Deuteronomy 7
BSB1 When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— 2 and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. 3 Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, 4 because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you. 5 Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire. 6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. 7 The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. 10 But those who hate Him He repays to their faces with destruction; He will not hesitate to repay to his face the one who hates Him. 11 So keep the commandments and statutes and ordinances that I am giving you to follow this day. 12 If you listen to these ordinances and keep them carefully, then the LORD your God will keep His covenant and the loving devotion that He swore to your fathers. 13 He will love you and bless you and multiply you. He will bless the fruit of your womb and the produce of your land—your grain, new wine, and oil, the young of your herds and the lambs of your flocks—in the land that He swore to your fathers to give you. 14 You will be blessed above all peoples; among you there will be no barren man or woman or livestock. 15 And the LORD will remove from you all sickness. He will not lay upon you any of the terrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but He will inflict them on all who hate you. 16 You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God will deliver to you. Do not look on them with pity. Do not worship their gods, for that will be a snare to you. 17 You may say in your heart, “These nations are greater than we are; how can we drive them out?" 18 But do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt: 19 the great trials that you saw, the signs and wonders, and the mighty hand and outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear. 20 Moreover, the LORD your God will send the hornet against them until even the survivors hiding from you have perished. 21 Do not be terrified by them, for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. 22 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. 23 But the LORD your God will give them over to you and throw them into great confusion, until they are destroyed. 24 He will hand their kings over to you, and you will wipe out their names from under heaven. No one will be able to stand against you; you will annihilate them. 25 You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. 26 And you must not bring any detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. You are to utterly detest and abhor it, because it is set apart for destruction.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Deuteronomy 7
- Themes from Deuteronomy 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Deuteronomy chapter 7 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Deuteronomy, as it emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and warns against the dangers of idolatry. The chapter begins by commanding the Israelites to destroy the nations that inhabit the Promised Land, and to make no covenants with them (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). It then warns against intermarriage with the inhabitants of the land, lest they be led astray from following God (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The chapter also reminds the Israelites of their unique status as God's chosen people, and exhorts them to remain faithful to the one true God (Deuteronomy 7:6-10). The consequences of disobedience are clearly outlined, including the wrath of God and the loss of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:4, 10). In contrast, the chapter promises blessings and prosperity to those who remain faithful to God (Deuteronomy 7:12-15).
Context for the Chapter
Deuteronomy chapter 7 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Deuteronomy, which is a series of sermons delivered by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The chapter is situated in the context of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan, and emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands in order to receive the blessings and promises of the covenant. The chapter also looks back to the events of the Exodus and the giving of the law at Sinai, and looks forward to the conquest of Canaan and the establishment of the Israelites in the Promised Land.
Heart Application
The chapter's emphasis on obedience and faithfulness is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God and remaining faithful to Him. As Christians, we are called to obey God's commands and to remain faithful to Him, even in the face of challenges and temptations. The chapter's warning against idolatry is also relevant to our lives, as we are called to worship Christ alone and to remain faithful to Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Deuteronomy chapter 7 is about the importance of obeying God's commands and remaining faithful to Him. The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizes the consequences of disobedience. It also promises blessings and prosperity to those who remain faithful to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:12-15. The chapter reminds us that God is a faithful God who keeps His covenant of love, and that we should trust in Him and obey His commands.
Voices from the Church
“The covenant which God made with the Israelites was not only a covenant of grace, but also a covenant of works, for it required obedience to God's commands in order to receive the blessings and promises of the covenant.”
— John Calvin
“The faithfulness of God is a rock upon which we can rely, a foundation upon which we can build our lives. It is a promise that He will always be with us, and that He will always keep His covenant of love.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Destruction of the Nations (Deuteronomy 7:1-6) — The chapter begins by commanding the Israelites to destroy the nations that inhabit the Promised Land, and to make no covenants with them. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:1-2, where the Israelites are commanded to destroy the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
- Warning Against Intermarriage (Deuteronomy 7:3-4) — The chapter warns against intermarriage with the inhabitants of the land, lest they be led astray from following God. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, where the Israelites are commanded not to give their daughters to the sons of the nations, nor to take their daughters for their sons.
- God's Covenant Love (Deuteronomy 7:6-10) — The chapter reminds the Israelites of their unique status as God's chosen people, and exhorts them to remain faithful to the one true God. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-10, where God is described as a "faithful God" who keeps His covenant of love.
- Consequences of Disobedience (Deuteronomy 7:4, 10) — The chapter clearly outlines the consequences of disobedience, including the wrath of God and the loss of the Promised Land. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:4, 10, where the Israelites are warned against the dangers of disobedience.
