“The great temptations which thine eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby the LORD thy God brought thee out: so shall the LORD thy God do unto all the people of whom thou art afraid.”
Context and Background:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Old Testament and is attributed to Moses. It contains Moses’ final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is reminding the Israelites of the great miracles and deliverance they witnessed during their exodus from Egypt.
The Great Temptations and Miracles:In the preceding verses, Moses recalls the plagues and wonders that God performed in Egypt to secure the release of the Israelites. These great temptations refer to the challenges and trials faced by the Israelites in the wilderness as they journeyed towards the Promised Land. Despite their difficulties, God displayed His power through signs, wonders, and mighty acts, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna and water.
God’s Deliverance and Faithfulness:The verse emphasizes that just as the Lord had brought the Israelites out of Egypt with His mighty hand and stretched out arm, He would continue to act in a similar manner on behalf of the people of Israel as they faced other nations in the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people from their enemies.
Application for Believers:Though this verse was specifically addressed to the Israelites, there are principles that can be applied by believers today:
- Trust in God’s faithfulness:Just as God was faithful to deliver the Israelites in the past, we can trust that He will also be faithful in our lives. We can rely on His promises and have confidence that He will fulfill His word.
- Remember God’s past miracles:Reflecting on the miraculous works God has done in the past can strengthen our faith in challenging times. Remembering how God has delivered us from difficult situations can encourage us to trust Him in present and future circumstances.
- Seek God’s deliverance:When we face trials, challenges, or enemies in our lives, we can turn to God for deliverance. He has the power to overcome any obstacle or opposition we may encounter.
- Hold on to hope:The verse implies that God’s deliverance is not limited to a specific time or people. Just as God delivered the Israelites, He can work in our lives and bring about deliverance and victory. This provides hope and reassurance, knowing that God is capable of intervening in our situations.
In summary, Deuteronomy 7:19 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people. By reflecting on God’s past miracles, trusting in His faithfulness, seeking His deliverance, and holding on to hope, we can draw strength and encouragement in our walk of faith.
