What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 7:17? You may say in your heart, When Moses addresses Israel’s “heart,” he points to the private inner thoughts that shape public obedience. The Lord knows the unspoken fears lurking beneath outward bravado (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:23–24). • The phrase assumes moments when believers silently rehearse worries before they voice them. • Like Deuteronomy 8:17, where the heart boasts, here the heart trembles—yet both inner dialogues need correction. • Scripture treats these hidden thoughts as real and consequential, calling us to bring them into the light of God’s truth (2 Corinthians 10:5). These nations are greater than we are; Israel faced peoples with fortified cities and superior weaponry (Deuteronomy 9:1–2; Numbers 13:28–33). From a purely human standpoint, the comparison was accurate. • God does not deny the enemy’s strength; He reframes it. What looks like an insurmountable obstacle becomes the stage for His power (Judges 7:2; 2 Chronicles 20:12). • Walking by sight magnifies threats; walking by faith magnifies the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:7; Psalm 34:3). • The text reminds modern readers that honest assessment of difficulty is not unbelief—clinging to that assessment instead of to God is. how can we drive them out? The question exposes self-reliance: “How can we…?” God’s answer in the next verses is, “You shall not be afraid…you shall remember what the LORD your God did” (Deuteronomy 7:18–24). • The task is humanly impossible, so victory must come from divine action (Exodus 14:14; Joshua 23:9–10). • Remembering past deliverance fuels present courage; the same God who split the sea will clear the land (Psalm 77:11–14). • Obedience follows confidence: Israel’s role is to advance in faith while the Lord drives out the nations “little by little” (Deuteronomy 7:22). summary Deuteronomy 7:17 captures the heart’s instinctive fear when confronting overwhelming opposition. God acknowledges that fear, redirects the gaze from enemy strength to His own, and calls His people to trust His proven faithfulness. The verse warns against letting private doubts dictate public disobedience and invites believers to move forward, certain that the Lord who commands also conquers. |
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