“Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.”
Context:Deuteronomy is part of the Old Testament and contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular chapter, Moses is preparing the Israelites for their conquest of Canaan and is emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God.
The Promised Land:God had promised the Israelites that He would give them the land of Canaan as their inheritance. However, the land was inhabited by several nations, and the Israelites were commanded to drive them out. In verse 1 of Deuteronomy 7, God instructs the Israelites to completely destroy the nations they encounter and not make any covenants or intermarry with them, as they would lead the Israelites astray from worshiping the true God.
Divine intervention:In verse 20, God assures the Israelites that He will be with them in their battles against the nations of Canaan. He promises to send "the hornet" among the enemy nations until those who remain and attempt to hide are destroyed. The exact nature of "the hornet" is not specified, but it likely refers to some form of divinely sent pestilence or confusion that would aid the Israelites in their conquest.
Symbolic significance:The mention of "the hornet" serves as a metaphorical representation of God’s intervention and His power to overcome the enemies of the Israelites. It illustrates that God would use various means, both natural and supernatural, to ensure the success of His chosen people.
Application for believers:While this verse specifically addresses the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites, it carries some broader principles that can be applied to the lives of believers today. It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises and that He fights on behalf of His people. We can take comfort in knowing that God is with us in our battles and that He has the power to overcome any obstacles we face. It also serves as a reminder to remain faithful to God and not compromise with the values and practices that go against His commandments.
In summary, Deuteronomy 7:20 reassures the Israelites of God’s presence and intervention in their conquest of Canaan. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His willingness to fight on behalf of His people. As believers, we can trust in God’s power and seek His guidance in our own battles and challenges.
