Deuteronomy 9:4

KJV

Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H559} not thou in thine heart {H3824}, after that the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath cast them out {H1920} from before {H6440} thee, saying {H559}, For my righteousness {H6666} the LORD {H3068} hath brought me in {H935} to possess {H3423} this land {H776}: but for the wickedness {H7564} of these nations {H1471} the LORD {H3068} doth drive them out {H3423} from before {H6440} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Don't think to yourself, after your God has pushed them out ahead of you, 'It is to reward my righteousness that ADONAI has brought me in to take possession of this land.' No, it is because these nations have been so wicked that ADONAI is driving them out ahead of you.

Berean Standard Bible

When the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say in your heart, “Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land.” Rather, the LORD is driving out these nations before you because of their wickedness.

American Standard Version

Speak not thou in thy heart, after that Jehovah thy God hath thrust them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness Jehovah hath brought me in to possess this land; whereas for the wickedness of these nations Jehovah doth drive them out from before thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 9:4 delivers a profound and preemptive warning from Moses to the Israelites, poised on the threshold of the Promised Land. It directly confronts any nascent self-righteousness within their hearts, unequivocally stating that their imminent success in dispossessing the Canaanite nations and inheriting the land is not a reward for their own merit or faithfulness. Instead, their entry is solely a consequence of God's righteous judgment against the profound and accumulated wickedness of the nations already dwelling there, underscoring that their blessings stem from divine grace and justice, not human deserving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 9:4 is embedded within Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before they cross the Jordan River into Canaan. Chapters 9 and 10 form a powerful theological unit where Moses meticulously dismantles any potential for Israelite pride. He deliberately recounts Israel's past rebellions and stubbornness, particularly the egregious sin of the golden calf at Mount Horeb, immediately after the giving of the Law ([Deuteronomy 9:7-29](/deuteronomy/9-7 "Deuteronomy 9:7-29 - Israel's Rebellion at Horeb")). This vivid historical reminder serves to preemptively shatter any illusion that their forthcoming military victories and possession of the land would be a reward for their own righteousness or obedience. The verses immediately following, such as [Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - God's Covenant and the Nations' Wickedness") and [Deuteronomy 9:6](/deuteronomy/9-6 "Deuteronomy 9:6 - Israel's Stiff-Necked Nature"), further hammer home the point of Israel's unworthiness and "stiff-necked" disposition, reinforcing that God's actions are rooted in His covenant promises to the patriarchs and His unwavering justice, rather than in Israel's performance. The broader context of Deuteronomy emphasizes the covenant relationship, the importance of obedience, and the consequences of disobedience, all framed by God's sovereign faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, facing the formidable challenge of conquering Canaan. This land was inhabited by various peoples—Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—whose cultures were deeply entrenched in polytheism, idolatry, and practices abhorrent to God, including child sacrifice, ritual prostitution, and various forms of divination and sorcery ([Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices of the Nations")). The land itself was considered "holy" to Yahweh, and the presence of such profound wickedness rendered its inhabitants ripe for divine judgment. Moses' address takes place against the backdrop of the wilderness generation's failure and the new generation's impending entry, making the warning against self-righteousness particularly potent. They had witnessed God's power in the Exodus and the wilderness, yet their ancestors had repeatedly rebelled. The cultural understanding of land possession often involved conquest and the victor's inherent right; Moses here redefines this, asserting that Israel's "right" is entirely derived from God's decree and judgment, not their own might or moral superiority.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 9:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Grace and Sovereignty vs. Human Merit**. The verse unequivocally states that the inheritance of the land is a divine gift, a demonstration of God's sovereign power and unmerited favor, rather than a reward for Israel's righteousness. This principle is foundational to biblical theology, underscoring that blessings often flow from God's character and plan, not from human deserving or performance. Secondly, it highlights **God's Righteous Judgment**. The primary reason for the displacement of the Canaanite nations is their extreme and persistent wickedness. This theme of divine justice, where God actively intervenes to judge profound evil, is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, foreshadowed as early as [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites") where the iniquity of the Amorites is said to "not yet be full." Finally, the verse strongly emphasizes **Humility and Self-Awareness**. Moses warns against the internal pride encapsulated in the phrase "speak not thou in thine heart," urging the people to maintain a humble perspective on their position and accomplishments. This calls for a deep self-awareness that acknowledges one's own shortcomings and gives all glory to God alone, a crucial lesson for any people blessed by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak not thou in thine heart (Hebrew, _'al-to'mar bi-l'vav'kha'_):** This is a common Hebrew idiom meaning "do not think to yourself," "do not say inwardly," or "do not presume." It warns against a silent, internal pride or self-congratulatory attitude that might not be expressed verbally but still corrupts the spirit and distorts one's understanding of God's work. It targets the very root of self-righteousness, which begins in the mind and heart before manifesting in action or speech.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, צְדָקָה, _tsedaqah'_):** This term refers to moral uprightness, justice, or conformity to a divine standard. In this context, it speaks to the idea of Israel's supposed merit or deservingness. Moses explicitly negates the idea that their possession of the land is due to any inherent or achieved moral purity on their part, directly challenging any notion of self-justification before God.
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, רֶשַׁע, _resha'_):** This word denotes deep moral corruption, guilt, and the practical outworking of evil. It encompasses injustice, godlessness, and actions that violate God's moral law. The "wickedness of these nations" refers to the pervasive idolatry, immorality, and violent practices of the Canaanites, which had reached a point requiring divine intervention and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For thy righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land:"** This opening clause is a direct, emphatic command against internal pride. Moses anticipates the human tendency to attribute success to one's own virtue. The phrase "after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out" highlights that the divine action of dispossessing the nations will precede Israel's entry, making it clear that God is the primary agent. The forbidden thought, "For thy righteousness the LORD hath brought me in," is precisely what Moses is trying to prevent—the dangerous delusion that Israel's moral standing is the basis for God's blessings.
* **"but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee."** This contrasting clause provides the true, divinely ordained reason for the displacement of the Canaanites. It is not Israel's virtue, but the profound and accumulated "wickedness" of the existing inhabitants that triggers God's judgment. The repetition of "the LORD doth drive them out" (or "cast them out" in the first part) emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and power in this process. This clarifies that the conquest is an act of divine justice, cleansing the land of its defilement, rather than merely a reward for Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 9:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Didacticism** is paramount, as Moses directly instructs and warns the people, functioning as a divine teacher guiding them toward a right understanding of God's actions and their own place. The verse also relies heavily on **Contrast**, setting Israel's imagined "righteousness" in stark opposition to the undeniable "wickedness" of the Canaanite nations. This antithesis underscores the true reason for the conquest. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** at play: while Israel is about to receive a great blessing, Moses immediately disabuses them of any notion that they deserve it, highlighting their own history of rebellion which will be detailed in the subsequent verses. The phrase "speak not thou in thine heart" is an example of **Figurative Language** (an idiom) that personifies the heart as the seat of internal thought and intention, making the warning more intimate and penetrating. Finally, the **Repetition** of God's active role in "casting them out" and "driving them out" emphasizes divine sovereignty and agency in the historical events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 9:4 is a cornerstone text for understanding the nature of God's grace, justice, and humanity's inherent unworthiness. It dismantles any notion of salvation or blessing based on human merit, redirecting all glory to God's sovereign will and righteous character. This principle resonates throughout biblical theology, affirming that humanity's standing before God is never earned but always graciously bestowed or justly withheld. It teaches that God's actions, whether in blessing His people or judging the wicked, are rooted in His unchanging attributes and His overarching redemptive plan, not in the fluctuating performance of humanity. This verse serves as a perpetual call to humility, reminding all recipients of divine favor that their position is a gift, not a right, and that their blessings are a testament to God's faithfulness and justice, not their own.

