Deuteronomy 4:38

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

To drive out {H3423} nations {H1471} from before {H6440} thee greater {H1419} and mightier {H6099} than thou art, to bring {H935} thee in, to give {H5414} thee their land {H776} for an inheritance {H5159}, as it is this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

in order to drive out ahead of you nations greater and stronger than you, so that he could bring you in and give you their land as an inheritance, as is the case today;

Berean Standard Bible

to drive out before you nations greater and mightier than you, and to bring you into their land and give it to you for your inheritance, as it is this day.

American Standard Version

to drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as at this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:38 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness. Moses, addressing the new generation of Israelites, powerfully declares that their imminent possession of the Promised Land, despite facing nations "greater and mightier" than themselves, is not a result of their own strength or merit. Instead, it is a direct testament to God's miraculous intervention, His active role in dispossessing formidable adversaries, and His gracious fulfillment of His ancient covenant promises to bring His people into their divinely appointed inheritance. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of divine agency, demonstrating God's absolute ability to accomplish His will against all odds and His steadfast commitment to His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:38 is situated within Moses' impassioned first discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into Canaan. This chapter functions as a pivotal exhortation to covenant fidelity, drawing upon Israel's recent history as a compelling motivation for future obedience. Moses meticulously recounts God's unparalleled acts of deliverance, from the miraculous exodus from Egypt to the awe-inspiring revelation at Horeb (Mount Sinai), where the Law was given. The verses immediately preceding 4:38 (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:32-37](/deuteronomy/4-32-37 "Deuteronomy 4:32-37 - God's Uniqueness and Deliverance")) emphasize God's unique nature, His voice from the fire, and His mighty hand in bringing Israel out of slavery. Verse 38 logically follows, presenting the impending conquest as the culmination of these divine acts, a tangible demonstration of God's power and faithfulness, thereby reinforcing the imperative for Israel's exclusive devotion to Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Deuteronomy 4:38 is the threshold of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, roughly in the late Bronze Age (c. 1400-1200 BC). The land of Canaan was inhabited by various peoples—such as the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, often referred to collectively (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - Nations to be Driven Out")). These nations possessed established, often militarily sophisticated, and fortified city-states. Their cultures were deeply entrenched in polytheism, marked by idolatry, fertility cults, and abhorrent practices like child sacrifice, which God condemned as an abomination. In stark contrast, Israel was a recently liberated, nomadic people, having endured forty years in the wilderness. From a purely human perspective, they were numerically inferior, militarily inexperienced, and lacked the fortified infrastructure of their adversaries. The description of the Canaanites as "greater and mightier" was not hyperbole but an accurate assessment of the formidable challenge, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of the divine intervention required for Israel's success.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:38 profoundly contributes to several core theological themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, portraying God as the ultimate orchestrator of history, capable of overcoming any human obstacle to fulfill His purposes. He is the active agent who "drives out nations" and "brings in" His people. Secondly, the verse underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, as the bestowal of the land directly fulfills the unconditional land promise made centuries earlier to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")) and continually reaffirmed to his descendants. This demonstrates God's unwavering reliability and integrity in keeping His word across generations. Thirdly, it highlights **God's Provision and Grace**, presenting the land as an "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _nachalah_), a gratuitous gift rather than a possession earned by Israel's merit or might. This concept reinforces Israel's absolute **Dependence on God**, reminding them that their success is a testament to divine power, not human strength, a theme consistently emphasized throughout the book (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:17-18](/deuteronomy/8-17-18 "Deuteronomy 8:17-18 - Do Not Forget the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Drive out (Hebrew, יָרַשׁ _yârash_):** This primitive root signifies "to occupy by driving out previous tenants," "to dispossess," or "to inherit." In the context of Deuteronomy 4:38, it emphasizes God's forceful and decisive action in expelling the existing inhabitants of Canaan to clear the way for Israel. This verb highlights God's sovereign authority over territories and nations, demonstrating His power to remove obstacles and establish His chosen people in the land He promised. It implies a complete and irreversible displacement orchestrated by divine power.
* **Mightier (Hebrew, עָצוּם _ʻâtsûwm_):** This passive participle means "powerful," "strong," or "numerous." When applied to the nations, it vividly describes their formidable military strength, numerical superiority, and fortified positions, confirming that from a human perspective, Israel was indeed the weaker party. The use of this word underscores the miraculous nature of the impending conquest, attributing success not to Israel's prowess but to God's ability to overcome a truly "mightier" foe, thereby magnifying His omnipotence.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, נַחֲלָה _nachălâh_):** Derived from a root meaning "to inherit," this noun refers to something inherited, an heirloom, an estate, or a patrimony. In the biblical context, it frequently denotes the land of Canaan as God's divinely bestowed gift to Israel, fulfilling His covenant promises to the patriarchs. It signifies a permanent, divinely guaranteed possession, emphasizing that the land was not merely a conquest won by human effort but a gracious endowment from God, securing Israel's identity, future, and place within His redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou [art]":** This initial clause establishes God as the primary agent, declaring His specific intention and capacity to dispossess the formidable Canaanite inhabitants. The description of these nations as "greater and mightier" underscores the overwhelming odds Israel faced from a human perspective, thereby magnifying God's power and ensuring that the impending victory would be unequivocally His alone, not attributed to Israel's strength or numbers. It sets the stage for a divinely orchestrated conquest, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the coming events.
* **"to bring thee in":** This phrase articulates God's active guidance, provision, and faithfulness in leading Israel into the Promised Land. It signifies His commitment to bringing them through the wilderness journey and into the specific geographical space He had prepared for them. This is portrayed not as a passive entry but as an intentional, divinely guided movement, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His meticulous oversight of their journey.
* **"to give thee their land [for] an inheritance":** This clause explicitly states the ultimate purpose of God's actions: to bestow the land upon Israel as a permanent, rightful possession. The term "inheritance" highlights the gratuitous nature of this gift, rooted deeply in God's unconditional covenant promises to the patriarchs. It underscores that Israel's claim to the land was not based on their military prowess or conquest alone, but fundamentally on divine decree and gracious, unmerited provision.
* **"as [it is] this day":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful affirmation of the present reality and a call to immediate recognition. Moses speaks to a generation standing on the very threshold of Canaan, with the land literally visible before them. It grounds the historical narrative and divine promises in their immediate, tangible experience, reminding them that God's word is not abstract but concrete, unfolding before their very eyes, providing a compelling impetus for trust, obedience, and confident expectation.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:38 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Divine Agency**, where God is consistently presented as the sole and active subject of the verbs ("To drive out nations... to bring thee in, to give thee"). This grammatical structure emphasizes His absolute sovereignty over history and His direct, intervening involvement in the affairs of His people, making it unequivocally clear that Israel's success is entirely dependent on His power and initiative. The phrase "greater and mightier than thou" employs **Hyperbole**, a rhetorical exaggeration, to underscore Israel's comparative weakness and the overwhelming strength of their adversaries from a human vantage point. This serves to magnify God's omnipotence, as only a truly almighty God could overcome such a disparity. Furthermore, the verse is steeped in **Covenant Language**, particularly through the use of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _nachălâh_), which directly links the present reality of the land's bestowal to the ancient, unconditional promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This reinforces the theme of God's enduring faithfulness and the unbreakable nature of His covenant with His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:38 stands as a profound theological declaration of God's absolute sovereignty, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His gracious provision for His people. It teaches that God is not a distant, passive deity but an active, intervening Lord who orchestrates events to fulfill His divine will. The "driving out" of nations demonstrates His supreme power over all earthly powers and His righteous judgment against wickedness, while the "bringing in" and "giving" of the land as an "inheritance" highlight His covenant love and unmerited favor. This verse serves as a foundational reminder that Israel's very existence, their security, and their prosperity in the land were entirely dependent on God's initiative and strength, not their own merit or might. It establishes a theological precedent for understanding all future blessings, deliverances, and victories as flowing directly from God's unchanging character and His steadfast commitment to His word.

* [Numbers 13:28](/numbers/13-28 "Numbers 13:28 - Description of the Giants in Canaan")
* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The Lord's Right Hand, Glorious in Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:38 offers timeless encouragement and profound spiritual lessons for believers navigating the complexities of life today. Just as God supernaturally enabled ancient Israel to overcome obstacles that were humanly insurmountable, He remains the same God who empowers us to face our own "greater and mightier" challenges, whether they manifest as formidable personal struggles, intense spiritual battles, or seemingly impossible circumstances in our lives or ministries. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our trust should never be placed in our own limited strength, finite resources, or flawed wisdom, but solely in God's infinite power and unwavering faithfulness. It encourages us to remember that God's promises are absolutely true and that He is utterly capable of fulfilling them, even when the path ahead seems blocked or the odds appear overwhelmingly stacked against us. Our spiritual inheritance in Christ, encompassing all the blessings of salvation, adoption into God's family, and the promise of eternal life, is also a gracious gift, secured entirely by His power and grace, not by any merit of our own. This liberating truth should inspire both profound humility and audacious faith, knowing that the God who brought Israel into the physical Promised Land is the very same God who actively works for us today, guiding us, fighting for us, and securing our eternal destiny. We are called to live in confident reliance on His divine agency, recognizing that He is indeed "the one who goes before you" ([Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The Lord Fights For You")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "greater and mightier" challenges or circumstances are you currently facing, and how does this verse encourage you to shift your reliance from self to God's power?**
* **How does understanding your spiritual blessings as an "inheritance" (a gift from God) shape your perspective on gratitude, humility, and stewardship?**
* **In what specific ways have you personally experienced God "driving out" obstacles or "bringing you in" to new seasons of blessing, provision, or spiritual growth?**
* **How does the historical reality of Israel's weakness compared to the Canaanites deepen your appreciation for God's sovereign and miraculous intervention in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Does Deuteronomy 4:38 justify conquest or violence in the name of God today?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 4:38 describes a unique, divinely ordained historical event within God's specific covenant relationship with ancient Israel, concerning the fulfillment of a land promise made centuries earlier to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). This command for Israel to "drive out nations" was part of a specific divine judgment against the extreme wickedness, idolatry, and moral depravity of the Canaanite nations ([Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4-5 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Not for Your Righteousness")) and was intrinsically tied to Israel's singular role as a distinct, holy nation through whom God would reveal His redemptive plan to the world. It is crucial to understand that this command was *not* a universal mandate for all believers in all times to engage in physical conquest or violence. The New Testament, particularly through the teachings of Jesus ([Matthew 5:38-48](/matthew/5-38-48 "Matthew 5:38-48 - Love Your Enemies")) and the apostles, radically redefines the nature of God's kingdom as spiritual, not earthly, and the warfare of believers as spiritual, not physical ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")). Therefore, this verse does not justify modern-day conquest, territorial claims, or violence in the name of faith but serves as a historical testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in a specific, divinely ordained context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:38, while deeply rooted in Israel's historical experience and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "driving out" and "bringing in" accomplished by Jesus Christ. The nations "greater and mightier" than Israel serve as a type for the spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—that are infinitely more formidable than any human power or earthly army. Just as God supernaturally cleared the way for Israel, Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, decisively "disarmed the powers and authorities" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) and "destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). He is the true and greater Joshua who "brings us in" not to a temporary earthly land, but to a permanent heavenly inheritance, a spiritual kingdom, and eternal life in communion with God ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Our "inheritance" in Christ is not a physical territory but a glorious spiritual reality, encompassing all the blessings of salvation, adoption as beloved children of God ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), and the promise of a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:1-7](/revelation/21-1-7 "Revelation 21:1-7 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Deuteronomy 4:38 ultimately magnifies the power and faithfulness of God, who in Christ has secured for us an inheritance far surpassing any earthly possession, overcoming all spiritual adversaries to bring us into His eternal presence and rest.

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 7:1

¶ When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;

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 23:28

And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.

Deuteronomy 2:31

And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.

Deuteronomy 3:16

And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, [which is] the border of the children of Ammon;

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

Psalms 44:3

For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.