What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 7:23? But the LORD your God "But the LORD your God..." (Deuteronomy 7:23) centers the promise squarely on God’s personal involvement. • He is not a distant force; He is the covenant-keeping LORD (Exodus 6:7; Deuteronomy 4:31). • Because the previous verse calls Israel to faith and obedience, this phrase reassures them that victory depends on the LORD’s power, not theirs (Deuteronomy 20:1; 1 Samuel 17:47). Will give them over to you This clause highlights divine transfer of enemy nations into Israel’s hands. • “Give over” echoes God’s earlier words: “I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand” (Exodus 23:31). • The certainty of possession rests on God’s authority over nations (Psalm 22:28; Acts 17:26). • It assures Israel that conquest is a gift, not self-made achievement—promoting gratitude and humility (Deuteronomy 9:4-6). And throw them into great confusion God promises to confound Israel’s enemies so they cannot mount organized resistance. • Similar language appears in Exodus 23:27: “I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation.” • The LORD often uses panic as a weapon—see Judges 7:22 (Gideon) and 1 Samuel 14:15 (Jonathan), showing that psychological warfare belongs to Him. • This confusion magnifies God’s glory because Israel cannot claim credit for the enemy’s self-defeat (2 Chronicles 20:22-24). Until they are destroyed The outcome is total, not partial. • The phrase fulfills earlier commands to remove Canaanite idolatry so Israel won’t be lured away (Deuteronomy 7:2-5; Numbers 33:52-56). • God’s justice against persistent wickedness (Genesis 15:16; Leviticus 18:24-25) parallels divine patience followed by decisive judgment (2 Peter 3:9-10). • Complete destruction prevents syncretism, preserving Israel’s unique witness (Joshua 23:12-13). summary Deuteronomy 7:23 assures Israel that their victory flows entirely from the LORD’s sovereign hand: He personally acts, hands enemies over, sows chaos among them, and finishes the judgment. The verse calls God’s people to trust His power, acknowledge His justice, and walk in grateful obedience, confident that the same covenant-keeping God still defends and directs those who belong to Him. |
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