Deuteronomy 12:29

When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land;

When the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall cut off {H3772} the nations {H1471} from before {H6440} thee, whither thou goest {H935} to possess {H3423} them, and thou succeedest {H3423} them, and dwellest {H3427} in their land {H776};

"When ADONAI your God has cut off ahead of you the nations you are entering in order to dispossess, and when you have dispossessed them and are living in their land;

When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations you are entering to dispossess, and you drive them out and live in their land,

When Jehovah thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest in to dispossess them, and thou dispossessest them, and dwellest in their land;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 12:29 (KJV) serves as a foundational statement within Moses' final address to Israel, setting the stage for crucial warnings about their conduct in the Promised Land. It speaks to God's active role in clearing the way for His people.

Context

This verse opens a significant section in Deuteronomy Chapter 12, which primarily focuses on the centralization of worship and the prohibition of idolatry. Moses is reminding the Israelites of their imminent entry into Canaan, the land promised to their forefathers. The "nations" referred to are the various Canaanite tribes whose wickedness had reached a point requiring divine judgment. The verse emphasizes that Israel's success in dispossessing these nations and settling in their land is not by their own might, but by the direct intervention of the LORD their God. This divine action creates a critical juncture: the Israelites are now responsible for maintaining their distinct identity and worship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Promise Fulfillment: The verse highlights God's absolute control over history and His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. The land was given to Abraham's descendants, and God is actively making way for them to possess their inheritance.
  • Conquest and Inheritance: It describes the process by which Israel will enter, conquer, and settle in the land of Canaan. This act of "cutting off" the nations is a necessary precursor to Israel's dwelling securely.
  • A Precursor to Warnings Against Idolatry: Crucially, this verse serves as an introduction to the stern warnings in the following verses (Deuteronomy 12:30-31) against adopting the pagan practices of the dispossessed nations. It sets up the contrast between the LORD's pure worship and the abominations of the surrounding cultures.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cut off" (Hebrew: karat, כָּרַת) implies a decisive severance or destruction, often used in the context of divine judgment. It signifies a complete removal of these nations from their land, making way for Israel. The term "succeedest them" or "inherit" (Hebrew: yarash, יָרַשׁ) means to take possession of, often by dispossessing a previous owner. This emphasizes Israel's role as the new occupants, divinely appointed to inherit the land.

Practical Application

While specific to ancient Israel's conquest, the principles embedded in this verse offer timeless lessons:

  • God Prepares the Way: Just as God cleared the land for Israel, He often prepares circumstances for believers today to fulfill His purposes. We are called to trust His timing and provision.
  • Beware of Cultural Assimilation: The immediate context of this verse warns against adopting the practices of the world after God has given victory. Believers are encouraged to remain distinct and dedicated to God, avoiding the spiritual dangers of conforming to ungodly societal norms, as echoed in the New Testament's call to be transformed rather than conformed.
  • Responsibility After Blessing: Receiving God's blessings, like inheriting the land, comes with the grave responsibility to remain faithful to His commands and worship Him exclusively.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 23:4 (5 votes)

    Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.

  • Deuteronomy 19:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;

  • Exodus 23:23 (2 votes)

    For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.

  • Psalms 78:55 (2 votes)

    He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

  • Deuteronomy 9:3 (2 votes)

    Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God [is] he which goeth over before thee; [as] a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.