- Blessings and Prosperity (Deuteronomy 7:12-15) — The chapter promises blessings and prosperity to those who remain faithful to God, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in Him and obeying His commands. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:12-15, where God promises to bless the Israelites and to make them fruitful.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the conquest of the Promised Land and the establishment of the Israelites in Canaan. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:1-6, where God commands the Israelites to destroy the nations that inhabit the land.
- Covenant Theology
- The chapter highlights the importance of God's covenant promises and the necessity of obedience to God's commands in order to receive the blessings and promises of the covenant. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-10, where God is described as a "faithful God" who keeps His covenant of love.
- Idolatry
- The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the one true God. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:4, where the Israelites are commanded to destroy the idols of the nations they will dispossess.
- Faithfulness of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness and covenant love, highlighting His reliability and trustworthiness. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:9, where God is described as a "faithful God" who keeps His covenant of love.
Lessons from Deuteronomy 7
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, and highlights the consequences of disobedience. This is a powerful reminder of the need to trust in God and to remain faithful to Him.
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, and emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the one true God. This is a relevant warning for our own lives, as we are called to worship Christ alone and to remain faithful to Him.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness and covenant love, highlighting His reliability and trustworthiness. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God and remaining faithful to Him.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter clearly outlines the consequences of disobedience, including the wrath of God and the loss of the Promised Land. This is a sobering reminder of the importance of obeying God's commands and remaining faithful to Him.
- The Blessings of Faithfulness — The chapter promises blessings and prosperity to those who remain faithful to God, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in Him and obeying His commands. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of cultivating a deeper appreciation for God's sovereignty and control over all things.
Themes from Deuteronomy 7
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the conquest of the Promised Land and the establishment of the Israelites in Canaan.
- Covenant Theology — The chapter highlights the importance of God's covenant promises and the necessity of obedience to God's commands in order to receive the blessings and promises of the covenant.
- Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the one true God.
- Faithfulness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness and covenant love, highlighting His reliability and trustworthiness.
- Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter clearly outlines the consequences of disobedience, including the wrath of God and the loss of the Promised Land.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which we can apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our own lives?
- How does the chapter's warning against idolatry relate to our own struggles with sin and temptation?
- What are some ways in which we can trust in God's faithfulness and covenant love, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on the consequences of disobedience relate to our own understanding of God's justice and mercy?
- What are some ways in which we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's sovereignty and control over all things?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Destruction of the Nations (Deuteronomy 7:1-6)
| Deuteronomy 7:1 | The chapter begins by commanding the Israelites to destroy the nations that inhabit the Promised Land, and to make no covenants with them. |
| Deuteronomy 7:2 | The Israelites are commanded to destroy the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. |
| Deuteronomy 7:3-4 | The chapter warns against intermarriage with the inhabitants of the land, lest they be led astray from following God. |
| Deuteronomy 7:5-6 | The Israelites are commanded to destroy the idols of the nations they will dispossess, and to remain faithful to the one true God. |
2. God's Covenant Love (Deuteronomy 7:6-10)
| Deuteronomy 7:6 | The chapter reminds the Israelites of their unique status as God's chosen people, and exhorts them to remain faithful to the one true God. |
| Deuteronomy 7:7-8 | God is described as a God who is not partial to the great or the small, but who is just and fair in all His dealings. |
| Deuteronomy 7:9-10 | God is described as a "faithful God" who keeps His covenant of love, and who will not forget His people. |
3. Consequences of Disobedience (Deuteronomy 7:4, 10)
| Deuteronomy 7:4 | The chapter clearly outlines the consequences of disobedience, including the wrath of God and the loss of the Promised Land. |
| Deuteronomy 7:10 | The Israelites are warned against the dangers of disobedience, and are exhorted to remain faithful to God. |
4. Blessings and Prosperity (Deuteronomy 7:12-15)
| Deuteronomy 7:12-13 | The chapter promises blessings and prosperity to those who remain faithful to God, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in Him and obeying His commands. |
| Deuteronomy 7:14-15 | God promises to bless the Israelites and to make them fruitful, and to give them a land that is full of milk and honey. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Deuteronomy chapter 7?
The main theme of Deuteronomy chapter 7 is the importance of obedience to God's commands and remaining faithful to the one true God, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:1-6 and Deuteronomy 7:9-10.
What are the consequences of disobedience?
The consequences of disobedience include the wrath of God and the loss of the Promised Land, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:4 and Deuteronomy 7:10.
What are the blessings of faithfulness?
