◄ Deuteronomy 4:38 ►
to drive out before you nations greater and mightier than you, and to bring you into their land and give it to you for your inheritance, as it is this day.
Study Bible
to drive out before you
This phrase emphasizes God's active role in the conquest of Canaan. The Hebrew root word "yarash" implies a forceful dispossession. Historically, this reflects the divine mandate given to Israel to conquer the Promised Land, underscoring God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It serves as a reminder of God's power to overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable to human eyes.

nations greater and mightier than you
The phrase highlights the formidable nature of the Canaanite nations. The Hebrew words "goyim gedolim ve'atzumim" suggest not only numerical superiority but also military strength. This context underscores the miraculous nature of Israel's victories, attributing success not to their own strength but to divine intervention. It serves as a testament to God's ability to empower His people against overwhelming odds.

to bring you in
This phrase signifies God's guidance and providence. The Hebrew "le'havi" conveys a sense of leading or bringing to a destination. It reflects the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, symbolizing spiritual progression and fulfillment of God's covenant. It reassures believers of God's continual guidance in their spiritual journey.

and give you their land
The act of giving, "natan" in Hebrew, indicates a gift or grant. This phrase emphasizes the unmerited favor and grace of God. The land is not earned by Israel's righteousness but is a divine inheritance. It serves as a reminder of God's grace and the importance of stewardship over the blessings He provides.

as an inheritance
The term "nachalah" in Hebrew refers to a possession or heritage. This concept of inheritance is deeply rooted in the Abrahamic covenant, where God promised the land to Abraham's descendants. It signifies a perpetual promise, highlighting the faithfulness of God across generations. For believers, it symbolizes the spiritual inheritance in Christ.

as it is today
This phrase serves as a historical affirmation of God's promises. The Hebrew "ka'yom hazeh" indicates the present reality of God's fulfilled word. It reassures the Israelites of the tangible evidence of God's faithfulness. For contemporary believers, it serves as a reminder that God's promises are reliable and enduring, encouraging trust in His unchanging nature.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's message to the people. He is reminding them of God's promises and actions.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being prepared to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt and years of wandering in the desert.

3. Nations Greater and Mightier
Refers to the Canaanite nations that inhabited the Promised Land, which were more powerful and established than the Israelites.

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

5. Inheritance
The land that God is giving to the Israelites, fulfilling His covenant promise to their forefathers.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
God is sovereign over all nations and fulfills His promises despite human limitations.

Trust in God's faithfulness to His word, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Divine Inheritance
The concept of inheritance is central to God's relationship with His people, both physically and spiritually.

Reflect on the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ and how it shapes our identity and purpose.

Overcoming Obstacles
God equips and empowers His people to overcome challenges that seem insurmountable.

Consider the "nations" or obstacles in your life that God is calling you to face with His strength.

Covenant Relationship
The relationship between God and Israel is based on a covenant, which requires faithfulness and obedience.

Reflect on the New Covenant in Christ and our call to live in obedience and faithfulness.

Historical Reflection and Gratitude
Remembering God's past actions builds faith for the present and future.

Cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's past deliverances and current blessings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Deuteronomy 4:38 encourage you in facing your own "greater and mightier" challenges today?

2. In what ways does the concept of divine inheritance in this verse relate to the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ?

3. Reflect on a time when God helped you overcome an obstacle that seemed insurmountable. How can this memory strengthen your faith now?

4. How does the covenant relationship between God and Israel in this passage inform your understanding of the New Covenant in Christ?

5. What are some practical ways you can cultivate gratitude for God's faithfulness in your life, as seen in the historical context of Deuteronomy 4:38?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 15
God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land to his descendants.

Exodus 23
God's promise to send an angel before the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land.

Joshua 1
The fulfillment of God's promise as Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Psalm 44
A reflection on how God drove out the nations and planted the Israelites in the land.

