It is not because of your righteousness or uprightness of heart that you are going in to possess their land, but it is because of their wickedness that the LORD your God is driving out these nations before you, to keep the promise He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is not because of your righteousness or uprightness of heart that you are going in to possess their landThis phrase emphasizes the unmerited favor of God. The Israelites are reminded that their possession of the Promised Land is not due to their own moral superiority or virtuous behavior. This reflects the broader biblical theme of grace, where God's blessings are given not based on human merit but on His sovereign will. The Israelites, like all humanity, are flawed and have repeatedly demonstrated disobedience, as seen in their wilderness wanderings and previous rebellions against God (e.g., the golden calf incident in Exodus 32). but it is because of their wickedness that the LORD your God is driving out these nations before you to keep the promise He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe speaker of this passage, Moses is addressing the Israelites, reminding them of God's promises and the reasons behind their conquest of Canaan. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, who are being led into the Promised Land, not because of their own righteousness, but because of God's promises and the wickedness of the nations. 3. Canaan The land that the Israelites are to possess, which is currently inhabited by nations whose wickedness has led to their displacement. 4. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob The patriarchs to whom God made promises regarding the land and the future of their descendants. 5. The Nations The current inhabitants of Canaan, whose wickedness has led to God's judgment and the decision to give their land to the Israelites. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and JusticeGod acts according to His sovereign will and justice, not based on human merit. This reminds us to trust in His plans and purposes, even when they are beyond our understanding. The Danger of Self-Righteousness The Israelites are warned against self-righteousness. We, too, must guard against pride, recognizing that our blessings are not due to our own righteousness but God's grace. The Fulfillment of God's Promises God's faithfulness to His promises is evident. We can be assured that God will fulfill His promises to us, as He did to the patriarchs. The Consequences of Wickedness The passage highlights the serious consequences of sin and wickedness. It serves as a warning to live righteously and in accordance with God's commands. The Importance of Humility Humility is essential in our walk with God. Acknowledging that our successes are due to God's grace keeps us grounded and grateful. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Deuteronomy 9:5 affect your view of current events in your life?2. In what ways can we guard against self-righteousness in our daily walk with God? 3. How does the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob encourage you in your faith journey? 4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences faced by the Canaanite nations, and how can we apply these lessons today? 5. How can we cultivate humility in our relationship with God and others, based on the teachings of this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land to his descendants, is foundational to understanding why the Israelites are entering Canaan. Leviticus 18 Details the abominations of the Canaanite nations, providing context for their wickedness and God's judgment. Romans 9 Discusses God's sovereignty and His purposes in choosing Israel, emphasizing that it is not based on human merit.
People Aaron, Anak, Anakites, Isaac, Jacob, MosesPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Horeb, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Kibroth-hattaavah, Massah, TaberahTopics Accomplish, Account, Confirm, Dispossess, Dispossessing, Drive, Driving, Effect, Enter, Establish, Evil-doing, Fathers, Heart, Hearts, Integrity, Isaac, Jacob, Nations, Oath, Order, Perform, Possess, Possession, Righteousness, Sware, Swore, Sworn, Upright, Uprightness, WickednessDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 9:5 5607 warfare, examples Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --DamascusTHE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, … G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book. The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. ) Mount Zion. The Angel of the Lord in the Pentateuch, and the Book of Joshua. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 9:5 NIVDeuteronomy 9:5 NLT Deuteronomy 9:5 ESV Deuteronomy 9:5 NASB Deuteronomy 9:5 KJV Deuteronomy 9:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |