Deuteronomy 9:1-6 Hear, O Israel: You are to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than yourself… I. HE REPRESENTS TO THEM THE FORMIDABLE STRENGTH OF THE ENEMIES WHICH THEY WERE NOW TO ENCOUNTER (vers. 1, 2). This representation is much the same with that which the evil spies had made (Numbers 13:28, 29, 31-33), but made with a very different intention: that was designed to drive them from God, and to discourage their hope in Him; this, to drive them to God, and engage their hope in Him, since no power less than that which is almighty could secure and succeed them. II. HE ASSURES THEM OF VICTORY, BY THE PRESENCE OF GOD WITH THEM, NOTWITHSTANDING THE STRENGTH OF THE ENEMY (ver. 3). Observe, "He shall destroy them," and then, "thou shalt drive them out." Thou canst not drive them out unless He destroy them, and bring them down; but He will not destroy them, and bring them down, unless thou set thyself in good earnest to drive them out. We must do our endeavour in dependence upon God's grace; and we shall have that grace, if we do our endeavour. III. HE CAUTIONS THEM NOT TO ENTERTAIN THE LEAST THOUGHT OF THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, AS IF THAT HAD PROCURED THEM THIS FAVOUR AT GOD'S HAND (vers. 4-6). In Christ we have both righteousness and strength; in Him, therefore, we must glory, and not in ourselves, or any sufficiency of our own. IV. HE INTIMATES TO THEM THE TRUE REASONS WHY GOD WOULD TAKE THIS GOOD LAND OUT OF THE HANDS OF THE CANAANITES AND SETTLE IT UPON ISRAEL. 1. He will be honoured in the destruction of idolaters (vers. 4, 5). 2. He will be honoured in the performance of His promise to those that are in covenant with Him (ver. 5). ( Matthew Henry, D. D..) Parallel Verses KJV: Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, |
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