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Deuteronomy 7

26 verses

TL;DR

Deuteronomy 7 commands Israel to utterly destroy the Canaanite nations, forbidding intermarriage and covenant, and explains this action as a fulfillment of God's covenantal love and faithfulness, promising blessings and protection in return.

Summary

The chapter opens with a decree that when Israel enters the promised land, they must completely destroy the seven nations that were stronger and more numerous than them, including the Hittites, Amorites, and others, and must not make marital or covenantal ties with them. Moses explains that this harsh command comes not from Israel's power but from God's love and His commitment to the oath made to their forefathers, recalling their deliverance from Egypt. The text emphasizes that Israel is a holy and chosen people, destined to experience God's faithfulness, blessings, and protection against sickness and enemies. The Israelites are instructed to eliminate altars, images, and groves, and to reject any of the worship practices or materials of these nations, lest they become corrupt. In return for obedience, God promises to keep the covenant, bless the land and its people, remove sickness, and defeat those who hate Him. The chapter repeatedly warns Israel not to fear the remaining enemies, reminding them of God's power demonstrated in the past. Finally, it commands the Israelites to destroy the names and images of the conquered nations so that none of their power endures.

Outline
  1. Command to destroy Canaanite nations and prohibit intermarriage/covenant
  2. Rationale: covenant love and faithfulness; Israel as chosen people
  3. Promises of blessings, protection, and victory for obedience
Themes
Divine covenant and faithfulnessHoliness and separation from idolatryBlessing and judgment based on obedience
Keywords
destroycovenantmercyfaithfulblessingidolatryaltersimagesabomination
People
MosesPharaohLord (God)
Places
CanaanEgypt
Things
altarsgraven imagesgrovescovenantmercyblessings
Key Verses
  • Deuteronomy 7:1: Introduces the command to destroy the Canaanite nations.
  • Deuteronomy 7:5: Explains that the nations will lead Israel to idolatry.
  • Deuteronomy 7:9: Reveals God's faithfulness and love as the basis for the command.
  • Deuteronomy 7:13: Promises blessings for obedience, framing the chapter’s covenantal promise.
Questions
  • Why does God command such complete destruction, and how is it justified within His covenantal love?
  • What does the prohibition against intermarriage say about Israel's identity and boundary setting?
  • How should modern readers interpret the text's warnings against idolatry and the use of the word 'destroy'?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains harsh commands and threats toward other nations, balanced by promises of blessing and protection for Israel.