The LORD your God will drive out these nations before you little by little. You will not be enabled to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals would multiply around you. The LORD your God will drive out these nations before youThis phrase emphasizes the divine initiative and power in the conquest of Canaan. The Israelites are reminded that it is not by their own strength but by God's intervention that the nations will be driven out. This reflects the covenant relationship where God promises to fight for Israel ( Exodus 23:27-30). The nations refer to the Canaanite tribes inhabiting the Promised Land, known for their idolatry and practices contrary to God's laws. This divine action is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham ( Genesis 15:18-21). little by little
The gradual process of conquest is highlighted here. This method ensures that the land is not left desolate and that Israel can manage and settle it effectively. It reflects God's wisdom in providing for the Israelites' needs and preventing chaos. This gradual approach also serves as a test of Israel's faith and patience, teaching reliance on God's timing rather than human impatience. You will not be enabled to eliminate them all at once
This phrase underscores human limitations and the necessity of divine assistance. It serves as a reminder that the Israelites must depend on God rather than their own military might. The inability to eliminate the nations quickly also prevents overconfidence and self-reliance, encouraging humility and trust in God's plan. or the wild animals would multiply around you
This practical concern highlights the balance between human habitation and the natural environment. In ancient times, uninhabited lands could quickly become overrun with wild animals, posing a threat to human settlers. This reflects God's foresight in ensuring the land remains safe and habitable for the Israelites. It also illustrates God's care for His people, providing not only for their spiritual needs but also for their physical safety and well-being. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being led into the Promised Land. 3. NationsThe pagan nations inhabiting the Promised Land, which God promises to drive out before the Israelites. 4. Promised Land (Canaan)The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. Wild AnimalsA potential threat mentioned as a consequence of driving out the nations too quickly. Teaching Points God's Timing is PerfectGod's plan often unfolds gradually, teaching us patience and reliance on His wisdom rather than our own understanding. Protection in ProcessThe gradual removal of the nations was a protective measure, showing that God's methods are designed for our ultimate good and safety. Trust in God's SovereigntyEven when progress seems slow, we can trust that God is in control and working all things for our benefit. Avoiding Spiritual ComplacencyJust as the Israelites were warned about the dangers of the wild animals, we must remain vigilant against spiritual complacency and the threats it poses. Endurance in FaithThe gradual conquest of the land teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our spiritual journey. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the gradual process of driving out the nations reflect God's wisdom and care for the Israelites? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "little by little" in our own spiritual growth and battles? 3. What are some modern-day "wild animals" (spiritual threats) that we need to be aware of as we progress in our faith? 4. How can we cultivate patience and trust in God's timing when we face challenges or delays in our lives? 5. How do the additional scriptures (Exodus 23:29-30, Joshua 23:9-13, etc.) reinforce the message of Deuteronomy 7:22, and what practical lessons can we draw from them? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 23:29-30This passage parallels Deuteronomy 7:22, emphasizing God's strategy of driving out the nations gradually to prevent the land from becoming desolate. Joshua 23:9-13Joshua reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness in driving out the nations and warns them against intermarrying with them. Psalm 37:7-9Encourages believers to be patient and trust in God's timing, similar to the gradual process described in Deuteronomy 7:22. Proverbs 3:5-6Highlights the importance of trusting in the Lord's wisdom and timing, rather than relying on one's own understanding. Hebrews 10:36Speaks to the need for endurance and patience in receiving God's promises. People Amorites, Canaanites, Egyptians, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, Perizzites, Perrizites, PharaohPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Able, Allowed, Animals, Beast, Beasts, Cast, Clear, Consume, Drive, Eliminate, Fear, Field, Grow, Hastily, Increase, Increased, Lest, Mayest, Multiply, Nations, Numerous, Overmuch, Presence, Quickly, Rooted, WildDictionary of Bible Themes 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 7:22 NIVDeuteronomy 7:22 NLTDeuteronomy 7:22 ESVDeuteronomy 7:22 NASBDeuteronomy 7:22 KJV
Deuteronomy 7:22 Commentaries
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