1 “When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than you,”
2 and when the Lord your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them.
3 You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons,
4 For they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly.
5 But thus shall you deal with them: you shall break down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and chop down their Asherim and burn their carved images with fire.
6 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples,
8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,
10 but repays to their face those who hate him, by destroying them. He will not be slack with one who hates him. He will repay him to his face.
11 You shall therefore be careful to do the commandment and the statutes and the rules that I command you today.
12 And because you listen to these rules and keep and do them, the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love that he swore to your fathers.
13 He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that he swore to your fathers to give you.
14 You shall be blessed above all peoples. There shall not be male or female barren among you or among your livestock.
15 And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which you knew, will he inflict on you, but he will lay them on all who hate you.
16 And you shall consume all the peoples that the Lord your God will give over to you. Your eye shall not pity them, neither shall you serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you.
17 If you say in your heart, ‘These nations are greater than I. How can I dispossess them?’
18 you shall not be afraid of them but you shall remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt,
19 the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, by which the Lord your God brought you out. So will the Lord your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid.
20 Moreover, the Lord your God will send hornets among them, until those who are left and hide themselves from you are destroyed.
21 You shall not be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.
22 The Lord your God will clear away these nations before you little by little. You may not make an end of them at once, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you.
23 But the Lord your God will give them over to you and throw them into great confusion, until they are destroyed.
24 And he will give their kings into your hand, and you shall make their name perish from under heaven. No one shall be able to stand against you until you have destroyed them.
25 The carved images of their gods you shall burn with fire. You shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, lest you be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord your God.
26 And you shall not bring an abominable thing into your house and become devoted to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest and abhor it, for it is devoted to destruction.
The True Meaning of Deuteronomy 7
The book of Deuteronomy was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Moses stood on the edge of the Promised Land and imparted his final words of wisdom and instruction to the people, preparing them for the challenges that lay ahead. Moses addresses the Israelites in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptations of the surrounding nations. He reminds them of the covenant they have with the Lord and the blessings that will come from obedience, as well as the consequences of turning away from Him.
The chapter foreshadows the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land, as Moses warns them about the nations they will encounter and the need to utterly destroy them. This echoes the command given in Exodus 23:24, where the Israelites are instructed to “break down their altars, dash in pieces their pillars, and cut down their Asherim.” The chapter also highlights the importance of maintaining a pure and holy relationship with God, as seen in the prohibition against intermarriage with the surrounding peoples (Deuteronomy 7:3).
Deuteronomy 7:1-5
The verse in Deuteronomy 7:1-5 is divided into several sections that each carry significant meaning within the overall context of the chapter. Let’s break it down step by step:
- “When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you—”
Here, the verse establishes the setting in which the Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land. The mention of these specific nations highlights the diverse and numerous obstacles the Israelites faced. Despite these nations being more significant and powerful, God promises to go before His people and drive them out to make room for the Israelites. This emphasis on divine intervention and conquest sets the stage for the unfolding narrative in Deuteronomy.
- “and when the Lord your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy.”
This part of the verse reflects the harsh reality of the conquest of Canaan. God commands the Israelites to completely destroy these nations without making any treaties or showing any mercy. This seems intense and even contradictory to some modern views of mercy and compassion, but in the context of the ancient Near East and the historical narrative of the Bible, it underscores the importance of purity and loyalty to God. The total destruction of these nations served a purpose in preventing the Israelites from being influenced by the pagan practices and idolatry of these peoples.
- “Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the Lord’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.”
The prohibition against intermarriage with the surrounding nations was not about racial purity but rather about spiritual fidelity. God understood the powerful influence that marriage and family ties have in shaping beliefs and practices. Intermarriage with these pagan nations could lead the Israelites astray from worshipping the one true God to following after false gods. This command highlights the importance of being set apart and consecrated for God’s purposes, a theme that is echoed throughout the Bible, such as in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. Deuteronomy 7:1-5 sets the stage for the Israelites’ entry into the Promised Land, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the importance of obedience to His commands even when they seem harsh, and the necessity of spiritual purity and separation from idolatry. These verses serve as a reminder of the call to wholehearted devotion to God and the dangers of compromise with worldly influences.
Deuteronomy 7:6-11
Several important sections to dissect are found in Deuteronomy 7:6-11. The first section emphasizes the chosen status of the Israelites by God: “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” This declaration carries weighty significance for the Israelites, as it reinforces their unique and favored position in God’s eyes. Being “holy to the Lord” means being set apart for divine purposes, dedicated to God’s service, and living in accordance with His laws.
The concept of God choosing the Israelites out of all the peoples on earth echoes back to the patriarchs of Israel, particularly to God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. This covenant promised that through Abraham’s descendants, all the nations of the earth would be blessed. The Israelites, as descendants of Abraham, were intended to be a light to the nations, demonstrating God’s righteousness and holiness to the world.
The subsequent verses in Deuteronomy 7 outline the reasons for God’s choice: not because the Israelites were the most numerous or mighty, but because of God’s faithfulness to the promises made to their ancestors. God reiterates His covenant with them, reminding them that He is a faithful God who keeps His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
The passage also contains a stern warning against turning away from God to follow other gods: “You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.” This commandment reinforces the exclusive nature of the relationship between God and His chosen people. Throughout the history of Israel, idolatry was a constant temptation that led to severe consequences, demonstrating the importance of remaining loyal to the true God.
The passage concludes with a promise of God’s faithfulness and steadfast love to those who keep His commandments. This assurance serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering commitment to His people, even in the face of their shortcomings and failures. It underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in maintaining a covenant relationship with God, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. Deuteronomy 7:6-11 highlights the special relationship between God and the Israelites, emphasizing their chosen status, the reasons for God’s selection, the importance of loyalty to God, and the assurance of His faithfulness. These themes are foundational not only for the Israelites but also for all believers, reminding us of the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and unwavering trust in God’s promises.
Deuteronomy 7:12-16
The passage in Deuteronomy 7:12-16 can be broken down into several key sections. Firstly, it outlines the conditions set by God for the Israelites if they obey His commands and follow His decrees. Secondly, it describes the blessings that God promises to bestow upon the Israelites for their faithfulness. And thirdly, it warns of the consequences if the Israelites turn away from God and choose to worship other gods.
The section begins by emphasizing obedience to the Lord’s commands as a prerequisite for receiving His blessings. The Israelites were told that if they carefully followed all the laws and statutes given to them, the Lord would bless them abundantly in all areas of their lives. This underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the relationship between God and His people. This principle is echoed throughout the Bible, emphasizing the significance of obeying God’s word in order to receive His blessings (Deuteronomy 11:13-15, 28:1-14).
The passage then details the specific blessings that God promised to bestow upon the Israelites if they remained faithful. These blessings included fertility in their land, protection from illness and disease, victory over their enemies, and prosperity in their crops and livestock. God was demonstrating His faithfulness and generosity towards those who follow Him wholeheartedly by promising these blessings. This serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people throughout history, always keeping His promises to those who trust in Him (Psalm 145:13, 2 Corinthians 1:20).
Conversely, the passage also warns of the consequences of turning away from God and worshipping other gods. The Israelites were cautioned that if they chose to serve other gods and bow down to them, they would incur God’s wrath and be subject to various calamities and hardships. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of staying true to God and not allowing anything or anyone to take His place in our hearts. This theme is recurrent in the Bible, with numerous examples of the consequences of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God (Exodus 20:3-6, Jeremiah 25:6). Deuteronomy 7:12-16 encapsulates the timeless message of obedience, faithfulness, and the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a reminder to prioritize God above all else, to obey His commands, and to trust in His faithfulness to bless and protect those who remain steadfast in their devotion to Him.
Deuteronomy 7:17-21
Several essential sections that hold significant meaning and lessons for believers are found in Deuteronomy 7:17-21. Let’s break down these verses for a deeper understanding.
Firstly, in verse 17, it says, “If you should say in your heart, ‘These nations are greater than I; how can I dispossess them?’” This segment addresses the fear and doubt that the Israelites may have had when faced with the challenge of conquering the nations in the Promised Land. It is a reminder that despite the seeming superiority or strength of any adversary or obstacle we face, we should not allow fear and doubt to overcome our faith in God’s promises. This mirrors a recurring theme in the Bible wherein God calls His people to trust in Him completely, even in the face of daunting circumstances. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals like David facing giants, or Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, demonstrating that with God on their side, nothing is impossible.
Moving on to verses 18-19, it states, “You shall not be afraid of them, but you shall remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt: the great trials which your eyes saw, the signs and the wonders, the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the Lord your God brought you out.” Here, God reminds the Israelites of the miraculous deliverance from Egypt. The reference to the plagues, parting of the Red Sea, and the defeat of Pharaoh’s armies highlights God’s power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. This serves as a crucial reminder for the Israelites to look back on God’s faithfulness in the past as a source of strength and encouragement for the challenges ahead. Similarly, believers today can draw strength from reflecting on God’s faithfulness in their own lives during times of difficulty or doubt. The hornet will be sent by the Lord your God among them until it destroys those who are left and hide themselves from you.” This imagery of God sending the hornet ahead to clear the way for the Israelites symbolizes divine intervention in achieving victory over their enemies. This reaffirms the idea that God goes before His people, fighting on their behalf and ensuring their triumph. It is a powerful illustration of God’s sovereignty and protection over His chosen ones. This notion of God fighting for His people is reiterated throughout the Bible, such as in Exodus 14:14, where it says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Lastly, in verse 21, it states, “You shall not be terrified of them; for the Lord your God, the great and awesome God, is among you.” This verse emphasizes the importance of having a reverent fear of God rather than being afraid of any earthly opposition. The Israelites were called to stand firm in their faith and trust in God by recognizing His presence and power among them. The descriptor of God as “great and awesome” underscores His majesty and supremacy over all things, reminding the Israelites that they serve a God who is worthy of their trust and obedience. This is a valuable lesson that resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging God’s greatness and seeking refuge in His strength during times of trouble. Deuteronomy 7:17-21 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, power, and protection over His people. Despite the challenges and adversaries they may face, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s provision, remember His past deeds, and stand strong in their faith, knowing that He goes before them in battle. The timeless message conveyed in these verses resonates through the entire Bible, illustrating God’s unwavering presence and support for His people throughout history.
Deuteronomy 7:22-26
Deuteronomy 7:22-26 states: “The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you. But the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed. He will give their kings into your hand, and you will wipe out their names from under heaven. No one will be able to stand against you; you will destroy them. The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the Lord your God. Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detestable, for it is set apart for destruction. The Lord promises the Israelites victory over the nations occupying the land He is giving to them in this passage. At the same time, the Lord warns them not to destroy these nations all at once, as the wild animals would multiply and become a threat. This caution reveals God’s wisdom and concern for His people’s well-being, even in the midst of battle. It also teaches us the importance of patience and following God’s timing in our lives. Sometimes, the fulfillment of His promises may come little by little, but we must trust in His plan and timing.
The mention of the images of the gods of the defeated nations highlights the issue of idolatry, which was a constant struggle for the Israelites throughout their history. God commands them to destroy these idols and not to covet the silver and gold on them. This serves as a reminder of the first two commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai: to have no other gods before Him and not to make any graven images. The Israelites would demonstrate their loyalty to God and their commitment to following His will by obeying these commands.
The severity in which God instructs the Israelites to treat these idols is a reflection of His holiness and the importance of worshiping Him alone. The Israelites were to regard these idols as vile and utterly detestable, for they were set apart for destruction. This command reveals God’s desire for His people to have pure and undivided hearts, without any room for idols or false gods. It is a lesson that is applicable to us today, as we are called to examine our own lives and ensure that we are not placing anything above God in our hearts.
Furthermore, this passage serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of disobedience. The Israelites’ history is marked by periods of turning away from God to worship foreign gods, which led to their downfall and punishment. The Israelites were not only obeying God’s commands but also safeguarding themselves against the spiritual dangers of idol worship by destroying the idols of the nations they conquered. Deuteronomy 7:22-26 teaches us about God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the importance of obeying His commands, the dangers of idolatry, and the need for wholehearted devotion to Him. It reminds us of the timeless truths found in the Bible and emphasizes the significance of putting God first in our lives.
After Deuteronomy 7
The Lord had commanded the Israelites to destroy the nations that inhabited the land He had promised them. They were to show no mercy, make no treaties, and not intermarry with them. For the Lord had chosen the Israelites to be His treasured possession, a holy people set apart from all others. The Israelites were to obey the Lord’s commands, for He was a faithful God who kept His promises. The Israelites were reminded of the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. For if they turned away and intermarried with the pagan nations, they would be led astray and fall into idolatry. The Lord’s blessings would then be withheld, and they would face His judgment.
The choice before the Israelites was clear – they could either obey the Lord and receive His abundant blessings, or they could disobey and face His wrath. The path forward was illuminated as they stood on the threshold of the Promised Land. Would they heed the Lord’s commands and enter the land as a holy people, or would they succumb to the temptations of the world and forfeit their inheritance?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.