The blessings of faithfulness include prosperity, fruitfulness, and a land that is full of milk and honey, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:12-15.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 7:1 → Exodus 23:32-33 | The command to destroy the nations that inhabit the Promised Land is similar to the command given in Exodus 23:32-33, where the Israelites are commanded to make no covenants with the inhabitants of the land. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 7:6 → Exodus 19:5-6 | The reminder of the Israelites' unique status as God's chosen people is similar to the reminder given in Exodus 19:5-6, where the Israelites are described as a "kingdom of priests" and a "holy nation". |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 7:9 → Psalm 119:90 | The description of God as a "faithful God" who keeps His covenant of love is similar to the description given in Psalm 119:90, where God is described as a God who is faithful to all generations. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 7:12-13 → Leviticus 26:3-13 | The promise of blessings and prosperity to those who remain faithful to God is similar to the promise given in Leviticus 26:3-13, where God promises to bless the Israelites and to make them fruitful if they obey His commands. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 7:14-15 → Genesis 17:1-8 | The promise of a land that is full of milk and honey is similar to the promise given in Genesis 17:1-8, where God promises to give Abraham and his descendants a land that is full of milk and honey. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 7:1-6 → Hebrews 11:31 | The destruction of the nations that inhabit the Promised Land is a fulfillment of the faith of Rahab, as seen in Hebrews 11:31. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 7:6-10 → John 1:1-18 | The reminder of the Israelites' unique status as God's chosen people is a foreshadowing of the coming of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 7:9 → Revelation 19:11-16 | The description of God as a "faithful God" who keeps His covenant of love is a reminder of God's faithfulness and reliability, as seen in Revelation 19:11-16, where God is described as a God who is just and fair in all His dealings. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 7:12-13 → Matthew 5:3-12 | The promise of blessings and prosperity to those who remain faithful to God is a reminder of the importance of trusting in God and obeying His commands, as seen in Matthew 5:3-12, where Jesus teaches about the importance of humility and obedience. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 7:14-15 → 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 | The promise of a land that is full of milk and honey is a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's promises and obeying His commands, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, where Paul warns against the dangers of disobedience and idolatry. |
Sermons on Deuteronomy 7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Test of Confusion - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal testimony of a man who was struggling with addiction to crack cocaine. The man had a vision of his own funeral, which confirmed his f |
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All Spiritual Blessings by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the contrast between earthly material blessings and spiritual blessings in heavenly places. He refers to Deuteronomy chapter 7, where God prom |
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God's Truth About Alliances by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon series titled "How Can Two Walk Together Except They Be Agreed?", the speaker addresses the topic of Satan's lies about holiness, separation, and false alliances. Th |
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The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the person and purpose as interconnected. They express a strong burden for delivering this message and believe it is |
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God's Marvelous Grace by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of the nation of Israel as they turned away from God. Despite God sending prophets to warn them and call them back to Him, |
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A Day of Terror by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the presence of terror and fear in the world and how it affects our lives. He mentions the story of the children of Israel crossing the Jorda |
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(Through the Bible) Joshua 9-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a popular but false story about NASA scientists discovering a missing day in time. He emphasizes that this story is not factual and has no bas |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 04 - Love & Righteousness by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving and encouraging one another, as words can hurt. He expresses a desire to share the teachings with the Pope, emphasiz |
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The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing the victory of Zion over its oppressors, emphasizing the power of God in saving and freeing the people. The sermon then shifts to |
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Week of Meetings 01 by Morgan Bartlett | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and believing in the truth of God. Christians are called to walk in the truth, rejoice in the truth, and preach th |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 7
In Deuteronomy chapter 7, we see a beautiful display of God's covenant love and faithfulness to His people. The chapter reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's commands, and warns against the dangers of idolatry and disobedience. The promise of blessings and prosperity to those who remain faithful to God is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in Him and obeying His commands. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating a deeper appreciation for God's sovereignty and control over all things, and of the need to remain faithful to Him in all our ways. As Matthew Henry writes, "The God of Israel is a faithful God, who keeps covenant and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments." Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness and covenant love, highlighting His reliability and trustworthiness. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:9, where God is described as a "faithful God". This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and remaining faithful to Him.
Warning Against Idolatry
The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to the one true God. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:4, where the Israelites are commanded to destroy the idols of the nations they will dispossess.
Consequences of Disobedience
The chapter clearly outlines the consequences of disobedience, including the wrath of God and the loss of the Promised Land. This is seen in Deuteronomy 7:4, 10, where the Israelites are warned against the dangers of disobedience.