Then they will cry to the LORD, but he will not answer them; he will hide his face from them at that time, because they have made their deeds evil—the consequence of the cannibalistic exploitation is that God will not answer their prayers and will hide His face. The contrast between the leaders' current confidence (that they can exploit with impunity) and future desperation (crying to the LORD) shows the inevitable reversal judgment brings. The hiding of God's face represents the withdrawal of divine presence and favor, the reversal of the covenant blessing and the ultimate isolation of rejection. The causal connection established (they made their deeds evil, therefore God will not answer) shows that judgment is not arbitrary but proportional and responsive to rebellion. This verse establishes the principle that religious practice divorced from justice is empty and cannot access God's presence or favor.

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