THEOSISGregory the Great
He will inflict severe consequences upon you if you attempt to conceal your engagement with Him. When He stands in judgment, He will bring retribution upon you, and His awe will overwhelm you. This phrase, “you shall take His face secretly,” can be interpreted in two ways. Some individuals recognize the truth in their hearts while simultaneously proclaiming falsehoods about God externally. They lack true humility; despite knowing the truth internally, they outwardly oppose it. Thus, it is rightly stated here, "Severely will He punish you if you take His face secretly." To rephrase it simply, by engaging in falsehood while recognizing the truth within yourselves, you will bear even greater guilt in His sight.
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Indeed, some, when they turn inward, reflect upon God's justice and righteousness, trembling in fear in prayer and lament. Yet, after a brief moment of contemplation on past events, they boldly return to their sinful actions, as if hidden from His gaze, not fearing the light of His righteousness. They take His face in secret, as they simultaneously feign devotion with their tears in His presence and act against Him when they feel out of His sight. They deserve to face even harsher punishment for their wickedness, given their understanding of God's righteous judgments in their hearts. Consequently, it is stated, "When He shall arise, He shall punish you; and His fear shall fall upon you." We recognize that the Almighty is unchangeable in His essence and cannot alter in the rigidness of His judgment. Thus, the expression of the righteous regarding God, Who “shall arise,” signifies His administrative justice that penalizes human corruption. The righteous hold deep reverence before Him, fearing His potential wrath that may be awakened against them; they are cautious even in times of peace, fearing being overtaken by His anger. On the contrary, the wicked may initially be gripped by fear when subjected to His wrath, awakening them from their state of spiritual dullness. Therefore, the Prophet rightly declares that terror shall arise at a single mention. For when the wicked are afflicted with illness as punishment for disregarding God's commandments, they begin to grasp the truths they have previously ignored. The psalmist remarks, "When He slew them, they sought Him." Thus, it is aptly expressed, "When He shall arise, He shall punish you; and His fear shall fall upon you," for the hearts of the lost do not revere Him during periods of calm, and only His discipline instills fear in them. It remains: