Deuteronomy 9:5

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.

Study Bible

It is not for your righteousness
The Hebrew word for "righteousness" is "צְדָקָה" (tsedaqah), which implies justice, rightness, or moral virtue. In this context, God is reminding the Israelites that their moral standing or adherence to the law is not the reason for their success. This serves as a humbling reminder that human efforts and self-righteousness are insufficient for divine favor. It emphasizes the grace of God, which is a central theme throughout the Bible, underscoring that salvation and blessings are gifts from God, not earned by human merit.

or uprightness of heart
The phrase "uprightness of heart" translates from the Hebrew "יֹשֶׁר לֵבָב" (yosher levav), indicating integrity or sincerity. The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of will and emotion. This phrase suggests that even sincere intentions or inner moral integrity are not the basis for Israel's inheritance of the land. It highlights the biblical principle that God looks beyond human intentions and actions, focusing instead on His sovereign will and purpose.

that you are going in to possess their land
The act of "possessing" the land is significant in the Hebrew context, as it involves not just occupation but stewardship and responsibility. The land is a divine gift, a fulfillment of God's promise, and not a result of Israel's conquest or merit. This possession is a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness, reminding the Israelites of their role as caretakers of God's promises.

but it is because of the wickedness of these nations
The "wickedness" of the nations refers to their moral corruption and idolatry, which are well-documented in historical and archaeological records. The Canaanite practices, including child sacrifice and other abominations, were detestable to God. This phrase underscores God's justice and righteousness, as He cannot tolerate sin indefinitely. It also serves as a warning to Israel that they are not immune to judgment if they fall into similar practices.

that the LORD your God is driving them out before you
The phrase "driving them out" reflects the Hebrew verb "יָרַשׁ" (yarash), meaning to dispossess or expel. This action is attributed directly to God, emphasizing His active role in history and His sovereignty over nations. It reassures the Israelites of God's power and faithfulness, as He fulfills His promises and executes His judgment.

and to fulfill the word the LORD swore to your fathers
The "word" refers to the covenant promises made by God, highlighting His unwavering faithfulness. The Hebrew term "דָּבָר" (dabar) signifies not just a spoken word but a binding promise or decree. This fulfillment is a testament to God's reliability and the certainty of His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His unchanging nature.

to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
These patriarchs are central figures in the biblical narrative, representing the foundation of God's covenant with Israel. The mention of their names serves as a reminder of the historical and spiritual heritage of the Israelites. It connects the present generation to the past promises, reinforcing the continuity of God's plan and the importance of faithfulness across generations. This lineage underscores the idea that God's promises transcend time and are realized through His divine orchestration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The 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 Justice
God 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 15
God'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.