Deuteronomy 7:1

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

When the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall bring {H935} thee into the land {H776} whither thou goest {H935} to possess {H3423} it, and hath cast out {H5394} many {H7227} nations {H1471} before {H6440} thee, the Hittites {H2850}, and the Girgashites {H1622}, and the Amorites {H567}, and the Canaanites {H3669}, and the Perizzites {H6522}, and the Hivites {H2340}, and the Jebusites {H2983}, seven {H7651} nations {H1471} greater {H7227} and mightier {H6099} than thou;

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI your God is going to bring you into the land you will enter in order to take possession of it, and he will expel many nations ahead of you -the Hitti, Girgashi, Emori, Kena'ani, P'rizi, Hivi and Y'vusi, seven nations bigger and stronger than you.

Berean Standard Bible

When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you—

American Standard Version

When Jehovah thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and shall cast out many nations before thee, the Hittite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:1 stands as a foundational declaration of divine initiative and power, assuring the new generation of Israelites that their impending conquest of Canaan will not be achieved by their own strength but by the sovereign hand of the LORD. This verse sets the stage for Israel's entry into the Promised Land, emphasizing that God Himself will forcefully dispossess seven formidable nations, thereby fulfilling His ancient covenant promises and demonstrating His absolute authority over all peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the opening statement of Moses's second major address to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering. Deuteronomy, meaning "second law," functions as a covenant renewal document, meticulously reiterating the Law given at Sinai and preparing this new generation spiritually and practically for the challenges and responsibilities of possessing their inheritance. Deuteronomy 7:1 immediately follows a strong call to remember God's covenant faithfulness and to obey His commands, acting as a direct preamble to specific instructions regarding the conquest and the critical dangers of idolatry within the land. It establishes the central theme for the entire chapter, which emphasizes Israel's distinctiveness as God's chosen people and His exclusive claim on them, contrasting their inherent weakness with God's overwhelming power to overcome the "greater and mightier" inhabitants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the plains of Moab, around 1406 BC, a pivotal moment just before the Israelites cross the Jordan River into Canaan. The land was not an uninhabited expanse but a region densely populated by various city-states and tribal groups, including the seven nations explicitly named in this verse: the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. These groups were deeply entrenched in polytheistic religions, known for their abhorrent idolatrous practices (including child sacrifice), and often engaged in brutal warfare. Their expulsion was deemed essential not only for Israel to physically possess the land but, more crucially, to prevent the moral and spiritual corruption of God's chosen people. The description of these nations as "greater and mightier" accurately reflects their established presence, fortified cities, and significant military capabilities, underscoring that Israel's impending victory would be a miraculous testament to divine power, not human strength or strategy.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 7:1 introduces several crucial themes that resonate throughout the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Initiative and Promise** is paramount; the verse begins with "When the LORD thy God shall bring thee," powerfully underscoring that Israel's entry into Canaan was not a human military campaign but a direct, sovereign act of God fulfilling His ancient promise to Abraham (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham") and the detailed covenant in [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Abrahamic Covenant and Promised Land")). This highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. Secondly, **God's Sovereign Power** is vividly displayed; the phrase "hath cast out many nations before thee" speaks to God's absolute authority over all peoples and His ability to accomplish the seemingly impossible. The specific naming of the seven formidable nations ("greater and mightier") further magnifies the miraculous nature of the impending conquest, emphasizing that victory would be solely by divine power, not Israel's strength, a point forcefully reiterated in [Deuteronomy 9:4-6](/deuteronomy/9-4-6 "Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - Not by Your Righteousness"). Finally, the theme of **The Promised Land as an Inheritance** is central, presenting Canaan as a land to be "possessed," a divine gift and inheritance. This possession, however, was always contingent on Israel's obedience and faithfulness to the covenant, a theme woven throughout the entirety of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bring (Hebrew, _bôwʼ_ H935):** This verb signifies a purposeful, active movement initiated by God. It emphasizes divine agency in leading Israel into the land, indicating that their entry is not merely permitted but is a direct result of God's power and intent. It implies a guiding presence and a forceful escort, making the conquest a divinely orchestrated event rather than a human military campaign.
* **cast out (Hebrew, _nâshal_ H5394):** This word denotes a forceful, decisive expulsion or divestment. It is not a gentle removal but an act of divine judgment and power that displaces the existing inhabitants. The active voice highlights God's direct involvement in clearing the land for Israel, underscoring His sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises.
* **greater and mightier (Hebrew, _rab_ H7227 and _ʻâtsûwm_ H6099):** This phrase serves as a striking contrast, emphasizing the numerical and military superiority of the Canaanite nations compared to Israel. "Greater" (_rab_) refers to their multitude or numerical advantage, while "mightier" (_ʻâtsûwm_) speaks to their strength, power, and fortified positions. This description intentionally magnifies the challenge, thereby magnifying God's power in overcoming such formidable opposition and reinforcing that the victory would be solely His.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it":** This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and the ultimate purpose of Israel's journey. It highlights that their entry into Canaan is not a self-initiated migration but a direct act of the LORD, their covenant God. The phrase "to possess it" defines the ultimate goal: to take ownership of the land promised to their ancestors, emphasizing its status as a divine inheritance.
* **"and hath cast out many nations before thee":** This clause underscores God's active role as the divine warrior. It is a statement of past or imminent action, assuring Israel that God has already begun or will certainly accomplish the forceful expulsion of the current inhabitants. The "many nations" refers to the collective of peoples occupying Canaan, signifying a comprehensive divine clearing of the land.
* **"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;":** This detailed enumeration provides specific examples of the formidable opposition Israel would face. The listing of these seven distinct nations, representative of the diverse and powerful inhabitants of Canaan, serves to emphasize the magnitude of the task. The concluding phrase "greater and mightier than thou" explicitly states Israel's inferiority in human terms, thereby setting up the theological truth that their victory would be entirely dependent on God's superior power and faithfulness, not their own strength or numbers.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:1 employs several impactful literary devices that enhance its message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where the specific listing of the "seven nations" (Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) serves to emphasize the sheer scale of the challenge and the comprehensive nature of God's promised action. This detailed list makes the divine intervention more tangible and impressive. The phrase "greater and mightier than thou" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, not necessarily to imply absolute impossibility for Israel, but to underscore their inherent human inadequacy and to magnify the divine power required for the conquest. This stark contrast highlights God's omnipotence and Israel's dependence. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the narrative of conquest that will dramatically unfold in the book of Joshua, promising the future success that God Himself will bring about. Finally, the entire passage is presented as a **Direct Address** from Moses, conveying God's message, which lends it immediate authority and personal relevance to the Israelite audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:1 is a profound statement about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His absolute sovereignty over history and nations. It establishes that the possession of the Promised Land is not an achievement of Israelite military prowess but a divine gift, a direct fulfillment of the oath sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This truth underscores the principle that God's plans are accomplished by His power, often despite human weakness. It also highlights the theme of divine judgment against the deep wickedness of the Canaanite nations, whose expulsion was necessary to preserve Israel's holiness and to establish a land where God's law could be observed without corruption. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder that God initiates, empowers, and completes His purposes, calling His people to trust in His might rather than their own.

* [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "God's Covenant with Abraham, Listing Nations")
* [Exodus 23:27-30](/exodus/23-27-30 "God Promises to Send Terror and Drive Out Nations")
* [Joshua 24:11-12](/joshua/24-11-12 "God's Hand in the Conquest of Canaan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 7:1 offers profound encouragement and a vital theological framework for believers today. Just as God promised to bring Israel into a land filled with formidable foes, He promises to lead us through life's challenges, equipping us to overcome obstacles that are "greater and mightier" than our own strength. This verse calls us to recognize that our spiritual battles—whether against sin, temptation, or the forces of darkness—are not fought in our own power, but through the divine initiative and enabling of the LORD. It reminds us that when God calls us to a task or gives us a promise, He also provides the means and power to accomplish it. Our victory, like Israel's, is secured by His faithfulness and sovereign power, not by our own merit or might. Therefore, we are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting that God goes before us, clearing the path and enabling us to "possess" the spiritual inheritance and fulfill the divine purposes He has for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "greater and mightier" obstacles are you currently facing in your life that require God's direct intervention?**
* **How does understanding God's initiative in Deuteronomy 7:1 encourage you to trust Him with seemingly impossible situations?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God's power?**
* **How does the promise of God "casting out" enemies apply to your spiritual battles today, and what does it mean for your confidence in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are exactly seven nations listed in this verse?**

