What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 7:21? Do not be terrified by them - Moses is addressing Israel as they prepare to face nations larger and stronger than themselves (cf. Deuteronomy 7:1-2). - Fear is a natural response, yet God commands courage. He has issued this call before—“Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9) and “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). - The command is not a pep talk rooted in self-confidence; it rests on God’s proven record: He defeated Egypt’s army (Exodus 14:30-31) and sustained Israel in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2-4). - For believers today, the same principle stands: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). for the LORD your God - “LORD” (YHWH) recalls the covenant name revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14-15). This is the God who promised the land to Abraham (Genesis 12:7) and has bound Himself to His people by oath (Hebrews 6:13-18). - “Your God” stresses relationship. He is not a distant deity; He has chosen Israel “to be His people, His treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6). - When intimidation looms, anchoring identity in the Lord keeps panic at bay. David applied the same truth when facing Goliath: “The battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). who is among you - God’s nearness is literal and visible in Israel’s story: • Pillar of cloud and fire guiding their journey (Exodus 13:21-22). • The tabernacle set in the camp’s center, symbolizing His dwelling among them (Exodus 25:8). • Victory linked to His presence—when Israel presumed to fight without Him, they were defeated (Numbers 14:42-45). - The promise carries forward: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6; echoed in Hebrews 13:5). In Christ, God is “Immanuel—God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and His Spirit now indwells every believer (1 Corinthians 3:16). is a great and awesome God - “Great” speaks of unmatched power; “awesome” evokes reverent awe. He split the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), flattened Jericho’s walls (Joshua 6:20), and still rules over nations (Psalm 47:2-3). - Israel’s confidence rests on God’s character, not circumstances. Jeremiah testifies, “Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth… Nothing is too difficult for You” (Jeremiah 32:17). - Worship flows naturally from recognizing His greatness: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). summary Deuteronomy 7:21 reassures God’s people in the face of overwhelming opposition. We refuse terror because the covenant-keeping LORD is ours; He is present with us, and His greatness dwarfs every threat. Confidence, obedience, and worship are the only fitting responses to such a great and awesome God. |
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