Deuteronomy 7:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} will put out {H5394} those {H411} nations {H1471} before {H6440} thee by little {H4592} and little {H4592}: thou mayest {H3201} not consume {H3615} them at once {H4118}, lest the beasts {H2416} of the field {H7704} increase {H7235} upon thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI your God will expel those nations ahead of you little by little; you can't put an end to them all at once, or the wild animals will become too numerous for you.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD your God will drive out these nations before you little by little. You will not be enabled to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals would multiply around you.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah thy God will cast 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:22 reveals God's strategic and benevolent wisdom in orchestrating Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. Instead of an immediate, overwhelming victory, the Lord promised to dispossess the indigenous nations "by little and little." This gradual, divinely timed approach was not a limitation of God's power but a meticulous provision designed to prevent the land from becoming desolate and subsequently overrun by wild animals, which would pose a significant threat to the nascent Israelite population settling the territory. The verse highlights God's profound care for His people's safety and well-being, even amidst the execution of His righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stand poised to enter Canaan. The preceding verses in [Deuteronomy 7](/deuteronomy/7 "Deuteronomy 7 - Covenant Fidelity and Conquest") emphasize God's unique choice of Israel, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and the imperative for Israel to utterly destroy the idolatrous nations of Canaan, making no treaties or intermarriages with them. The radical command for total destruction (herem) is here juxtaposed with the practical reality of a gradual conquest, demonstrating that divine power works in concert with human capacity and environmental considerations. Verse 22 specifically follows promises of decisive victory over enemies, reinforcing the certainty of God's ultimate triumph while clarifying the *method* of that victory. This particular instruction also echoes a similar divine strategy articulated earlier in [Exodus 23:29-30](/exodus/23-29 "Exodus 23:29-30 - Gradual Dispossession for Israel's Benefit"), indicating a consistent and wise divine plan for Israel's secure inheritance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the cusp of transitioning from nomadic wilderness wanderers to settled agriculturalists in a land already inhabited by numerous, militarily superior nations (Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as listed in [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - Nations to be Dispossessed")). The concept of "beasts of the field" (חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה, *ḥayyat haśśāḏeh*) would have been a very real and immediate threat in an untamed, uncultivated landscape. Without human habitation and cultivation, wild animals—such as wolves, bears, lions, and various predators—would quickly reclaim the land, posing dangers to livestock, crops, and human life. The ancient Near Eastern world understood the delicate balance between human settlement and the wild, where depopulation could quickly lead to ecological instability and increased peril from the natural environment. God's foresight here is not merely theological but deeply practical, ensuring the survival and flourishing of His people in their new homeland.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Wisdom and Providence**, revealing a God who not only commands and empowers but also meticulously plans with foresight, considering even the practical ecological and safety implications for His people. His strategy is not arbitrary but profoundly intelligent, preventing the land from becoming desolate and dangerous, as also noted in [Exodus 23:30](/exodus/23-30 "Exodus 23:30 - God's Gradual Dispossession"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Gradual Victory and Patience**, teaching that God's work often unfolds incrementally, "by little and little," rather than through instantaneous, overwhelming displays. This requires sustained trust and obedience from His people, acknowledging that God's timing is perfect. Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Protection and Care**, demonstrating His benevolent concern for Israel's well-being, safeguarding them from both human enemies and natural threats as they settle the promised inheritance. This protective aspect is a recurring motif, assuring Israel of God's constant watchfulness over them, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:10](/deuteronomy/32-10 "God's Care for Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **put out (Hebrew, _nâshal'_):** From H5394, a primitive root meaning "to pluck off, i.e. divest, eject or drop; cast (out), drive, loose, put off (out), slip." In this context, it signifies God's active role in the expulsion of the Canaanite nations from the land. It emphasizes that the dispossessing is a divine initiative and action, not merely an enablement for Israel, highlighting God's sovereignty over the land and its inhabitants.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, apparently from the same root as גֵּוָה (in the sense of massing); "a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts; Gentile, heathen, nation, people." Here, it specifically refers to the idolatrous peoples inhabiting Canaan whom God commanded Israel to dispossess, emphasizing their distinct identity as foreign, non-covenant peoples.
* **by little and little (Hebrew, _mᵉʻaṭ'_):** From H4592, meaning "a little or few (often adverbial or compar.); almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very." The repetition of this word (*mĕʻaṭ mĕʻaṭ*) in the Hebrew text intensifies the meaning, emphasizing a slow, gradual, and incremental process. It signifies a deliberate, measured pace rather than a sudden, complete eradication, underscoring the methodical nature of God's work and requiring patience and sustained effort from Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little":** This opening clause establishes God's initiative and method in the conquest of Canaan. It is the Lord, Israel's covenant God (Yahweh Elohim), who will actively dispossess the nations, indicating divine power and faithfulness. The phrase "by little and little" defines the precise pace of this divine action, signaling a gradual, progressive expulsion rather than a single, instantaneous event. This pace is not due to any limitation of divine power but is part of a deliberate, wise strategy.
* **"thou mayest not consume them at once":** This is a direct prohibition and a command to Israel, stemming from the divine strategy. It explicitly instructs Israel not to attempt a complete and immediate eradication of all the nations. This restraint is crucial; it is not a sign of incomplete obedience but a necessary component of God's overarching plan, highlighting the importance of aligning human action with divine timing and wisdom.
* **"lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee":** This final clause provides the explicit, practical, and benevolent reason for the gradual approach. If the land were to be suddenly depopulated, vast tracts would become desolate and untamed. This desolation would lead to an unchecked proliferation of wild animal populations, which would then pose a direct and significant threat to the relatively small Israelite population. The Israelites would be too few in number to effectively occupy, cultivate, and manage such a large, empty territory, thereby jeopardizing their safety, their livestock, and their ability to prosper and establish themselves securely in the promised land.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:22 skillfully employs several literary techniques to convey its message. The primary device is **Causality**, where the gradual dispossessing of nations is directly linked to the practical consequence of preventing an overwhelming increase in wild animals. The phrase "lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee" functions as a clear **Teleological Statement**, explicitly revealing the divine purpose and rationale behind the incremental approach. The **Repetition** of "little and little" (Hebrew: *mĕʻaṭ mĕʻaṭ*) serves as an **Emphasis**, underscoring the deliberate, measured, and methodical nature of God's action, reinforcing the idea of a process rather than an immediate event. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** where "beasts of the field" represents not only literal wild animals but also the broader challenges, dangers, and practical difficulties that arise from an untamed, depopulated wilderness, symbolizing the ecological and societal instability Israel would face if God's plan were not followed precisely.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:22 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's providence and His interaction with humanity. It reveals a God who is not only all-powerful but also infinitely wise and meticulously caring, orchestrating events with a foresight that considers even the practical, ecological, and safety implications for His people. This incremental approach to victory teaches that God's work in our lives, whether in spiritual growth, overcoming sin, or achieving His purposes, often unfolds gradually. It calls for patience, sustained faith, and active cooperation with His timing, reminding us that instantaneous solutions are not always His preferred method. This divine strategy ensures that His people are not overwhelmed by the challenges that might arise from too rapid a change, but are instead equipped to manage and thrive within the blessings He bestows, fostering sustainable growth and lasting victory.

