Deuteronomy 7:17

KJV

If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations [are] more than I; how can I dispossess them?

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou shalt say {H559} in thine heart {H3824}, These nations {H1471} are more {H7227} than I; how {H349} can {H3201} I dispossess {H3423} them?

Complete Jewish Bible

If you think to yourselves, 'These nations outnumber us; how can we dispossess them?'

Berean Standard Bible

You may say in your heart, “These nations are greater than we are; how can we drive them out?”

American Standard Version

If thou shalt say in thy heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:17 captures the Israelites' anticipated internal struggle as they stood poised to enter Canaan, a land inhabited by nations seemingly superior in number and strength. This verse articulates the natural human tendency to assess overwhelming challenges through a lens of inadequacy, questioning the feasibility of God's command to dispossess the inhabitants based on their own perceived limitations rather than on divine power and promise. It sets the stage for God's subsequent reassurance, emphasizing that victory is not achieved by human might but by His sovereign hand, challenging the people to move beyond human fear and embrace divine faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 7:17 is strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse, delivered to the Israelites on the plains of Moab as they stand on the precipice of entering the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a crucial exposition of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, particularly concerning their interaction with the indigenous Canaanite nations. Immediately preceding this verse, God has emphatically reiterated His unconditional election of Israel, choosing them not for their numerical superiority or inherent righteousness, but solely out of His steadfast love and faithfulness to the oath sworn to their patriarchs ([Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Unconditional Love and Faithfulness")). The stringent commands to utterly destroy the Canaanites and their idolatrous practices ([Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1-5 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Utterly Destroy Canaanites and Idolatry")) are presented as non-negotiable measures to preserve Israel's covenant purity and prevent spiritual assimilation. Verse 17 directly anticipates the natural human doubt and trepidation that such a formidable, divinely mandated task would inevitably elicit, thereby preparing the ground for God's powerful and comforting reassurances of His active presence and unwavering assistance in the subsequent verses ([Deuteronomy 7:18-26](/deuteronomy/7-18-26 "Deuteronomy 7:18-26 - God's Promise of Victory and Deliverance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, having endured forty years of nomadic existence in the harsh wilderness, were about to confront a formidable challenge: established, fortified city-states inhabited by numerous, militarily advanced nations with deeply entrenched pagan religious systems. The seven nations listed in [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - The Seven Nations of Canaan")—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—were known for their polytheistic worship, including the abhorrent cults of Baal and Asherah, and practices like child sacrifice. From a purely human vantage point, the task of dispossessing these powerful and populous nations seemed utterly insurmountable for a people largely accustomed to a nomadic and less organized existence. The prevailing cultural understanding of warfare in the ancient Near East often involved a comparison of the power and efficacy of opposing deities. Thus, Israel's anticipated internal doubt in [Deuteronomy 7:17](/deuteronomy/7-17 "Deuteronomy 7:17 - The Israelites' Anticipated Doubt") was not merely about military might but also a subtle questioning of whether Yahweh was truly greater than the gods of Canaan, despite His miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a pivotal point, contributing significantly to several overarching themes pervasive in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It profoundly highlights the theme of **Fear and Doubt vs. Faith and Trust**, directly addressing the internal conflict between relying on human perception and embracing divine promise. It starkly contrasts **Human Limitation with Divine Omnipotence**, serving as a crucial reminder to Israel that their impending victory would not be achieved through their own strength or numerical advantage, but solely through the mighty hand of God. Furthermore, it intricately weaves into the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, underscoring that Israel's obedience and unwavering trust are indispensable for God to fulfill His promises of land and blessing. The anticipated doubt expressed in [Deuteronomy 7:17](/deuteronomy/7-17 "Deuteronomy 7:17 - The Israelites' Anticipated Doubt") functions as a strategic pivot for Moses to powerfully re-emphasize God's past acts of salvation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, thereby strengthening their resolve to obey and trust Him in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say in thine heart (Hebrew, _ʼâmar_ H559, _lêbâb_ H3824):** The phrase "say in thine heart" combines the verb _ʼâmar_ (to say, speak, declare) with the noun _lêbâb_ (heart, mind, will, inner being). In ancient Israelite thought, the "heart" (_lêbâb_) is not merely the seat of emotions but the totality of the inner person, encompassing intellect, will, and conscience. To "say in one's heart" signifies an internal monologue, a deep-seated thought process, or a conclusion reached within one's deepest being. It represents a private deliberation of doubt and fear, a rational assessment of circumstances that leads to an internal questioning of God's command.
