You may say in your heart, "These nations are greater than we are; how can we drive them out?" If you say in your heartThis phrase introduces a hypothetical internal dialogue, emphasizing the personal and introspective nature of doubt or fear. In Hebrew, the word for "heart" (לֵבָב, levav) often represents the center of thought and emotion, not just feelings. It suggests a deep, internal struggle or contemplation. The heart, in biblical terms, is the seat of decision-making and moral reflection. This phrase invites believers to examine their innermost thoughts and align them with faith and trust in God. These nations are greater than I
Here, the focus is on the perceived strength and superiority of the surrounding nations. Historically, the Israelites faced formidable opponents in the Promised Land, such as the Canaanites, who were known for their advanced military capabilities and fortified cities. The phrase reflects a common human tendency to compare oneself to others and feel inadequate. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' past experiences in Egypt, where they witnessed God's power overcoming a seemingly invincible foe. how can I drive them out?
This question captures the essence of doubt and the challenge of faith. The Hebrew root for "drive out" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) implies not just removal but also taking possession. It is a call to action, requiring reliance on divine strength rather than human ability. The historical context is crucial here; the Israelites were tasked with conquering the land God promised them, a task that seemed impossible without divine intervention. This phrase encourages believers to trust in God's promises and power, even when circumstances appear daunting. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's message to the people. He is preparing them to enter the Promised Land. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being reminded of God's promises and encouraged to trust in His power. 3. Canaanite NationsThe nations residing in the Promised Land, perceived as greater and more powerful than the Israelites. 4. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. 5. HeartIn Hebrew, (levav), often refers to the inner self or mind, indicating the Israelites' internal struggle with doubt and fear. Teaching Points Trust in God's PromisesJust as the Israelites were called to trust in God's promise to deliver them, we too must rely on His promises in our lives. Overcoming Fear with FaithThe Israelites' fear of the Canaanite nations serves as a reminder to replace our fears with faith in God's power and plan. God's Strength in Our WeaknessRecognize that our perceived weaknesses are opportunities for God to demonstrate His strength and glory. Internal Dialogue MattersThe phrase "say in your heart" highlights the importance of our internal dialogue and the need to align it with God's truth. Facing Giants with ConfidenceLike the Israelites facing formidable nations, we are called to confront our own "giants" with confidence in God's ability to deliver us. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some "nations" or challenges in your life that seem greater than you, and how can you apply Deuteronomy 7:17 to these situations? 2. How does the concept of "saying in your heart" influence your daily walk with God, and what steps can you take to ensure your internal dialogue aligns with His promises? 3. In what ways can you draw strength from God's past faithfulness to face current fears, as the Israelites were encouraged to do? 4. How do the additional scriptures connected to Deuteronomy 7:17 reinforce the message of trusting in God's power over our own fears and doubts? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by a situation. How did your faith in God help you overcome it, and what can you learn from that experience to apply to future challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 1:9Encourages strength and courage, reminding believers that God is with them wherever they go, similar to the reassurance given in Deuteronomy 7:17. Philippians 4:13Speaks to the empowerment through Christ, which parallels the divine assistance promised to the Israelites. Psalm 27:1Declares the Lord as the source of strength and salvation, echoing the call to trust in God rather than fear the strength of other nations. Romans 8:31Emphasizes that if God is for us, no one can stand against us, reinforcing the message of divine support found in Deuteronomy 7:17. Hebrews 13:5-6Assures believers of God's constant presence and help, encouraging them not to fear, much like the message to the Israelites. People Amorites, Canaanites, Egyptians, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, Perizzites, Perrizites, PharaohPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Able, Dispossess, Drive, Greater, Heart, Hearts, Nations, Numerous, Sayest, Shouldest, StrongerDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 7:17-18 8670 remembering Deuteronomy 7:17-19 1449 signs, purposes
7223 exodus, significance
8724 doubt, dealing with Deuteronomy 7:17-24 5354 invasions Library God's Faithfulness
'Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him.'--DEUT. vii. 9. 'Faithful,' like most Hebrew words, has a picture in it. It means something that can be (1) leant on, or (2) builded on. This leads to a double signification--(1) trustworthy, and that because (2) rigidly observant of obligations. So the word applies to a steward, a friend, or a witness. Its most wonderful and sublime application is to God. It presents to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureMatch-Making.
SECTION I. THE RELATION OF PARENTS TO THE MARRIAGE CHOICE OF THEIR CHILDREN. "Youth longeth for a kindred spirit, and yet yearneth for a heart that can commune with his own; Take heed that what charmeth thee is real, nor springeth of thine own imagination; And suffer not trifles to win thy love; for a wife is thine unto death!" One of the most affecting scenes of home-life is that of the bridal hour! Though in one sense it is a scene of joy and festivity; yet in another, it is one of deep sadness. …
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home 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 That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 7:17 NIVDeuteronomy 7:17 NLTDeuteronomy 7:17 ESVDeuteronomy 7:17 NASBDeuteronomy 7:17 KJV
Deuteronomy 7:17 Commentaries
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