Deuteronomy 12:29

When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations you are entering to dispossess, and you drive them out and live in their land,

Study Bible

When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and His active role in the history of Israel. The "cutting off" of nations refers to God's judgment against the Canaanite peoples due to their idolatry and moral corruption, as seen in Genesis 15:16. This divine action fulfills the promise made to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7). It also underscores the concept of divine justice and the holiness required by God, as He cannot tolerate sin indefinitely.

you are entering to dispossess
The Israelites are entering the land as part of God's covenant promise. The term "dispossess" indicates a transfer of ownership ordained by God. This action is not merely a military conquest but a fulfillment of divine promise. The dispossession of the Canaanites is a physical manifestation of God's plan for His chosen people, as seen in Exodus 23:23-30, where God promises to send His angel before them to drive out the inhabitants.

and you drive them out
This phrase highlights the human responsibility in God's plan. While God promises to cut off the nations, the Israelites are required to act in obedience to His command. This partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a recurring theme in Scripture. The driving out of the nations is also a call to purity, as the Israelites are to remove all influences that could lead them away from worshiping the one true God (Deuteronomy 7:1-5).

and live in their land
The land is a central theme in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Living in the land signifies the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's rule. This phrase also implies a call to stewardship and faithfulness, as the Israelites are to live according to God's laws and maintain the land's sanctity. The land is not just a physical territory but a place where God's people can worship Him freely and live out His commandments, as seen in Leviticus 25:23, where God reminds them that the land is His and they are merely sojourners.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is actively involved in the history and destiny of His people.

2. The Nations
The various peoples inhabiting the Promised Land, whom God commands Israel to dispossess due to their idolatrous practices.

3. Israel
The chosen people of God, led by Moses, who are on the brink of entering the Promised Land.

4. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants as an inheritance.

5. Dispossession
The act of driving out the current inhabitants of the land, as commanded by God, to establish a holy nation.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God is sovereign over all nations and executes judgment according to His righteousness. The dispossession of the nations is a divine act of judgment against their idolatry and wickedness.

Holiness and Separation
Israel is called to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding peoples. This requires a separation from idolatrous practices and a commitment to God's commands.

Obedience and Faithfulness
The success of Israel in the Promised Land is contingent upon their obedience to God's commands. Faithfulness to God ensures His continued blessing and presence.

Warning Against Idolatry
The passage serves as a warning against the allure of idolatry and the cultural practices of the nations. Believers today must guard against adopting worldly values that conflict with their faith.

Trust in God's Promises
Just as God promised to give Israel the land, He is faithful to fulfill His promises to His people today. Trusting in God's promises requires patience and faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in this passage affect your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can Christians today ensure they remain distinct and holy in a culture that often opposes biblical values?

3. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract believers from their commitment to God, and how can we guard against them?

4. How does the concept of dispossession in this passage relate to the New Testament teaching on spiritual warfare and resisting sin?

5. Reflect on a promise from God that you are holding onto. How does this passage encourage you to trust in His faithfulness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 23:23-24
This passage also speaks of God sending His angel before Israel to bring them into the land and the command to not adopt the practices of the nations.

Joshua 23:12-13
Joshua warns Israel about the dangers of intermarrying with the remaining nations and turning away from God.

Leviticus 18:24-28
God warns Israel not to defile themselves with the practices of the nations, as this would lead to their own expulsion from the land.

1 Corinthians 10:20-21
Paul warns the Corinthians about participating in pagan practices, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament warnings against idolatry.