Deuteronomy 7:1-26
Q.1. What warnings were given to Israel before they entered the Promised Land? Why were they given? – (Dt.7:1-6)
Israel was about to enter the Promised Land. Imagine being promised victory over – seven nations greater and stronger than you (Dt.7:1). The temptation was for Israel to be ‘neighbourly’, to make a covenant with these nations, and to intermarry with them. However, these nations would turn Israel’s sons and daughters away from the Lord. The warnings, if heeded would keep them from God’s wrath and punishment. Mostly, God had singled Israel out to be His very own people – For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth (Dt.7:6). History shows that neither Israel nor Christ’s church have been very successful at avoiding the sins of the people around them.
Q.2. What was special about Israel that caused God to choose them to be His people? What could they expect from God? – (Dt.7:6-11)
God had long desired to grow a people for His own possession. However, this was not the only reason why God chose Israel. His choice was because of His grace. It was not based on merit. In fact they were the fewest of all peoples (Dt.7:7). God’s choice of Israel was a reflection of His covenant faithfulness to their forefathers. He promised He would extend that same love to them … and also His discipline should they disregard His Commands. It is important to recognize that God’s chastening is often a direct result of straying from His good and safe paths.
Q.3. What special blessings would God extend to Israel? Can believers claim these blessings today? – (Dt.7:12-16 c.f. Eph.1:3; Phil.4:11-13, 19)
The promises to Israel were far-reaching. They and their herds and crops would be fruitful. They would even be spared the sicknesses and diseases common among the other nations. They were promised a physical land and natural abundance. His calling on Israel is very different from Christ’s calling of the Church (Rom.11:28-32 c.f. Mt.28:19-20; Acts 1:8). We as believers have been promised spiritual blessings in the Heavenly realms, and citizenship in Heaven (Eph.1:3; Phil.3:20-21). Though many Christians enjoy the blessing of God while on earth, we have no iron-clad guarantee of either real estate or prosperity (Phil.4:11-13, 19).
Q.4. What assistance could Israel expect in their fight against the overwhelming odds? Would victory come instantly? – (Dt.7:17-26)
The immensity of the task and the massive odds would cause Israel to doubt and have second thoughts. However, they were to remember the history of God’s intervention in freeing them from slavery in Egypt. God would again use nature against their enemies – even hornets against them (Dt.7:20). The conquest would take time, lest the empty land be taken over by wild animals (Dt.7:22). They should remember that God’s assistance was to help them rid the land of evil idol worshippers who were an abomination to the Lord. He encouraged them to persevere with the promise that – … no man will be able to stand before you until you have destroyed them (Dt.7:24).