Answer: The listing of exactly seven nations (Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) is significant for several reasons. Firstly, "seven" often symbolizes completeness or totality in biblical numerology, suggesting that God would completely clear out *all* the inhabitants of the land that posed a spiritual threat to Israel, not just a few. Secondly, these seven nations represent the primary, most powerful, and idolatrous groups inhabiting Canaan at the time, making them representative of the formidable opposition Israel would face. By naming them, God provides a concrete assurance that He is aware of the challenge and is fully capable of overcoming it. The specific enumeration emphasizes the miraculous nature of the impending conquest, as Israel, a comparatively small and unseasoned nation, was about to confront well-established and militarily superior peoples. This detail underscores that the victory would be God's alone, not Israel's.

**Why did God command the expulsion of these nations?**

Answer: God commanded the expulsion of these nations primarily for two interconnected reasons: **divine judgment** and **Israel's holiness**. The Canaanite nations were deeply steeped in idolatry, pagan worship (including child sacrifice), and severe moral depravity, as detailed in passages like [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Prohibited Sexual Relations and Immoral Practices") and [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9-12 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices of the Nations"). Their wickedness had reached a point where divine judgment was due, as foreshadowed in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites"). Furthermore, God intended for Israel to be a holy nation, set apart for Him, serving as a light to the world. Allowing these idolatrous nations to remain would inevitably lead to Israel's spiritual corruption and apostasy, as later history tragically demonstrates (e.g., [Judges 2:1-3](/judges/2-1-3 "Judges 2:1-3 - The Angel of the LORD Rebukes Israel")). The expulsion was therefore a protective measure, ensuring Israel's distinctiveness and faithfulness to the covenant.

**Does this verse apply to Christians today, and how?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 7:1 directly addresses ancient Israel's physical conquest of Canaan, its underlying theological principles have profound application for Christians today. We are not called to a physical conquest of land or to literally "cast out" other nations. However, the verse speaks to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. For believers, this translates into **spiritual warfare** (as described in [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")), where we face "spiritual forces of evil" that are "greater and mightier" than us. Just as God went before Israel, Christ has gone before us, conquering sin, death, and the devil. This verse encourages us to trust in God's divine initiative and enablement in our personal lives, in overcoming spiritual strongholds, and in fulfilling the Great Commission. It assures us that when God calls us to a task, He also provides the power to accomplish it, enabling us to "possess" our spiritual inheritance in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:1, with its emphasis on God's sovereign power to bring His people into their promised inheritance by casting out formidable enemies, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly Promised Land, with its physical enemies, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and the spiritual warfare of the New Covenant. Just as the LORD "brought" Israel into Canaan, Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, "brings" believers into the spiritual realities of God's kingdom and the inheritance of eternal life (see [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The "seven nations greater and mightier than thou" represent the spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—that humanity could never overcome on its own. Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, has decisively "cast out" and triumphed over these powers, disarming them and leading them captive (as powerfully declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the one who fights for us, not with sword and bow, but with His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, securing our victory and entrance into the true rest that remains for the people of God (as explored in [Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Rest")). Thus, Deuteronomy 7:1 points forward to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, enabling us to possess our spiritual inheritance in Him and live in the freedom of His triumph over all "greater and mightier" foes (see [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25-26 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Under His Feet")).

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 31:3

The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, [and] he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: [and] Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.

Acts 13:19

And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

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,

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.

Deuteronomy 20:1

¶ When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.