And he said: this marks the beginning of Yahweh’s words, which continue almost to the end of the song; from this point to the end of verse 42, “I” and “me” refer to Yahweh. But see comments below about problems in translating third person references to Yahweh within this direct speech.

I will hide my face from them: see 31.17-18.

I will see what their end will be: that is, “I will see what will happen to them.” God speaks here as a spectator; he does not affirm that he himself will be responsible for what becomes of them. Contemporary English Version translates “I’ll just watch and see what happens to you” (similarly Good News Translation).

A perverse generation: see verse 5.

Children in whom is no faithfulness: that is, “unfaithful children,” who do not respect or obey God their Father.

We may restructure this verse as follows:

• You are unfaithful people
and I can’t trust you.
So I won’t help you any longer;
I’ll just watch
and see what happens to you.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .