Deuteronomy 19:1

When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses,

Study Bible

When the LORD your God has cut off the nations
This phrase refers to the divine intervention and sovereignty of God in the conquest of Canaan. The "cutting off" of nations indicates God's judgment against the Canaanites due to their idolatry and immorality, as seen in Genesis 15:16. It underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and fulfills His promises to Israel, as initially given to Abraham in Genesis 12:7.

whose land He is giving you
This highlights the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give their descendants the land of Canaan (Genesis 17:8). It emphasizes the concept of the Promised Land, a central theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the inheritance of His people. The land is a gift from God, not earned by Israel's merit, reflecting grace.

and when you have driven them out
The driving out of the nations is a command for Israel to act in obedience to God's directive. It involves both divine assistance and human responsibility. This action is part of the holy war concept, where Israel is to be an instrument of God's judgment. It also serves as a warning against the influence of pagan practices, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:1-5, which could lead Israel away from their covenant relationship with God.

and settled in their cities and houses
This phrase indicates the transition from nomadic life in the wilderness to a settled existence in Canaan. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise of rest and stability for His people (Deuteronomy 12:10). The cities and houses represent the tangible blessings of the covenant, providing security and prosperity. This settlement also foreshadows the ultimate rest and inheritance believers find in Christ, as discussed in Hebrews 4:8-10.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being led into the Promised Land.

3. The Nations
The inhabitants of the land that God is giving to the Israelites, who are to be driven out.

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

5. Cities and Houses
The established settlements in the Promised Land that the Israelites will inhabit after driving out the nations.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
God is sovereign over nations and history. His promises are sure, and He is faithful to fulfill them.

Obedience and Trust
The Israelites are called to trust in God's plan and obey His commands as they enter the land. This requires faith and action.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as the Israelites were to drive out the nations, believers are called to actively resist sin and spiritual opposition in their lives.

Inheritance and Rest
The Promised Land is a type of the spiritual inheritance and rest that believers have in Christ. We are called to live in the fullness of this inheritance.

Community and Stewardship
As the Israelites settle in the land, they are to establish a community that honors God. Believers are called to build communities that reflect God's kingdom values.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of the land to the Israelites demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham?

2. In what ways can the process of driving out the nations be seen as a metaphor for dealing with sin in our lives?

3. How does the concept of entering the Promised Land relate to the New Testament idea of entering God's rest?

4. What are some practical ways we can build communities that reflect God's kingdom values today?

5. How can we apply the principles of obedience and trust in God's promises in our current life situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12
God's promise to Abraham about giving his descendants the land of Canaan.

Exodus 23
Instructions about driving out the inhabitants of the land and not making covenants with them.

Joshua 1
The commissioning of Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Hebrews 4
The concept of entering God's rest, which can be seen as a spiritual parallel to entering the Promised Land.