiles, the deities they deem divine are indeed false, both in their being and the promises they offer. They are not omnipresent; instead, they are worshiped in specific locations and ultimately fade away, proving their own futility. Hence, the Word pronounces, "there is no faith in them." The emptiness of every man's speech can be seen in his genuine words (Psalm 11:3). This statement clearly reveals the lack of faith among the Jewish people, which is why Moses criticized them, calling them "the sons of the unfaithful."

Observe how in His grace, God aims for an outcome rooted in sorrow, and how His divine nature is concealed in instruction delivered through warnings. "I will hide My face from them," He declares, "and I will see what their end shall be." Wherever the Lord casts His gaze, there is tranquility and delight; however, when He withdraws His presence, wickedness begins to take hold. Yet, God desires not to witness evil, for He is inherently good. Should He turn His face away from any place, it is a result of human disbelief, allowing evil to take root there. (cf. Rom. 1:24).

Through this, it is demonstrated that as the faithfulness of the Jews wanes, the Creator withdraws His gaze, revealing that they will ultimately resemble a festering wound upon the earth.