Deuteronomy 11:23

KJV

Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then will the LORD {H3068} drive out {H3423} all these nations {H1471} from before {H6440} you, and ye shall possess {H3423} greater {H1419} nations {H1471} and mightier {H6099} than yourselves.

Complete Jewish Bible

then ADONAI will expel all these nations ahead of you; and you will dispossess nations bigger and stronger than you are.

Berean Standard Bible

then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and stronger than you.

American Standard Version

then will Jehovah drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 11:23 presents a powerful divine promise to the Israelites, assuring them of the Lord's direct intervention in dispossessing the inhabitants of Canaan and enabling Israel to inherit the land. This verse underscores God's active role in fulfilling His covenant pledges, contingent upon the nation's unwavering obedience and faithfulness. It highlights the Lord's sovereignty over all peoples and His commitment to empowering His chosen people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, securing their promised inheritance through divine might rather than their own strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' second major discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, delivered to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they were to enter the Promised Land. Chapter 11 serves as a pivotal exhortation, contrasting the abundant blessings that flow from obedience to God's commandments with the severe curses resulting from disobedience. Verse 23 is directly linked to the preceding verse, [Deuteronomy 11:22](/deuteronomy/11-22 "Deuteronomy 11:22 - The Condition for Blessing"), which explicitly states the condition for these promised victories: "For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him." The promise of dispossessing "greater nations and mightier than yourselves" is thus presented as a direct consequence and reward for covenant fidelity, reinforcing the conditional nature of the Mosaic covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the precipice of entering Canaan, a land inhabited by various established and often formidable nations, including the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (as listed in [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - Nations to be Dispossessed")). These peoples were culturally diverse, often militarily superior, and deeply entrenched in polytheistic practices, including child sacrifice and idolatry, which were anathema to Yahweh. The promise of God driving them out was not merely a military strategy but a theological declaration of Yahweh's supremacy over all other gods and nations. The concept of land inheritance was central to ancient Near Eastern covenants, signifying security, identity, and divine favor, making God's promise to "possess" the land a fundamental aspect of His covenant with Abraham, reiterated throughout the Pentateuch (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")).
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 11:23](/deuteronomy/11-23 "Deuteronomy 11:23 - God's Promise of Victory") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Empowerment and Intervention**, emphasizing that Israel's success in conquest would not be due to their own military prowess but solely to God's supernatural activity. The phrase "Then will the LORD drive out" underscores God's active sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to His people. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Conditional Promise**, where the fulfillment of God's blessings, including land possession and victory over enemies, is explicitly tied to Israel's obedience and devotion to the covenant. This underscores the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship, where blessings flow from faithfulness. Thirdly, the verse speaks directly to the themes of **Conquest and Inheritance**, signifying the literal dispossessing of the Canaanite nations and Israel's subsequent inheritance of the land promised to their forefathers, thereby fulfilling God's long-standing plan for His chosen people. Finally, it proclaims **God's Supremacy**, demonstrating that even against nations described as "greater and mightier," the Lord's power is absolute, ensuring His people's success when they are aligned with His will, as seen in numerous accounts throughout [the book of Joshua](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - Conquest of Canaan").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Drive out / Possess (Hebrew, _yarash_):** The Hebrew verb יָרַשׁ (_yarash_) is central to this verse and carries a rich dual meaning. In its hiphil stem (causative), as seen in "drive out," it means "to dispossess," "to cause to inherit," or "to expel." This signifies God's active role in removing the current inhabitants from the land. In its Qal stem (simple active), as seen in "possess," it means "to inherit," "to take possession of," or "to occupy." This emphasizes Israel's resultant acquisition and ownership of the land. The strategic use of this single root highlights that God's act of dispossessing the Canaanites is inextricably linked to Israel's act of possessing the land, making the two actions a unified, divinely orchestrated process of transfer of ownership and control.
* **Nations (Hebrew, _goyim_):** The term גּוֹיִם (_goyim_) refers to the various gentile peoples or nations inhabiting Canaan. In the Old Testament, _goyim_ often carries a connotation of being outside the covenant people of Israel, sometimes even hostile. The phrase "all these nations" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the conquest and the multitude of peoples Israel would face. The promise that the Lord would drive them out underscores His universal sovereignty, not just over Israel, but over all nations, even those seemingly more powerful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you":** This initial clause establishes the divine agency behind the impending conquest. The "LORD" (Yahweh) is the subject, indicating that the victory is not by Israel's might or strategy, but by God's direct, supernatural intervention. The phrase "drive out" (יָרַשׁ, _yarash_) signifies a forceful expulsion and disinheritance of the current inhabitants of Canaan. "All these nations" refers to the various, often formidable, peoples already occupying the land, emphasizing the totality of God's intended action. "From before you" implies that God will clear the path for Israel, removing obstacles and making their entry and settlement possible.
* **"and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves":** This second clause describes the outcome of God's intervention, focusing on Israel's resulting inheritance. "Ye shall possess" (also יָרָשׁ, _yarash_) denotes Israel's taking ownership and occupying the land previously held by others. The description "greater nations and mightier than yourselves" uses hyperbole to emphasize the overwhelming odds Israel would face without divine assistance. It highlights the disparity in strength and numbers between Israel and the Canaanite peoples, thereby magnifying the power and faithfulness of God who enables His people to overcome such formidable foes. This phrase serves to build Israel's confidence in God's ability to fulfill His promise, despite their own perceived weakness.

#### Literary Devices
[Deuteronomy 11:23](/deuteronomy/11-23 "Deuteronomy 11:23 - God's Promise of Victory") employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Agency** is paramount, as the verse explicitly attributes the act of dispossessing the nations to "the LORD," rather than to Israel's military strength. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and active involvement in human history and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. Furthermore, the phrase "greater nations and mightier than yourselves" utilizes **Hyperbole**. While the Canaanite nations were indeed strong and numerous, this exaggerated description serves to magnify the challenge Israel faced, thereby amplifying the miraculous nature of God's promised intervention. It underscores that the victory would be so extraordinary that it could only be achieved through divine power, not human effort. This rhetorical device aims to inspire awe and trust in God's omnipotence among the Israelite audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign control over history. It demonstrates that God is not merely a distant observer but an active participant in the lives of His people, intervening directly to fulfill His word. The conditional nature of the promise—"Then will the LORD drive out... if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments" (implied from the preceding verse)—underscores the ethical dimension of the covenant. God's blessings are not automatic but are contingent upon a loving, obedient relationship with Him. This principle extends beyond ancient Israel, revealing a consistent divine pattern: God empowers His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles when they walk in His ways and cleave to Him. The physical inheritance of the land foreshadows a spiritual inheritance, and the conquest of nations anticipates the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing forces.

* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua")
* [Psalm 44:2-3](/psalms/44-2 "Psalm 44:2-3 - God's Hand in Victory")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 11:23 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. Just as God promised to empower Israel against formidable foes that seemed "greater and mightier" than themselves, He continues to work on behalf of those who trust and obey Him. When we face challenges or obstacles in our lives—whether they are personal struggles, spiritual battles against unseen forces, daunting tasks, or seemingly insurmountable circumstances—this verse reminds us that our strength and ultimate victory come from the Lord. Our part, like Israel's, is to remain faithful to His commands, to love Him with all our heart, soul, and might, and to walk in His ways. When we align our lives with His will, we can have confidence that the Lord will clear the way, enable us to "possess" the victories He has promised, and lead us into a life of purpose, spiritual inheritance, and fulfillment in His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "greater nations and mightier" obstacles are you facing in your life right now, and how does this verse encourage you to rely on God's power rather than your own?**
* **How does the conditional nature of this promise (implied by the preceding context) challenge you to examine your own obedience and devotion to God?**
* **In what ways can you actively "cleave unto" the Lord in your daily life, and how might that impact your ability to experience His divine intervention?**

### FAQ

**Does the promise in Deuteronomy 11:23 apply to believers today, even though we are not literally conquering physical nations?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [Deuteronomy 11:23](/deuteronomy/11-23 "Deuteronomy 11:23 - God's Promise of Victory") refers to Israel's literal conquest of Canaan, the underlying theological principles are timeless and highly applicable to believers today. The promise highlights God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, His faithfulness to His people, and the importance of obedience. For New Testament believers, the "nations" and "mightier" foes are often understood spiritually. We are called to engage in spiritual warfare against "principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). The "possession" is not of physical land but of spiritual inheritance in Christ, including victory over sin, death, and the devil, and the fulfillment of God's purposes in our lives. Therefore, the verse encourages us to rely on God's divine power for spiritual victories, just as Israel relied on Him for physical conquest, contingent upon our faithfulness and obedience to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 11:23, with its promise of divine empowerment for conquest and inheritance, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel's possession of Canaan was a physical, temporal reality, it served as a powerful foreshadowing of the spiritual inheritance and victory secured for believers through Christ. Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, leads His people not into an earthly land but into a spiritual kingdom, dispossessing not merely human nations but the very powers of darkness that hold humanity captive. Through His death and resurrection, Christ "disarmed the powers and authorities" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), driving out the spiritual "nations" that enslaved humanity to sin and death. He enables believers to "possess" a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Heavenly Inheritance")). The obedience required of Israel in Deuteronomy finds its perfect embodiment in Christ, whose perfect obedience secured our salvation and access to this inheritance. Thus, the promise of God driving out enemies and granting possession is fully realized in the New Covenant, where Christ empowers us to overcome spiritual foes and inherit eternal life and all the spiritual blessings in Him ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 4:38

To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou [art], to bring thee in, to give thee their land [for] an inheritance, as [it is] this day.

Deuteronomy 9:1

¶ Hear, O Israel: Thou [art] to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,

Exodus 23:27

I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

Exodus 23:30

By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.

Exodus 34:11

Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

Deuteronomy 9:5

Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Deuteronomy 7:22

And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee.