Deuteronomy 7:22

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Deuteronomy 7:22 reveals God's wise and strategic plan for Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, Canaan. This verse underscores that the dispossessing of the native nations would not be an instant, sweeping victory, but rather a gradual process orchestrated by God Himself.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites as they stand on the threshold of Canaan, preparing to enter the land God had promised their ancestors. Deuteronomy 7 emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His command for Israel to remain separate from the idolatrous nations they were to displace. While God promised total victory and the complete removal of these nations, He also revealed His method: "by little and little." This gradual approach was not due to any lack of power on God's part, but for a practical and benevolent reason explained in the verse itself.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wisdom and Providence: God's plan for His people is not only powerful but also incredibly wise and practical. He foresees potential problems and provides solutions. The slow removal of the nations prevented the land from becoming desolate and overrun by wild animals, which would have posed a significant threat to the newly settling Israelites. This mirrors a similar promise found in Exodus 23:30.
  • Gradual Victory and Patience: The phrase "by little and little" (Hebrew: mĕ`aṭ mĕ`aṭ) signifies a slow, incremental, and deliberate process. This teaches that not all of God's blessings or victories are instantaneous. Some require patience, sustained effort, and continued reliance on Him over time.
  • God's Protection and Care: The explicit reason given—"lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee"—highlights God's protective nature. He ensures that as the land is cleared, Israel has the capacity to occupy and manage it effectively, safeguarding them from immediate dangers and overwhelming challenges.
  • Trust and Obedience: This divine strategy called for Israel's ongoing trust in God's timing and their continued obedience in participating in the conquest, knowing that God was working behind the scenes for their good.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 7:22 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • Spiritual Growth: Our spiritual journey and growth in holiness are often "by little and little." God gradually reveals truth, convicts of sin, and empowers us to overcome challenges. We are not instantly perfected, but God works in us progressively.
  • Overcoming Challenges: Whether facing personal struggles, difficult habits, or large-scale ministry goals, God often leads us through a process of gradual victory. Trying to tackle everything at once can lead to feeling overwhelmed or defeated. God's wisdom teaches us to take one step at a time, trusting His provision for each stage.
  • God's Perfect Timing: This verse reminds us that God's timing is always perfect, even when it seems slow to us. He understands the "beasts of the field"—the overwhelming circumstances or challenges—that might arise if we were to move too quickly or if He were to act too swiftly without our readiness.

Ultimately, Deuteronomy 7:22 is a testament to God's careful, compassionate, and wise leadership, ensuring His people are not just victorious, but also well-prepared to inhabit and thrive in the blessings He provides.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 23:29 (14 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

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

  • Joshua 15:63 (2 votes)

    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.