“And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them.”
Deuteronomy is part of the Old Testament and is attributed to Moses. It contains a series of speeches delivered by Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites about the inhabitants of the land they are about to possess.
Historical context: During their journey from Egypt, the Israelites encountered various nations and encountered opposition. As they approached the land of Canaan, God instructed them to conquer it and drive out its inhabitants, who were idolaters engaging in detestable practices. God wanted to establish the Israelites as a separate and holy nation, and the removal of these nations was part of His plan.
Literal interpretation: From a literal perspective, this verse instructs the Israelites to completely destroy the nations occupying the Promised Land. The phrase “thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them” indicates that God required the Israelites to wage war against these nations and eliminate them entirely.
The reason for such a command is rooted in the idolatry and wickedness of the nations occupying the land. God wanted to prevent the Israelites from being influenced by the practices and false gods of those nations. By driving them out, the Israelites were to ensure that they would remain faithful to God and His commandments.
Covenant and mercy: The verse emphasizes that the Israelites were not to make any covenants or agreements with these nations. This prohibition was meant to prevent the Israelites from intermingling with the idolatrous practices and beliefs of the inhabitants of the land. God knew that such interactions could lead to spiritual compromise and the worship of false gods.
Furthermore, the Israelites were not to show mercy to these nations. This command may seem harsh, but it is important to understand that it was specific to the context and time in which it was given. God was preserving the purity of the Israelites’ faith and ensuring their allegiance to Him alone.
Symbolic interpretation: From a symbolic standpoint, this verse can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual battles believers face today. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding any compromise with the values and practices that go against God’s commandments.
However, it is essential to note that the New Testament presents a different perspective. Jesus taught about love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He emphasized reaching out to all people, including those considered enemies, with the message of salvation and offering them the opportunity to be transformed by God’s grace.
In summary, Deuteronomy 7:2 reflects the specific instructions given by God to the Israelites in their historical context as they prepared to possess the Promised Land. It highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding compromise, but it should be understood within the larger context of the Bible, including the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