Hebrews 11
The faith of the patriarchs who looked forward to the fulfillment of God's promises.
Sermons
God's Dealings with His PeopleH. J. Hastings, M. A.Deuteronomy 4:1-40
HearkenJ. Parker, D. D.Deuteronomy 4:1-40
Moses' DiscourseHenry, MatthewDeuteronomy 4:1-40
The Bible the Wisdom of NationS. Hayman, B. A.Deuteronomy 4:1-40
The Mercy of GodD. Davies Deuteronomy 4:29-40
The Deliverance of the Lord's People UnparalleledR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 4:32-40
The Wonderfulness of Israel's HistoryJ. Orr Deuteronomy 4:32-41
People
Amorites, Baalpeor, Bezer, Gadites, Israelites, Manasseh, Manassites, Moses, Og, Reubenites, Sihon
Places
Arabah, Aroer, Bashan, Beth-baal-peor, Bezer, Egypt, Gilead, Golan, Hermon, Heshbon, Horeb, Jordan River, Mount Sion, Peor, Pisgah, Ramoth, Sea of the Arabah, Valley of the Arnon
Topics
Bring, Dispossess, Drive, Driving, Greater, Heritage, Inheritance, Mightier, Nations, Presence, Stronger, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 4:38

     4208   land, divine responsibility

Deuteronomy 4:37-38

     6640   election, privileges

Library
February the Sixteenth Crowding Out God
"Lest thou forget." --DEUTERONOMY iv. 5-13. That is surely the worst affront we can put upon anybody. We may oppose a man and hinder him in his work, or we may directly injure him, or we may ignore him, and treat him as nothing. Or we may forget him! Opposition, injury, contempt, neglect, forgetfulness! Surely this is a descending scale, and the last is the worst. And yet we can forget the Lord God. We can forget all His benefits. We can easily put Him out of mind. We can live as though He were …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Deuteronomy
(Third Sunday after Easter.) Deut. iv. 39, 40. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Thou shall keep therefore his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever. Learned men have argued much of late as to who wrote …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch

Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West - their Union in the Great Hope of the Coming Deliverer.
It was not only in the capital of the Empire that the Jews enjoyed the rights of Roman citizenship. Many in Asia Minor could boast of the same privilege. [327] The Seleucidic rulers of Syria had previously bestowed kindred privileges on the Jews in many places. Thus, they possessed in some cities twofold rights: the status of Roman and the privileges of Asiatic, citizenship. Those who enjoyed the former were entitled to a civil government of their own, under archons of their choosing, quite independent …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Of the Cities of Refuge.
Hebron, the most eminent among them, excites us to remember the rest. "The Rabbins deliver this; Moses separated three cities of refuge beyond Jordan, [Deut 4:41-43;] and, against them, Joshua separated three cities in the land of Canaan, [Josh 20:7,8]. And these were placed by one another, just as two ranks of vines are in a vineyard: Hebron in Judea against Bezer in the wilderness: Shechem in mount Ephraim against Ramoth in Gilead: Kedesh in mount Napthali against Golan in Basan. And these three …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

That the Devout Soul Ought with the Whole Heart to Yearn after Union with Christ in the Sacrament
The Voice of the Disciple Who shall grant unto me, O Lord, that I may find Thee alone, and open all my heart unto Thee, and enjoy Thee as much as my soul desireth; and that no man may henceforth look upon me, nor any creature move me or have respect unto me, but Thou alone speak unto me and I unto Thee, even as beloved is wont to speak unto beloved, and friend to feast with friend? For this do I pray, this do I long for, that I may be wholly united unto Thee, and may withdraw my heart from all created …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The First Covenant
"Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me."--EX. xix. 5. "He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments."--DEUT. iv. 13.i "If ye keep these judgments, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant,"--DEUT. vii. 12. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, which My covenant they brake."--JER. xxxi. 31, 32. WE have …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Epistle cxxvii. From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory .
From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory [89] . To the holy lord, and father in Christ, the Roman [pope], most fair ornament of the Church, a certain most august flower, as it were, of the whole of withering Europe, distinguished speculator, as enjoying a divine contemplation of purity (?) [90] . I, Bargoma [91] , poor dove in Christ, send greeting. Grace to thee and peace from God the Father [and] our [Lord] Jesus Christ. I am pleased to think, O holy pope, that it will seem to thee nothing extravagant …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

A Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
It almost seems, as if the departure of Jesus from Capernaum marked a crisis in the history of that town. From henceforth it ceases to be the center of His activity, and is only occasionally, and in passing, visited. Indeed, the concentration and growing power of Pharisaic opposition, and the proximity of Herod's residence at Tiberias [3013] would have rendered a permanent stay there impossible at this stage in our Lord's history. Henceforth, His Life is, indeed, not purely missionary, but He has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Wisdom and Revelation.
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness …
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

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