* **More (Hebrew, _rab_ H7227):** The Hebrew word _rab_ means "much," "many," "great," or "numerous," often implying abundance in quantity, size, or number. In this context, it primarily refers to the numerical superiority of the Canaanite nations. It conveys an overwhelming advantage in terms of population and military might, making the task of dispossessing them appear formidable from a human perspective. The use of _rab_ emphasizes the sheer scale of the opposition that Israel perceives.
* **Dispossess (Hebrew, _yârash_ H3423):** The verb _yârash_ carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place)," "to seize," "to inherit," or "to expel." In the context of the conquest of Canaan, it refers to the forceful and decisive act of driving out the current inhabitants of the land and taking it as Israel's own inheritance, as promised by God. It implies a complete and permanent transfer of ownership and control, establishing Israel's claim to the territory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou shalt say in thine heart,"**: This opening clause is a prophetic anticipation of a potential internal dialogue or thought process within the Israelites. Moses, speaking on behalf of God, acknowledges the natural human tendency to ponder, question, and doubt, particularly when faced with a seemingly impossible divine command. The "heart" here, as the seat of intellect and decision, indicates that this is a rational assessment of circumstances that leads to an internal struggle.
* **"These nations [are] more than I;"**: This clause reveals the specific content of the internal thought: a direct comparison between Israel's perceived strength or numbers and that of the Canaanite nations. The conclusion drawn is one of numerical, and by extension, military inferiority. This is a human-centric assessment based on visible circumstances, leading to a feeling of inadequacy and being outmatched.
* **"how can I dispossess them?"**: This is the rhetorical question that naturally arises from the initial assessment of inferiority. It expresses a profound sense of inability, hopelessness, and even despair. It is not a question posed to elicit an answer from God but rather a statement of perceived impossibility, reflecting a crisis of faith in the face of overwhelming odds and a temporary forgetting of God's past miraculous interventions and unwavering promises.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and anticipate the human response to divine command. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "how can I dispossess them?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer, but rather to express the speaker's (Israel's) despair, doubt, and perceived impossibility of the divinely mandated task. It powerfully highlights the vast chasm between human capability and the divine command. Closely related is **Internal Monologue**, as the verse describes what Israel might "say in thine heart," giving voice to their private fears and anxieties. This device allows the reader to empathize deeply with their very human struggle and vulnerability. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between Israel's perceived weakness and numerical inferiority ("more than I") and the implied, yet unstated, divine power that will ultimately overcome these odds. This contrast sets the crucial theological stage for God's subsequent reassurances and demonstrations of His omnipotence. Finally, the verse uses **Anticipation**, as Moses, guided by divine foresight, preemptively addresses a specific future doubt. By articulating this internal struggle before it fully manifests, Moses prepares the people for the mental and spiritual battles they will face, thereby providing a foundation for strengthening their faith and trust in Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:17 serves as a poignant and timeless reminder of the perennial human struggle with fear and doubt when confronted by challenges that profoundly exceed our perceived capabilities. Theologically, it underscores the critical distinction between human strength and divine power, asserting unequivocally that God's people are called to rely not on their own might, numbers, or strategic genius, but solely on the unfailing power and unwavering faithfulness of Yahweh. This verse anticipates the natural human response to overwhelming obstacles, setting the stage for God's subsequent reassurance that He Himself will fight for His people, just as He miraculously delivered them from the formidable power of Egypt. It speaks profoundly to the necessity of radical faith, reminding us that true victory is rooted in trusting God's promises even when all visible circumstances seem to contradict them. The doubt expressed is not condemned outright but is acknowledged as a deeply human reality, providing a crucial opportunity for God to deepen Israel's understanding of His sovereign character, limitless power, and covenant commitment.