* [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "The Iniquity of the Amorites Not Yet Complete")
* [Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23 "All Have Sinned, Justified Freely by Grace")
* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Not by Works of Righteousness Which We Have Done")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 9:4 offers a timeless and vital lesson for all believers, transcending its original historical context to speak directly to the human heart's persistent struggle with pride and self-righteousness. It serves as a crucial spiritual safeguard, preventing us from attributing our successes, spiritual growth, or any blessings in life to our own efforts, intelligence, or inherent goodness. Instead, it compels us to cultivate a posture of profound humility and gratitude, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from God. This verse challenges us to constantly examine our motives and internal narratives, ensuring that we are not secretly harboring a sense of deservingness that diminishes God's grace. It also deepens our understanding of God's character, revealing Him as both a gracious provider and a righteous judge, actively involved in the affairs of humanity, executing justice against persistent evil while extending mercy to those who do not deserve it. Embracing this truth fosters a greater dependence on God, a more fervent worship, and a clearer vision of His sovereignty in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life am I tempted to attribute to my own "righteousness" or effort, rather than God's grace?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous judgment against wickedness shape my perspective on His character and His dealings with the world today?**
* **In what ways can I actively cultivate a more humble heart and a greater sense of gratitude for God's undeserved blessings?**
* **How might a lack of humility hinder my spiritual growth or my ability to truly worship God?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important for Israel to understand that their possession of the land was not due to their own righteousness?**

Answer: It was critically important for several reasons. Firstly, it prevented self-exaltation and pride, which are antithetical to a right relationship with God. If Israel believed their success was due to their own merit, they would likely become arrogant and forget their dependence on God, leading to spiritual decline. Secondly, it underscored God's absolute sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - God's Covenant with the Patriarchs")). The land was a gift, not an earned reward. Thirdly, it clarified God's justice. The displacement of the Canaanites was not arbitrary but a righteous judgment against their profound wickedness, demonstrating God's moral governance of the world. Understanding this helped Israel grasp the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God, encouraging them to live differently from the nations they were dispossessing. Finally, it established a theological precedent that blessings from God are always rooted in His character and grace, not in human performance, a foundational truth for all of Scripture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 9:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The warning against self-righteousness in possessing the earthly promised land powerfully foreshadows the New Testament truth that our spiritual inheritance—salvation, eternal life, and entry into God's kingdom—is never by our own righteousness, but solely by God's grace through faith in Christ. Just as Israel was inherently "stiff-necked" and unworthy, so too are all humanity "dead in trespasses and sins" ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")). Our "possession" of the spiritual "promised land" is not because of any good deeds we have done, but because Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God, bore the wickedness of the world upon Himself ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "driving out" of the wicked nations in Deuteronomy prefigures Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, which are the ultimate "wickedness" that separates humanity from God. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ "drove out" the dominion of sin, opening the way for us to inherit spiritual blessings "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy" ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Not By Works, But By Mercy")). Thus, Deuteronomy 9:4 stands as an Old Testament testament to the universal principle of grace, culminating in the saving work of Christ, who alone is our righteousness and our means of entering God's eternal rest ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - Entering God's Rest")).

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 8:17

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

Deuteronomy 9:5

Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Deuteronomy 18:9

¶ When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

Deuteronomy 18:14

For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do].

1 Corinthians 4:7

¶ For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]?

Leviticus 18:24

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: