“But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed.”
Context and Background:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah or the Law of Moses. It contains a series of sermons given by Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. Deuteronomy emphasises God’s covenant with His people, the importance of obedience, and the consequences of disobedience.
In this verse, Moses is reminding the Israelites of God’s promise to deliver the inhabitants of the land they are about to possess into their hands and to destroy them completely.
Understanding the Verse:
- Divine Deliverance:The verse begins by stating, “But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee.” Here, “them” refers to the nations inhabiting the Promised Land, which God had promised to give to the Israelites. The phrase “the LORD thy God” emphasises God’s personal relationship with His chosen people, the Israelites. It highlights that it is God Himself who will ensure their victory over their enemies.
- Mighty Destruction:The verse continues, “and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction until they be destroyed.” This emphasises the comprehensive nature of the destruction that God will bring upon the inhabitants of the land. The phrase “mighty destruction” signifies the overwhelming power and judgment of God that will result in the complete annihilation of those nations.
Theological Themes:
- God’s Sovereignty:Deuteronomy 7:23 underscores God’s sovereignty over the nations and His control over their destinies. He exercises His authority to bring judgment upon those who oppose Him and to fulfill His promises to His people.
- Divine Judgment:The verse portrays God as a just and righteous judge who executes judgment upon the wicked. The destruction of the nations serves as a demonstration of God’s justice and a fulfillment of His previous warnings regarding the consequences of idolatry and wickedness.
- Faithfulness to His Promises:The verse reflects God’s faithfulness to the covenant He made with the Israelites. He promised to deliver the land into their hands and to fulfill the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:7). By destroying the nations, God demonstrates His commitment to His promises and His commitment to establish His people in the land He had sworn to give them.
Application:
- Trust in God’s Deliverance:Just as God assured the Israelites of their victory and deliverance, believers today can take comfort in knowing that God is faithful to His promises. When facing challenges or opposition, we can trust in God’s power to deliver us and overcome our enemies.
- God’s Judgment and Justice:Deuteronomy 7:23 serves as a reminder that God is a just judge who holds all nations accountable for their actions. As believers, we should strive to live righteous lives and trust in God’s justice, knowing that He will ultimately bring justice to every situation.
- Obedience and Faithfulness:This verse reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The destruction of the nations in the Promised Land was a consequence of their disobedience and idolatry. As believers, we are called to remain faithful to God, follow His commands, and avoid practices that displease Him.
Remember, the study of Scripture is enriched by considering various perspectives, consulting commentaries, and seeking guidance from trusted spiritual leaders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the text.
