How does Deuteronomy 11:23 encourage trust in God's promise to drive out nations? Setting the Scene Deuteronomy 11 finds Moses addressing Israel on the verge of crossing the Jordan. He reviews God’s mighty acts, reminds them of covenant obligations, and assures them of victory if they remain obedient. The Promise in Focus “Then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you.” (Deuteronomy 11:23) Key observations: • God Himself is the active agent—“the LORD will drive out.” • Israel’s enemies are daunting—“larger and stronger than you.” • Victory is certain—“you will dispossess.” Why We Can Trust His Promise • God’s track record of faithfulness – Deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 14:13–14). – Preservation in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2–4). • His unchanging character – “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19). • Covenant commitment – “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of loving devotion” (Deuteronomy 7:9). • Power that dwarfs every obstacle – “The LORD your God Himself will fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22). Supporting Scriptures That Echo the Promise • Joshua 23:5 — “The LORD your God will push them back before you and drive them out of your sight.” • Exodus 23:27 — “I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter.” • Psalm 44:2–3 — “With Your hand You drove out the nations... it was not by their sword that they won the land.” Living the Promise Today • Recognize that God still conquers what looks “larger and stronger” in our lives—sin, fear, entrenched opposition (Romans 8:37). • Stand on His Word; belief activates the promise (Hebrews 4:2). • Obedience keeps us in the flow of God’s power (John 14:21). Caution and Call to Obedience • The promise in Deuteronomy 11:23 is inseparable from the command in verse 22: “If you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you...” • Compromise erodes confidence; wholehearted devotion fuels trust (James 1:8; 1 John 3:22). Takeaway God’s pledge to drive out formidable nations assures us that no opposition is too great when we cling to His Word in obedient faith. |
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