* [Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13-14 "Exodus 14:13-14 - The Lord Will Fight for You")
* [Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - Gideon's Army Reduced for God's Glory")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 7:17 offers a timeless mirror for the human soul, reflecting our innate tendency to measure challenges by our own limited resources, strength, and wisdom rather than by the boundless power and infinite wisdom of God. In our spiritual journeys, we frequently encounter "nations" that seem "more than I"—whether they manifest as persistent struggles with sin, daunting callings that feel beyond our capacity, overwhelming anxieties that paralyze us, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our personal lives, ministries, or vocations. This verse invites us to honestly acknowledge that internal voice of doubt, the "how can I?" that inevitably arises from a human-centric perspective. The profound application lies in the radical shift of our gaze from the imposing size of the problem to the immeasurable greatness of our God. When we feel outnumbered, outmatched, or utterly inadequate, this passage calls us to remember God's past faithfulness, His unwavering covenant promises, and His steadfast commitment to fight for His people. Our ultimate victory is never predicated on our strength or ability, but solely on His. It is a profound call to radical trust, to step forward in courageous obedience even when the path ahead seems utterly impossible, knowing with absolute certainty that the God who commands is also the God who empowers, equips, and delivers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "nations" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing that prompt the internal question, "How can I dispossess them?"**
* **How does focusing on your own perceived inadequacy ("more than I") hinder your faith, obedience, and willingness to step out in God's calling?**
* **What specific promises of God from Scripture can you recall and cling to when you feel outnumbered, overwhelmed, or utterly incapable?**
* **In what practical ways can you intentionally shift your focus from the magnitude of your problems to the infinite greatness and power of God in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Is it wrong to have doubts like those expressed in Deuteronomy 7:17?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 7:17 highlights a natural human tendency to experience doubt and inadequacy when facing overwhelming odds, the Bible does not necessarily condemn the initial feeling itself. Scripture often portrays faithful figures—from Moses and Abraham to the disciples of Jesus—grappling with moments of doubt. The critical distinction lies not in the mere presence of doubt, but in how one responds to it. God anticipates this very doubt in [Deuteronomy 7:17](/deuteronomy/7-17 "The Israelites' Anticipated Doubt") and immediately follows it with powerful assurances of His active presence, past faithfulness, and future triumph ([Deuteronomy 7:18-26](/deuteronomy/7-18-26 "Deuteronomy 7:18-26 - God's Promise of Victory and Deliverance")). The danger arises when doubt is allowed to fester into unbelief, leading to disobedience and a failure to trust God's character and promises. Instead, this passage encourages us to bring our doubts before God, allowing His truth and power to overcome our human limitations and fears.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:17, with its portrayal of Israel's anticipated struggle to dispossess powerful nations, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound spiritual application in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel was called to physically dispossess earthly enemies from a promised land, Christ came to dispossess far greater and more formidable adversaries: sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil that hold all humanity captive. The "nations" that seemed "more than I" for Israel are powerfully paralleled by the overwhelming and insurmountable power of spiritual darkness that no human could ever overcome. Yet, through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, Jesus, the true and faithful Israel, definitively conquered these cosmic powers, disarming them and triumphing over them decisively ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the one who enables His followers to "dispossess" the spiritual strongholds in their own lives and in the world, not by their own inherent might or strategic prowess, but solely by the indwelling power of His Holy Spirit. The victory that seemed utterly impossible for Israel by human strength is made gloriously possible for all believers through Christ, who empowers us to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Has Overcome the World"); [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ Jesus")). He is the divine and ultimate answer to the "how can I?" of our hearts, for "with God all things are possible" ([Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - With God All Things Are Possible")).

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

Numbers 33:53

And ye shall dispossess [the inhabitants] of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it.

Numbers 13:32

And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, [is] a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it [are] men of a great stature.

Luke 9:47

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

Deuteronomy 18:21

And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?

Deuteronomy 8:17

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth.

Isaiah 49:21

Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where [had] they [been]?

Deuteronomy 15:9

Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.