What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 7:18? But do not be afraid of them • The command is immediate and direct: fear has no rightful place in God’s covenant people. • Israel stood on the edge of Canaan, aware of “nations larger and stronger than you” (Deuteronomy 7:1), yet the Lord called them to confidence, not terror. • Fear is replaced by faith because the Lord Himself fights for His people (Deuteronomy 3:22; cf. Romans 8:31). • Similar exhortations echo throughout Scripture—“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9) and “Do not be afraid when you go to war against your enemies” (Deuteronomy 20:1). • Courage rooted in divine presence steadies believers today: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5-6). Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt • Memory fuels courage. Israel’s greatest national rescue—the Exodus—proved God’s unrivaled power. – Ten plagues systematically toppled Egypt’s gods (Exodus 7–12). – The Red Sea parted, then closed over Egypt’s army (Exodus 14:21-28). • Moses urged the people to keep these acts front-and-center. “Remember the day you came out of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 16:3); “Remember His wonders He has done” (Psalm 105:5). • Rehearsing God’s past faithfulness builds present trust. When fear whispers “This enemy is too strong,” faith replies, “The same Lord who crushed Pharaoh stands with us.” • Believers today look back at the cross and empty tomb with the same logic: if God has conquered sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57), no present threat can prevail (2 Timothy 1:7). summary Deuteronomy 7:18 marries fearless obedience with active remembrance. God tells His people, “Do not fear” because He is with them, and “Do remember” because His past victories guarantee future ones. Confidence arises when hearts refuse panic and intentionally rehearse the Lord’s mighty deeds. The result: steadfast faith that faces every foe knowing the battle already belongs to the Lord. |
    |