Deuteronomy 4:38

To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.

Deuteronomy 4:38 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy records Moses’ final words to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This verse appears in a speech on the plains of Moab, as Moses recounts God’s past faithfulness and prepares the people for what lies ahead.

Meaning

The verse summarizes three divine actions: God drove out nations greater and mightier than Israel, He brought Israel into the land, and He gave them that land as an inheritance. The phrase “as it is this day” shows that the promise was already being fulfilled in the present, not merely a distant hope. The nations were the inhabitants of Canaan, more numerous and stronger than Israel, yet God removed them. The land is called an inheritance, a gift from God, not something Israel earned by its own merit.

Biblical connections

This promise connects to the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deuteronomy 9:4-5 clarifies that Israel did not possess the land because of their righteousness, but because of the wickedness of those nations and God’s faithfulness to the patriarchs. The emphasis on God’s power and covenant faithfulness runs throughout the book, calling Israel to trust in Him rather than in their own strength.

Application

Just as God fulfilled His promise to Israel, He is faithful to His promises today. Believers can trust in His word and rely on His guidance and provision. The Israelites were a small nation compared to the Canaanites, yet God gave them victory; similarly, God often works in human weakness to accomplish His purposes. The land was Israel’s inheritance, and through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are heirs of God’s promises, with an inheritance of eternal life with God. Israel’s success depended on obedience and reliance on God, and believers are likewise called to depend on God in all areas of life and follow His commands.

Reflection

God’s sovereignty and power are central: He orchestrates events and fulfills His promises. The verse reminds us that our standing before God is a gift, not a wage. It calls us to respond to His grace with faithful living, trusting that the God who drove out mighty nations and gave Israel their inheritance will also complete what He has begun in us.