Deuteronomy 7:20

Moreover the Lord thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.

Deuteronomy 7:20 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this chapter, Moses prepares the people for the conquest of Canaan and stresses the importance of remaining faithful to God. The land was inhabited by several nations, and God commanded Israel to drive them out completely, making no covenants or marriages with them, lest they turn away from worshiping the true God.

Meaning

In verse 20, God assures Israel that He will send “the hornet” among the enemy nations until those who remain and try to hide are destroyed. The exact nature of “the hornet” is not specified. It may be a literal insect, larger and more venomous than a wasp, or it may represent divine terror and panic sent by God. Some translations render it as “terror” or “panic,” and one Jewish commentator understood it as leprosy. Whatever the means, it is clearly a divinely sent force that aids Israel. This promise shows God’s direct supernatural intervention in Israel’s battles, fulfilling His promise to give them the land.

Biblical connections

This promise connects to Exodus 23:28, where God says He will send hornets before Israel, and Joshua 24:12, which confirms that God sent the hornet to drive out the Amorites. These references show that God directly intervened in Israel’s battles, fulfilling His promise to give them the land. The broader context in Deuteronomy 7:22 also reveals that God would drive out the nations “little by little,” so that wild beasts would not overrun the land. This shows God’s wisdom in both judgment and provision.

Application

For believers today, this verse reminds us that God is faithful to His promises and fights on behalf of His people. We can take comfort that God is with us in our battles and has power to overcome any obstacle. His methods may be gradual and may involve ordinary means, but they are always effective. We are also called to remain faithful to God and not compromise with values and practices that oppose His commandments. Trust in God’s power to protect and deliver us from all threats, visible or hidden.

Reflection

The hornet is a picture of God’s sovereign power to protect and deliver His people from all threats, visible or hidden. Just as God dealt with the nations for their wickedness, He also warns against disobedience and idolatry. Trust in God’s power, seek His guidance, and rest in the assurance that He will complete the work He has begun.