destroy = cause them to perish. Hebrew. 'abad. He. Some codices with one early printed edition, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel Targum of Onkelos, Septuagint, and Vulgate, read "and He", read more
Ver. 6-11. The reasons are here given for such cautious avoiding whatever might offend God. For, 1. They were a chosen generation to show forth his praises, and therefore bound to answer the gracious designs of God. There was in them no cause moving God to such peculiar regard, but his own sovereign choice and love; for they were the fewest in number, and had proved themselves sufficiently perverse and ungrateful in their conduct. He adds the promise made to their fathers, for whose sake they... read more
Moses mentioned seven nations that resided in Canaan here (Deuteronomy 7:1), but as many as 10 appear in other passages (cf. Genesis 15:19-21; Exodus 34:11; Numbers 13:28-29; Judges 3:5). Perhaps Moses named seven here for rhetorical purposes, seven being a number that indicates completion or fullness. One reason for the total extermination of these idolaters was the evil effect their corrupt worship would have on the Israelites and their relationship with Yahweh (Deuteronomy 7:4). [Note: See... read more
3. Examples of the application of the principles chs. 7-11"These clearly are not laws or commandments as such but primarily series of parenetic homilies in which Moses exhorted the people to certain courses of action in light of the upcoming conquest and occupation of Canaan. Within these sections, however, are specific and explicit injunctions based upon the Decalogue and anticipatory of further elaboration in the large section of detailed stipulations that follows (Deuteronomy 12:1 to... read more
Practical Exhortations (continued)In this chapter the people are warned against temptations to idolatry and enjoined to avoid contact with their idolatrous neighbours: see on Exodus 23:32-33; Numbers 25:16-18.1. On the tribes inhabiting Canaan see on Numbers 13:21. 5. Images] RV ’pillars,’ or obelisks. Groves] RV ’Asherim’: see on Exodus 34:13. 6. Special people] RV ’peculiar people’: see on Exodus 19:5.13. On the promise of material prosperity as the reward of obedience, see on Exodus... read more
(9-11) These verses are a direct comment upon the second commandment. The “thousands of them that love Him” are here expanded into a “thousand generations.” The “hatred,” too, is the same thing denoted there: “Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments.” read more
Growing Great Ideas Deuteronomy 7:9 How to begin to teach the supreme ideas of time and space, and God and heaven, and eternity; that is the subject. We are familiar with these great words, so familiar indeed with them that we think nothing about them. We thus ruin ourselves by reading religious books and going to religious services. Nothing so ruinous as going to church, if we do not go in the right spirit and with adequate intelligence of the meaning of the act. I know nothing so really bad... read more
THE BANDeuteronomy 7:1-26As in the previous chapter we have had the Mosaic and Deuteronomic statement of the internal and spiritual means of defending the Israelite character and faith from the temptations which the conquest in Canaan would bring with it, in this we have strenuous provision made against the same evil by external means. The mind first was to be fortified against the temptation to fall away: then the external pressure from the example of the peoples they were to conquer was to be... read more
3. The Possession of the Land and Their Separation CHAPTER 7 1. The command to destroy the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-4 ) 2. The command to destroy their idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:5-11 ) 3. The promise of blessing and help (Deuteronomy 7:12-26 ) Seven nations are mentioned as occupying the land, which God gave to Israel. These nations were steeped in the most awful licentiousness and practised the vilest abominations. There are different reasons to believe that Satan possessed them in a... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 7:1-26
The promised land (7:1-8:20)Israel’s responsibility was to destroy the people of Canaan along with everything connected with their religion, so that nothing would remain in the land that might corrupt God’s people (7:1-5). Israel’s favoured place as God’s chosen people was not an excuse for them to do as they liked, but a reason for them to avoid corruption and be holy. If they were disobedient, they would surely be punished (6-11). But if they were obedient, they would enjoy the blessings of... read more