Deuteronomy Chapter 7 · Verse 2

Authorized King James Version

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And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Original Language Analysis

וּנְתָנָ֞ם shall deliver H5414
וּנְתָנָ֞ם shall deliver
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 1 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָ֧ה And when the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֧ה And when the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 3 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְפָנֶ֖יךָ them before H6440
לְפָנֶ֖יךָ them before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 4 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְהִכִּיתָ֑ם thee thou shalt smite H5221
וְהִכִּיתָ֑ם thee thou shalt smite
Strong's: H5221
Word #: 5 of 14
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
תַּֽחֲרִים֙ destroy H2763
תַּֽחֲרִים֙ destroy
Strong's: H2763
Word #: 6 of 14
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
תַּֽחֲרִים֙ destroy H2763
תַּֽחֲרִים֙ destroy
Strong's: H2763
Word #: 7 of 14
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
אֹתָ֔ם H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִכְרֹ֥ת them thou shalt make H3772
תִכְרֹ֥ת them thou shalt make
Strong's: H3772
Word #: 10 of 14
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
לָהֶ֛ם H0
לָהֶ֛ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 11 of 14
בְּרִ֖ית no covenant H1285
בְּרִ֖ית no covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 12 of 14
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
וְלֹ֥א H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 13 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְחָנֵּֽם׃ with them nor shew mercy H2603
תְחָנֵּֽם׃ with them nor shew mercy
Strong's: H2603
Word #: 14 of 14
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

Analysis & Commentary

The command to 'utterly destroy' (herem) and 'make no covenant' establishes absolute separation from idolatry. This wasn't ethnic hatred but theological necessity—compromise with wickedness inevitably leads to corruption. The prohibition against showing mercy (lo techonnem) doesn't contradict God's merciful character but reflects the severity required when confronting systemic evil. Reformed theology recognizes that God's love and wrath are not contradictory but complementary aspects of His holiness. The New Testament parallel is the believer's complete separation from sin (Romans 6:1-2) and worldly systems opposed to Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). Spiritual compromise is always more dangerous than physical opposition.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern treaty-making involved elaborate covenants that created legal obligations and religious syncretism. Israel's covenant with Yahweh was exclusive—tolerating no rival claims. The Canaanite religious system wasn't merely different but actively opposed to truth, involving practices that dehumanized and degraded (child sacrifice to Molech, ritual prostitution). God's command protected Israel from cultural assimilation that would destroy their covenant identity and mission to be a light to nations.

Questions for Reflection