"Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and it contains Moses’ final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is reminding the Israelites that it is not because of their own righteousness that they will possess the land, but rather due to the wickedness of the nations that currently inhabit it.
God’s Judgment:The verse emphasizes that the driving out of the nations from the land is not a result of Israel’s own righteousness or superiority, but rather an act of judgment by God. The Canaanite nations were characterised by their wickedness and idolatry, which had reached a point where God’s patience had reached its limit. God had promised the land to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and now He was fulfilling that promise by removing the existing inhabitants.
God’s Faithfulness:Despite the shortcomings of the Israelites, God remained faithful to His covenant with their ancestors. The driving out of the nations was a demonstration of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the promises He had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It serves as a reminder that God’s faithfulness does not depend on the worthiness or merit of the recipients but on His own character and steadfast love.
Humility and Dependence:This verse also conveys a message of humility and dependence for the Israelites. It reminds them that their possession of the land is not a result of their own strength or righteousness but is solely due to God’s intervention and His commitment to keeping His promises. This should inspire humility and a sense of reliance on God’s grace and provision.
Application:As Christians, we can draw lessons from this verse. It teaches us that God’s actions are not based on human merit but on His own purposes and character. We should recognise that our salvation and blessings are not earned through our own righteousness but are gifts of God’s grace. It also reminds us to remain humble and dependent on God, acknowledging that all that we have and all that we are is ultimately a result of His faithfulness and love.
Remember, studying the Bible involves understanding the historical and cultural context, as well as seeking spiritual insights and personal application. It is beneficial to read the surrounding verses and explore other related passages to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the message conveyed.
