Deuteronomy 9:4

When the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say in your heart, "Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land." Rather, the LORD is driving out these nations before you because of their wickedness.

Study Bible

After the LORD your God has driven them out before you
This phrase emphasizes the divine initiative and power in the conquest of the Promised Land. The Hebrew root for "driven out" is "yarash," which means to dispossess or take possession. It underscores that it is not by Israel's might but by God's sovereign will that the nations are displaced. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where divine favor was seen as crucial for victory in battle. Theologically, it reminds believers that God is the ultimate authority and power behind all victories and successes.

do not say in your heart
The phrase "do not say in your heart" is a Hebraic expression that warns against internal pride and self-deception. The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of thought and will, not just emotion. This warning is a call to humility, recognizing that human understanding is limited and prone to error. It serves as a reminder to maintain a posture of humility and gratitude, acknowledging God's role in their achievements.

‘The LORD has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.’
This part of the verse addresses the potential for self-righteousness. The Hebrew word for "righteousness" is "tsedeq," which implies justice, rightness, and ethical conduct. The Israelites are cautioned against attributing their success to their own moral superiority. This is a timeless reminder that God's blessings are not earned by human merit but are acts of His grace. It challenges believers to reflect on their own lives, ensuring that they do not fall into the trap of self-righteousness.

No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations
Here, the text clarifies that the reason for the nations' displacement is their own "wickedness." The Hebrew word "rasha" denotes guilt and moral corruption. This highlights God's justice and holiness, as He cannot tolerate persistent sin. It also serves as a warning to Israel and to believers today that sin has consequences. The historical context shows that the Canaanite practices were abhorrent to God, justifying their removal from the land.

that the LORD is driving them out before you
Reiterating the divine action, this phrase emphasizes God's active role in the judgment and removal of the nations. The repetition of "driving them out" reinforces the idea that it is God's hand at work, not Israel's. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, encouraging believers to trust in His plans and timing. It also calls for a response of obedience and faithfulness, recognizing that God is the one who orchestrates history according to His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being led into the Promised Land.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is orchestrating the events.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants.

4. The Canaanite Nations
The nations currently inhabiting the Promised Land, known for their wickedness.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's message to the people.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God is sovereign in His decisions and actions. The driving out of the Canaanite nations is a demonstration of His justice against wickedness.

Humility Before God
The Israelites are reminded not to attribute their success to their own righteousness. This teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing God's grace in our lives.

The Danger of Self-Righteousness
Believers must guard against the pride of self-righteousness, understanding that our standing before God is due to His grace, not our merit.

The Consequences of Wickedness
The fate of the Canaanite nations serves as a warning about the consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against God.

Gratitude for God's Grace
Recognizing that our blessings and victories are due to God's grace should lead us to a life of gratitude and obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the context of Deuteronomy 9:4 help us appreciate the nature of God's justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can we guard against the temptation to attribute our successes to our own righteousness?

3. How does the fate of the Canaanite nations serve as a warning for us today regarding the consequences of sin?

4. What parallels can we draw between the message of Deuteronomy 9:4 and the teachings of Paul in the New Testament about grace and righteousness?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility in response to the grace we have received from God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 15
God's promise to Abraham about his descendants inheriting the land.

Leviticus 18
Details the abominations of the Canaanite nations, explaining why they are being driven out.

Romans 3
Discusses the universal nature of sin and the righteousness that comes from God, not from human deeds.

Ephesians 2
Emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, not by works, aligning with the message of Deuteronomy 9:4.

Titus 3
Reinforces the concept of God's mercy and grace, not human righteousness, as the basis for salvation.