Moreover, the LORD your God will send the hornet against them until even the survivors hiding from you have perished. Moreover, the LORD your GodThis phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the personal name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and faithfulness. "Your God" underscores the personal and communal relationship, reminding the Israelites of their unique status as God's chosen people. This relationship is foundational to their identity and mission, as God is both their protector and the one who commands their obedience. will send the hornet
The "hornet" is a metaphorical or literal agent of divine intervention. In Hebrew, the word "tsirah" can refer to a stinging insect, but it also symbolizes fear and panic. Historically, hornets were known to cause chaos and drive people from their homes. This imagery suggests that God will use natural or supernatural means to instill fear and confusion among Israel's enemies, ensuring their defeat. It reflects God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use any means to fulfill His promises. against them
"Against them" refers to the enemies of Israel, specifically the Canaanite nations inhabiting the Promised Land. This phrase highlights the adversarial relationship between God's people and those who oppose His will. It serves as a reminder that God actively fights on behalf of His people, turning the forces of nature and history against those who resist His plans. until all the survivors
The term "survivors" indicates those who remain after initial confrontations. In the context of ancient warfare, survivors often regrouped to continue resistance. This phrase assures the Israelites that God's intervention will be thorough and complete, leaving no remnant of opposition. It underscores the totality of God's victory and the certainty of His promises. and those hiding from you
This phrase suggests that some enemies will attempt to escape or conceal themselves to avoid defeat. The Hebrew context implies that no strategy or hiding place can protect them from God's reach. It reassures the Israelites that God's power is all-encompassing, capable of uncovering and overcoming any hidden threat. have perished
The word "perished" signifies complete destruction or defeat. In Hebrew, it conveys the idea of being utterly undone or brought to nothing. This outcome is not merely a military victory but a divine judgment against those who oppose God's people. It reflects the ultimate triumph of God's justice and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises to fight for His people. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being prepared to enter and possess the Promised Land. 3. CanaanitesThe inhabitants of the Promised Land, whom God has commanded the Israelites to drive out. 4. HornetA divine instrument of God's judgment, symbolizing His power to drive out Israel's enemies. 5. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerGod is sovereign over all creation, including nature, and can use any means to accomplish His purposes. Divine Assistance in Spiritual BattlesJust as God promised to fight for Israel, He promises to be with us in our spiritual battles today. Trust in God's PromisesThe Israelites were called to trust in God's promises and His methods, even when they seemed unusual or unexpected. God's Faithfulness to His CovenantGod's actions in sending the hornet demonstrate His faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, reminding us of His faithfulness to His promises to us. The Importance of ObedienceThe Israelites' success depended on their obedience to God's commands, highlighting the importance of obedience in our walk with God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of the hornet in Deuteronomy 7:20 illustrate God's power and sovereignty? 2. In what ways can we see God's hand in our own "battles" today, similar to how He fought for Israel? 3. How does the promise of divine assistance in Deuteronomy 7:20 encourage us to trust in God's promises? 4. What are some modern-day "Canaanites" or challenges that God might be calling us to confront with His help? 5. How can we ensure that we are obedient to God's commands, as the Israelites were called to be, in order to experience His faithfulness in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 23:28This verse also mentions God sending hornets to drive out the Canaanites, emphasizing God's active role in securing victory for Israel. Joshua 24:12Joshua recounts how God sent the hornet before the Israelites, affirming the fulfillment of God's promise. Psalm 44:3Highlights that Israel's victories were not by their own strength but by God's intervention, similar to the divine assistance promised in Deuteronomy 7:20. Isaiah 7:18Uses the imagery of insects to describe God's control over nations, illustrating His sovereignty. People Amorites, Canaanites, Egyptians, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, Perizzites, Perrizites, PharaohPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Cut, Destroyed, Destruction, Hidden, Hide, Hornet, Hornets, Kept, Locust, Moreover, Perish, Perished, Places, Presence, Rest, Safe, Secret, Survivors, Themselves, TillDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 7:20 4660 insects Deuteronomy 7:17-24 5354 invasions Deuteronomy 7:18-21 8754 fear 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 7:20 NIVDeuteronomy 7:20 NLTDeuteronomy 7:20 ESVDeuteronomy 7:20 NASBDeuteronomy 7:20 KJV
Deuteronomy 7:20 Commentaries
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