“And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee.”– Deuteronomy 7:20 (KJV)
“The LORD your God will send terror ahead of you to drive out the nations living there. You will not have to worry about the vast number of people; the LORD your God will drive them out little by little. You will not clear the land all at once, otherwise the wild animals will multiply and threaten you.”– Deuteronomy 7:20 (NLT)
“And God will send the hornet ahead of you to drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites from your path. You won’t get rid of them all at once; otherwise, the country would become a wilderness and wild animals would take over.”– Deuteronomy 7:20 (MSG)
What Does Deuteronomy 7:20 Mean?
When we look at Deuteronomy 7:20, we see God’s incredible promises and methods for guiding His people. This verse reminds us that God has a plan and a purpose for His people as they journey into the Promised Land. God assures the Israelites that He will drive out the nations living in the land before them, but He will do it gradually. It’s one thing to be told that you will inherit a land flowing with milk and honey; it’s another to secure it, especially when it’s occupied by other nations.
God’s method of using a slow and steady approach reveals His wisdom. He understands the dynamics of their new home. Instead of allowing the Israelites to conquer all at once, which might lead to difficulties, He says He will do it little by little. This gradual process will allow His people to grow stronger, better prepared for the challenges they would face, and prevent the land from becoming overrun with wild animals that could endanger them.
Deuteronomy 7:20 Explanation and Commentary
As we take time to unpack this verse, we see several important themes and concepts. Firstly, the promise of God’s assistance with future troubles is reassuring. The Israelites are reminded that they are not alone; God is active and present with them. The mention of the hornet, in some versions, symbolizes God’s active involvement in their world. It shows that God uses different means to accomplish His purposes in our lives, even if we may not immediately understand how they will play out.
Additionally, the gradual approach indicates that God is concerned about their well-being. He wisely takes into account their capacity to manage what lies ahead. This is a significant principle we can apply to our lives. We often desire immediate solutions to our problems, but God may choose to guide us at a pace that develops our strength, faith, and resilience.
This concept teaches us patience. God’s timeline differs from ours. In our rush and frustration, we can cultivate a mindset that trusts in His perfect plans. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that as we go forward, we can rest assured that God is working things out for us. He does not expect us to tackle all of our life’s challenges at once. Like the Israelites, we are called to trust Him and move at a pace that allows us to grow.
Context of Deuteronomy 7:20
Understanding the context of this verse deepens our appreciation for its message. The book of Deuteronomy serves as a type of farewell address from Moses to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land. They had wandered the wilderness for forty years, learning the essence of dependence on God. Moses continues to remind them of the laws and commandments established by God, urging them to remain faithful as they encounter new territory and peoples.
The previous chapters detail the importance of their covenant with God. The Israelites are instructed to be holy, to live differently from the nations around them, which included significant warnings against idolatry and fully embracing foreign practices. Understanding this broader perspective highlights that God’s actions in driving out the nations were closely tied to His covenant with His chosen people.
In verse 20, we also find encouragement for facing fears. The Israelites had witnessed incredible miracles in their journey. Still, as they prepared to occupy the land, they may have felt overwhelmed. God acknowledges their fears by reassuring them of His presence, ordering their steps, and providing a strategy that considers their limitations.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Deuteronomy 7:20
When we break the verse down further, we can look more closely at the phrases used. “The LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee” emphasizes that it’s God, not humans, doing the work. This assertion recognizes God’s sovereignty and power in fulfilling His promises. People often want to take control of outcomes, but surrendering to God’s lead can be more fruitful.
Another essential aspect is the phrase “by little and little.” Here, we uncover God’s desire for a slow, methodical process. This serves as a method to encourage growth, allowing individuals to tackle smaller challenges before facing more significant obstacles. We can relate this to our lives. For instance, if we are going through troubling times, God may prefer we focus on one problem at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed by the totality of our struggles.
Lastly, the warning that “the beasts of the field increase upon thee” is a vital note to consider. It communicates the importance of stewardship in the land they are about to inherit. We are reminded that with great blessings come greater responsibilities. God’s promise goes beyond merely driving out others; He prepares us to be good caretakers of what has been given. This notion sets forth an expectation for us to be diligent stewards of our blessings.
Lessons to Learn From Deuteronomy 7:20
So, what can we gain from Deuteronomy 7:20? There are many valuable lessons nestled within this verse. One notable lesson is the call to trust God’s timing. It’s easy to feel impatient, especially when we want pressing issues resolved right away. When we shift our focus to God’s pace, we position ourselves to grow and move purposefully.
Another lesson lies in the importance of preparation. Just as the Israelites needed to ready themselves for the changes ahead, we can reflect on how God shapes us for our own challenges. God may be leading us to a new chapter, but He also equips us for whatever lies ahead. We can reflect on our past experiences and how they have molded us to face new situations with confidence.
Additionally, the notion of gradual progress is vital. We learn from this passage that life can often be a series of steps rather than a single leap. We need to remember that growth often comes with incremental changes. Embracing patience allows us to fully appreciate our journey, celebrating each small victory along the way.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Deuteronomy 7:20, it becomes apparent that this verse carries timeless truths. It encourages us to trust in God’s plans, seeking His guidance instead of rushing our processes. God is mindful of our situation, and He invites us to rest in His ability to lead us through every uncertainty.
This passage serves as a reminder that with each challenge we face, there is an opportunity for preparation and growth, strengthening our faith. As we walk through our lives, let us be quick to remember that God’s ways are perfect, His plans are for us, and He always knows the best way forward. If you’re interested in exploring more about God’s guidance and the incredible stories found throughout the scriptures, be sure to check out some other articles like John 7:13 or Numbers 13:23. It can deepen our understanding of how God intricately weaves His promises into our everyday lives.