Deuteronomy 7:7

KJV

The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye [were] the fewest of all people:

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} did not set his love {H2836} upon you, nor choose {H977} you, because ye were more {H7230} in number than any people {H5971}; for ye were the fewest {H4592} of all people {H5971}:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI didn't set his heart on you or choose you because you numbered more than any other people - on the contrary, you were the fewest of all peoples.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.

American Standard Version

Jehovah did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:7 serves as a profound declaration of God's sovereign and unconditional love for Israel, emphasizing that His choice of them as His treasured possession was not predicated on their numerical strength, inherent merit, or any humanly discernible advantage. Instead, it highlights that their election was an act of pure, unmerited divine affection and sovereign will, precisely because they were the smallest and most insignificant of all peoples. This truth was foundational for Israel's understanding of their identity and relationship with Yahweh, instilling humility and preventing pride in their unique status.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 7:7 is embedded within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 7:1-6) lay out strict commands regarding their interaction with the Canaanite nations—namely, their complete destruction and the prohibition of intermarriage and covenant-making, all to prevent idolatry. Verse 6 establishes Israel's unique status as a "holy people" and a "special treasure" to the Lord, chosen above all peoples. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 then provides the theological rationale for this election: it was not due to Israel's greatness but solely to God's steadfast love and His faithfulness to the oath sworn to their ancestors. This explanation serves to ground the commands in divine grace, preventing any sense of self-righteousness or entitlement. The subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 7:9-11) reinforce God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience as a response to His covenant love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a pivotal moment, poised to conquer a land inhabited by numerous, seemingly more powerful nations. In the ancient Near East, a nation's strength was often measured by its population, military might, and the grandeur of its deities. For a people like Israel, who had been enslaved and were now a nomadic group, to be chosen by a powerful deity over established empires was counter-intuitive to the prevailing cultural mindset. This verse directly challenges such human-centric views of power and selection. It was crucial for Israel to understand that their future success and possession of the land would not be a result of their own prowess or numbers, but entirely dependent on the Lord's power and His covenant faithfulness. This understanding would protect them from adopting the pride and self-reliance characteristic of the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 7:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is **God's Sovereign Election and Unmerited Grace**. The verse explicitly refutes the idea that Israel's selection was based on their size or strength, stating they were "the fewest of all people," thereby underscoring that God's choice was an act of pure grace and sovereign will, independent of human merit or capability. This resonates with the recurring biblical motif that God often chooses the weak and overlooked to manifest His power, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak"). Another key theme is **Unconditional Divine Love (Ahavah and Chesed)**. The phrase "The LORD did not set his love upon you" (using the Hebrew *chashaq*) powerfully conveys that God's love was freely given, an initiating and unearned affection that formed the very foundation of their covenant relationship. This divine love is further elaborated in [Deuteronomy 7:8](/deuteronomy/7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:8 - God's Love and Faithfulness"). Finally, the verse strongly promotes **Humility and Anti-Pride**. By reminding Israel of their insignificant status at the time of their choosing, it serves as a perpetual antidote to national pride. It teaches them that their unique blessings and status came solely from God's benevolence, not from their own strength, wisdom, or numbers, a principle vital for any individual or nation blessed by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **set his love upon (Hebrew, חָשַׁק, _chashaq'_):** This verb is rich in meaning, conveying a strong, binding affection, a deep desire, or delight. It is not merely a cognitive choice but an emotional attachment, a profound longing. When applied to God, it signifies that His choice of Israel was rooted in a passionate, intentional, and deeply personal love, rather than a pragmatic or utilitarian selection. It implies a delight in the object of affection, highlighting the depth of God's commitment.
* **choose (Hebrew, בָּחַר, _bachar'_):** This verb means "to choose, select, elect." In the context of divine action, it points to God's sovereign initiative in singling out Israel from among all nations. It is a deliberate, purposeful act of selection that establishes a unique relationship and a specific destiny. The verse emphasizes that this choice was not a response to Israel's inherent qualities but an expression of God's free will and prior love.
* **fewest (Hebrew, מְעַט, _m'at'_):** This adjective means "little, few, small, insignificant." Its use here provides a stark contrast to any human reason for selection. It underscores Israel's numerical and therefore perceived political and military insignificance among the nations. By highlighting their smallness, the text magnifies the greatness of God's love and power, demonstrating that His choice defies human logic and elevates His grace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you,"**: This opening clause immediately negates any human-centric reason for Israel's election. It establishes that God's actions were not a reaction to Israel's desirability or strength. The parallel structure of "set his love upon" and "choose" emphasizes that both the affection and the selection originated solely from God's sovereign will, not from any external stimulus or merit on Israel's part. It sets the stage for the explanation that follows.
* **"because ye were more in number than any people;"**: This phrase directly refutes the common ancient Near Eastern understanding that a nation's greatness or divine favor was proportional to its population or military might. Moses explicitly states that Israel's numerical superiority was not the reason for God's choice. This pre-empts any pride or self-congratulation Israel might develop once they became a numerous and successful nation in the land.
* **"for ye [were] the fewest of all people:"**: This concluding clause provides the actual, counter-intuitive reason for God's choice, or rather, the condition under which God's choice was made manifest. It states the opposite of what human logic would expect: God chose them precisely when they were insignificant and few. This underscores the purely gracious nature of God's election, demonstrating that His power is perfected in weakness and His glory is displayed through those who have no inherent claim to it.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Deuteronomy 7:7 is **Contrast**. Moses juxtaposes "more in number" with "the fewest of all people," creating a powerful antithesis that highlights the counter-intuitive nature of God's ways. This sharp contrast serves to dismantle any human rationale for Israel's election, emphasizing that God's choice was based entirely on His divine prerogative and love, not on human merit or statistical advantage. Closely related is the use of **Negation and Affirmation**. The verse first negates a false premise ("not...because ye were more in number") to then affirm the true, surprising reality ("for ye were the fewest"). This rhetorical strategy effectively disarms pride and magnifies God's unmerited grace. The overall effect is a profound theological statement that reorients the audience's understanding of divine favor from human achievement to divine condescension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:7 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the doctrine of divine election and grace, not only for Israel but also as a paradigm for God's dealings with humanity. It fundamentally asserts that God's choice is rooted in His own character—His steadfast love and faithfulness—rather than in any inherent quality or performance of the chosen. This truth serves as a perpetual safeguard against human pride and self-reliance, channeling all glory back to the sovereign God. It establishes a pattern where God often chooses the weak, the few, and the overlooked to demonstrate the magnitude of His power and the depth of His grace, ensuring that no one can boast before Him. This principle is foundational to the covenant relationship, demanding a response of humble obedience and grateful devotion from the recipient of such unmerited favor.

* [Deuteronomy 7:8](/deuteronomy/7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:8 - God's Love and Oath to the Fathers")
* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")
* [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26 "1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 7:7 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our standing with God, our salvation, and all our spiritual blessings are not earned through our own efforts, good deeds, or perceived worthiness. Just as Israel was chosen out of pure grace, so too are believers brought into God's family not by works but by grace through faith. This truth should cultivate deep humility, profound gratitude, and unwavering trust in God's faithful character. It liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's love or prove our worth, allowing us to rest securely in His unmerited favor. Understanding that our identity and value come solely from His choice and love empowers us to live lives that reflect His glory, not our own achievements, recognizing that every good gift comes from Him. This perspective fosters a spirit of dependence and worship, motivating us to serve Him out of love rather than obligation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that God chose Israel because they were "the fewest" challenge our human tendencies to value strength, numbers, or merit?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on your own abilities or perceived strengths rather than on God's unmerited favor?**
* **How does understanding God's unconditional love and sovereign choice, as demonstrated in this verse, deepen your gratitude and humility?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully in the awareness that your worth and blessings come solely from God's grace?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose Israel if they were so insignificant?**

Answer: God chose Israel not because of any inherent greatness or numerical superiority, but precisely because they were "the fewest of all people." This choice demonstrates God's sovereign freedom and the nature of His love as unmerited grace. It ensures that His glory is magnified, as His power is perfected in weakness, and His faithfulness is displayed through those who have no claim to it. This pattern is consistent throughout Scripture, where God often uses the humble and overlooked to accomplish His mighty purposes, preventing any human boasting and highlighting His divine initiative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:7, while speaking directly to ancient Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and in the nature of the new covenant community. Just as God's choice of Israel was not based on their merit but on His unmerited love, so too is the salvation offered in Christ. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") declares that God's love for the world led Him to give His only Son, a love extended to humanity not because of our righteousness but because of our sinfulness and need. The apostle Paul powerfully articulates this principle in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"), stating that "by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This mirrors Deuteronomy 7:7's emphasis on God's sovereign choice apart from human merit. Furthermore, Jesus Himself embodies this principle of choosing the "fewest" or the "unimpressive" when He calls His disciples—fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary people—to be the foundation of His church, rather than the powerful or learned (see [John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - Jesus Chose His Disciples")). The church, the new Israel, is comprised of those from every nation, tribe, and tongue, chosen not for their inherent worth but by God's glorious grace, becoming a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession," just as Israel was (see [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - Believers as God's Chosen People")). Thus, Deuteronomy 7:7 foreshadows the boundless, unearned grace that culminates in Christ's redemptive work, inviting all who are "few" in their own strength to find their true identity and worth in God's electing love.

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 10:22

Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.

Romans 9:11

(For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

Romans 9:15

For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Romans 11:6

And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Psalms 115:1

¶ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.

Romans 9:21

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.