* [Exodus 23:29](/exodus/23-29 "God's Gradual Dispossession")
* [Joshua 10:42](/joshua/10-42 "The Lord Fought for Israel")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "God's Work of Completion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 7:22 provides a powerful paradigm for understanding God's work in our personal lives and in the broader scope of His kingdom. Just as God dispossessed the Canaanite nations "by little and little" for Israel's good, so too does He often work incrementally in our spiritual journeys. We are not instantly perfected or immediately delivered from all struggles. Instead, God patiently guides us through processes of sanctification, revealing truth, convicting of sin, and empowering us to overcome challenges one step at a time. This verse encourages us to embrace patience and trust in God's perfect timing, even when progress seems slow. It reminds us that attempting to rush God's process or tackle overwhelming challenges without His measured guidance can lead to being "overrun by the beasts of the field"—metaphorical dangers like burnout, discouragement, or spiritual desolation. God's wisdom ensures that as He clears the way, we are prepared and equipped to occupy the space He creates for us, fostering sustainable growth and lasting victory that honors Him and benefits us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life are you currently experiencing a "by little and little" process from God, rather than an immediate breakthrough?**
* **What "beasts of the field" might overwhelm you if God were to grant you an instantaneous victory in a particular area of your life?**
* **How does understanding God's gradual approach in Deuteronomy 7:22 influence your perspective on patience and perseverance in your faith journey?**
* **In what ways can you better cooperate with God's timing and method in your spiritual growth or in pursuing His callings?**

### FAQ
**Why did God not simply remove all the nations at once if He is all-powerful?**

Answer: While God is indeed omnipotent and capable of instantaneous, complete removal of the nations, Deuteronomy 7:22 reveals His strategic wisdom and benevolent care for Israel. The reason given is explicitly "lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee." If the land were suddenly depopulated, vast territories would lie empty and untamed. The relatively small Israelite population, just emerging from 40 years in the wilderness, would be insufficient to immediately occupy, cultivate, and manage such a large expanse. This desolation would lead to an unchecked proliferation of wild animals, posing a significant threat to the Israelites' safety, livestock, and ability to establish themselves securely in the land. God's gradual approach ensured that as the nations were dispossessed, Israel had the capacity to settle and cultivate the land effectively, thereby protecting them from practical dangers and facilitating their successful inheritance of the promise. This demonstrates God's foresight and practical concern for His people's well-being, as also seen in [Exodus 23:29-30](/exodus/23-29 "Exodus 23:29-30 - God's Gradual Dispossession").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:22, while rooted in Israel's physical conquest, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual warfare and sanctification of believers. Just as God dispossessed the Canaanite nations "by little and little" to prevent Israel from being overwhelmed, so too does Christ, our greater Joshua, conquer the "nations" of sin and self in our lives incrementally. We are not instantly perfected at conversion; rather, the process of sanctification is a lifelong journey, a "by little and little" transformation where the Holy Spirit progressively puts out the old self and its sinful desires, as described in [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "God's Work of Completion"). If God were to immediately strip away every sinful inclination or instantly grant us perfect holiness, we might be overwhelmed by the "beasts of the field"—the spiritual desolation of a life unprepared for such radical change, or the pride that might arise from instantaneous perfection. Christ's work on the cross secured our ultimate victory over the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")), but He wisely leads us through a process of spiritual growth, enabling us to progressively occupy the "land" of His righteousness and freedom. This gradual work equips us to bear the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Fruit of the Spirit")) as we grow in grace and the knowledge of Him ([2 Peter 3:18](/2_peter/3-18 "Grow in Grace and Knowledge")).

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

Exodus 23:29

I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.

Exodus 23:30

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

Joshua 15:63

As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.