Deuteronomy 7:19

KJV

The great temptations which thine eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby the LORD thy God brought thee out: so shall the LORD thy God do unto all the people of whom thou art afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

The great {H1419} temptations {H4531} which thine eyes {H5869} saw {H7200}, and the signs {H226}, and the wonders {H4159}, and the mighty {H2389} hand {H3027}, and the stretched out {H5186} arm {H2220}, whereby the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} brought thee out {H3318}: so shall the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} do {H6213} unto all the people {H5971} of whom thou art afraid {H3373}{H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the great ordeals which you yourself saw, and the signs, wonders, strong hand and outstretched arm by which ADONAI your God brought you out. ADONAI will do the same to all the peoples of whom you are afraid.

Berean Standard Bible

the great trials that you saw, the signs and wonders, and the mighty hand and outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.

American Standard Version

the great trials which thine eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, whereby Jehovah thy God brought thee out: so shall Jehovah thy God do unto all the peoples of whom thou art afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:19 serves as a profound anchor of assurance for the Israelites, reminding them of Yahweh's unparalleled power and unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Moses, addressing a generation poised to enter the formidable Promised Land, strategically invokes their collective memory of God's decisive interventions during the Exodus. This vivid recollection of the "great temptations," "signs," "wonders," "mighty hand," and "stretched out arm" is presented not merely as historical fact, but as an irrefutable guarantee that the same omnipotent Lord who delivered them from Egyptian bondage will assuredly conquer their future adversaries in Canaan, thereby dispelling their fear and inspiring courageous obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 7:19 is situated within Moses' second major address to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepare to cross into Canaan. This chapter is pivotal, emphasizing Israel's unique status as God's chosen people and the imperative for absolute separation from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the Canaanite nations. Moses explicitly commands the complete destruction of these inhabitants, not out of arbitrary cruelty, but to prevent spiritual defilement and preserve Israel's covenant purity. The immense challenge of conquering militarily superior nations naturally evokes fear among the Israelites. Therefore, Moses strategically employs a rhetorical strategy of remembrance, drawing upon the foundational event of the Exodus as irrefutable proof of God's power and faithfulness. This verse directly follows warnings against intermarriage and idol worship, reinforcing that God's power is actively at work on behalf of those who remain faithful to His exclusive covenant. It grounds the call to obedience in the certainty of divine assistance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is approximately 1406 BC, with the generation that matured in the wilderness now standing on the precipice of Canaan. They face well-established Canaanite city-states known for their fortified defenses and advanced military prowess, including chariots. In the ancient Near East, military success was often attributed to the power of a nation's patron deity. For Israel, the Exodus was the singular, defining event that unequivocally demonstrated Yahweh's supremacy over all other gods and earthly powers, particularly the might of Egypt. The series of plagues and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea were not just historical events; they were divine declarations of Yahweh's sovereignty. The phrases "mighty hand" and "stretched out arm" were common ancient Near Eastern idioms signifying powerful, decisive action by a ruler or deity. However, in the context of Israel's narrative, these idioms became uniquely associated with Yahweh's unparalleled acts of deliverance and judgment, distinguishing Him from all other supposed deities. Moses masterfully leverages this shared historical memory and the cultural understanding of divine power to bolster the Israelites' faith against the very real and immediate fear of their impending battles.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 7:19 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Past Faithfulness as a Guarantee for the Future**. The verse explicitly links God's historical acts of deliverance in Egypt to His promised future intervention in Canaan, establishing a consistent pattern of divine action. The "great temptations" (trials) and "signs, and wonders" witnessed during the Exodus serve as undeniable proof of God's power and unwavering commitment to His covenant people, providing a basis for confidence in the face of future challenges, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous, for the Lord Goes With You"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Power and Deliverance**. The iconic biblical idioms "mighty hand" and "stretched out arm" (repeatedly used in the Exodus narrative, e.g., [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Mighty Hand and Stretched Out Arm")) vividly convey God's irresistible strength and direct, forceful intervention on behalf of Israel. This same divine power that brought them out of Egyptian bondage is promised to conquer the nations they are about to face in Canaan. Finally, the verse addresses the theme of **Overcoming Fear Through Remembrance**. By recalling God's track record of miraculous deliverance, the Israelites are taught to confront their anxieties ("the people of whom thou art afraid") and trust in His continued protection and provision, a principle reverberating through passages like [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1-3 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Temptations (Hebrew, _maççâh'_):** While the KJV translates this as "temptations," the Hebrew word _maççâh_ (H4531) more accurately denotes "trials," "tests," or "proofs." It stems from a root meaning "to test" or "to prove." In this context, it refers to the various challenges and afflictions Israel and Egypt experienced, such as the plagues, which served to demonstrate God's power, sovereignty, and faithfulness, as well as to test Israel's obedience and trust. These were not enticements to sin, but divine orchestrations designed to reveal character and power.
* **Mighty Hand (Hebrew, _châzâq yâd'_):** This powerful anthropomorphic idiom combines _yâd_ (H3027), meaning "hand" (specifically the open hand, indicating power, means, direction), with _châzâq_ (H2389), meaning "strong," "mighty," or "firm." Together, "mighty hand" symbolizes God's overwhelming power, authority, and direct, forceful intervention. It signifies an irresistible force that accomplishes His will, particularly in acts of deliverance and judgment, demonstrating His ability to act with great strength.
* **Stretched Out Arm (Hebrew, _nâṭâh zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** This vivid anthropomorphism combines _zᵉrôwaʻ_ (H2220), meaning "arm" (as stretched out, or foreleg), with _nâṭâh_ (H5186), a primitive root meaning "to stretch or spread out." This phrase complements "mighty hand," emphasizing God's active, purposeful, and extended exertion of power. It evokes the image of a warrior's arm extended in battle, ready to strike or deliver, signifying God's readiness and ability to act decisively, providing help and strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The great temptations which thine eyes saw":** This opening clause immediately directs the Israelites' attention to their direct, personal, and undeniable experience of God's powerful acts. "Great temptations" refers to the severe trials and tests, primarily the devastating plagues inflicted upon Egypt and the challenges faced during the wilderness journey. The emphasis on "thine eyes saw" underscores the empirical, eyewitness nature of these events, making their memory a concrete and irrefutable foundation for faith and assurance.
* **"and the signs, and the wonders":** These terms further specify the miraculous and supernatural nature of God's interventions. "Signs" (אוֹתֹת, _ʾôtôt_) are acts that point beyond themselves to a divine agent or purpose, serving as evidence of God's presence and power. "Wonders" (מוֹפְתִים, _môp̄tîm_) are extraordinary, awe-inspiring events that evoke astonishment and demonstrate God's unique authority. Together, they refer to the miraculous plagues and other supernatural occurrences that accompanied Israel's liberation, proving God's unique power over creation and all other deities.
* **"and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm":** These are powerful and iconic anthropomorphic metaphors for God's irresistible power and direct, forceful action. The "mighty hand" signifies His strength, authority, and decisive intervention, while the "stretched out arm" emphasizes His active, purposeful, and extended exertion of power in deliverance and judgment. These phrases are quintessential representations of God's overwhelming and personal involvement in the Exodus.
* **"whereby the LORD thy God brought thee out":** This phrase explicitly connects all the preceding descriptions of divine power and miraculous acts directly to the Exodus event. It identifies "the LORD thy God" (Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel) as the sole and sovereign agent of their liberation from Egyptian bondage, reinforcing His unique relationship with Israel and His unwavering commitment to their deliverance.
* **"so shall the LORD thy God do unto all the people of whom thou art afraid":** This is the climactic promise and the core application of the verse. It establishes a profound theological parallel: the same power, the same commitment, and the same God who delivered them from Pharaoh, the greatest superpower of their day, will now deliver them from their new adversaries, the formidable Canaanite nations. This promise is designed to quell their fear, instill confidence, and motivate them for the daunting task of conquest ahead, assuring them of divine victory.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:19 employs several potent literary devices to enhance its message and impact. **Anthropomorphism** is prominently featured in the phrases "**mighty hand**" and "**stretched out arm**," which attribute human body parts and actions to God. This makes the abstract concept of divine power more tangible and relatable to the audience, emphasizing God's active, personal, and forceful involvement in their history. The verse also utilizes **Recapitulation**, a key rhetorical strategy throughout Deuteronomy, by recalling foundational past historical events (the Exodus and wilderness trials). This repetition serves to reinforce the significance of these events in Israel's identity and faith, providing a basis for future action and obedience. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of **Parallelism** in the structure, particularly the "as... so..." construction, which directly links God's past actions ("whereby the LORD thy God brought thee out") to His future promises ("so shall the LORD thy God do"). This creates a clear logical and theological connection, assuring the Israelites that God's character and power are consistent. Finally, the enumeration of "great temptations... signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm" creates a powerful **Cumulative Effect**, building a compelling and overwhelming case for God's irresistible power and unwavering commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:19 is a profound theological statement on the unchanging character of God and the enduring nature of His covenant faithfulness. It teaches that God's past actions are not merely historical anecdotes but serve as a prophetic guarantee for His future interventions. The God who demonstrated unparalleled power and unwavering commitment to His people in the Exodus is the same God who will confront their present and future challenges. This principle underscores the reliability of God's promises: because He is immutable in His character and omnipotent in His power, His past faithfulness provides an unshakeable foundation for trust in His future provision and protection. This verse invites believers to look back at God's historical acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in their personal lives, as a wellspring of courage and confidence for whatever trials lie ahead. It is a powerful reminder that the God who has been faithful will continue to be faithful.

* [Psalm 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Remembering the Deeds of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 7:19 offers immense spiritual nourishment for believers today, providing a powerful antidote to fear and a robust foundation for faith. Just as the Israelites were called to remember God's mighty acts in the Exodus to face the Canaanites, we too are encouraged to recall God's interventions in our own lives, in the history of the Church, and in the grand narrative of salvation. Every past deliverance, every answered prayer, every moment of divine provision serves as a testament to His enduring power and love. When we face daunting challenges—whether spiritual battles, personal anxieties, overwhelming circumstances, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles—this verse reminds us that the same "mighty hand" and "stretched out arm" that delivered Israel is still actively at work. God's power is not diminished, and He is able to help us overcome whatever obstacles we face. This understanding allows us to confront our fears with confidence, knowing that if God has proven Himself faithful in the past, He will continue to be faithful in the present and future. It calls us to actively recall, meditate upon, and trust in the unchanging character of our delivering God, allowing His past faithfulness to fuel our present courage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great temptations," "signs," or "wonders" has God performed in your own life that you can remember to bolster your faith today?**
* **How does recalling God's past faithfulness specifically address a current fear or challenge you are facing?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally practice remembering God's powerful acts in your daily life?**
* **How does the unchanging nature of God's "mighty hand" and "stretched out arm" encourage you to step out in faith where you might otherwise hesitate?**

### FAQ
**What does "great temptations" mean in this verse?**

Answer: In Deuteronomy 7:19, "great temptations" (Hebrew: _maççâh_) does not refer to enticements to sin, but rather to the "tests" or "trials" that God brought upon Egypt and Israel, particularly during the plagues and the wilderness wanderings. These were experiences divinely orchestrated to demonstrate God's power and sovereignty, to prove His faithfulness, and to test the obedience and trust of His people. They were powerful, undeniable demonstrations that Israel witnessed firsthand, intended to build their faith in Yahweh as their delivering God.

**Why is it important for the Israelites to remember these past events?**

Answer: Remembering these past events was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it served as an **unshakeable foundation for faith**. The Exodus was the defining event of Israel's identity, unequivocally proving Yahweh's unique power over all other gods and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Secondly, it provided **courage for future challenges**. The Israelites were about to face formidable enemies in Canaan, and recalling God's past victories against a superpower like Egypt was meant to dispel their fear and instill confidence that He would fight for them again. Finally, it underscored God's **unchanging character**. The consistent demonstration of His "mighty hand" and "stretched out arm" meant that His power and faithfulness were not limited to a single historical moment but were eternal attributes, applicable to every generation and every challenge, as powerfully declared in [Psalm 136:12](/psalms/136-12 "Psalm 136:12 - With a Strong Hand and an Outstretched Arm").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:19, with its emphasis on God's "mighty hand" and "stretched out arm" delivering His people from overwhelming adversaries, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Exodus, which serves as the historical anchor for this verse, is a powerful type foreshadowing the greater spiritual deliverance accomplished through Christ. While God's arm delivered Israel from physical bondage to Pharaoh, Christ's "stretched out arm" on the cross accomplished liberation from the far greater tyranny of sin, death, and the devil. He is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, not merely against earthly oppressors but against cosmic spiritual forces, as [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers") declares His triumph over principalities and powers, disarming them and leading them captive. Just as Israel was called to remember God's past acts to face future enemies, believers in Christ are called to remember His finished work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, which guarantee our victory over all spiritual adversaries. The fear that plagued Israel before the Canaanites is replaced by the profound peace and confidence found in Christ, who has definitively overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). Through Him, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), God has indeed done for us what we could not do for ourselves, providing the ultimate deliverance and securing an eternal inheritance, demonstrating His mighty hand in a way that surpasses all previous acts of salvation, as He destroyed the one who has the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Victory Over Death and the Devil")).

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 4:34

Or hath God assayed to go [and] take him a nation from the midst of [another] nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Nehemiah 9:10

And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as [it is] this day.

Nehemiah 9:11

And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.

Joshua 3:10

And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God [is] among you, and [that] he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.

Jeremiah 32:20

Which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, and in Israel, and among [other] men; and hast made thee a name, as at this day;

Jeremiah 32:21

And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror;

Deuteronomy 11:2

And know ye this day: for [I speak] not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,