Deuteronomy Chapter 7 · Verse 20
Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַם֙
H1571
וְגַם֙
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְשַׁלַּ֛ח
will send
H7971
יְשַׁלַּ֛ח
will send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
4 of 12
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יְהוָ֥ה
Moreover the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
Moreover the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 12
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
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 12
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲבֹ֗ד
thee be destroyed
H6
אֲבֹ֗ד
thee be destroyed
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
הַנִּשְׁאָרִ֛ים
among them until they that are left
H7604
הַנִּשְׁאָרִ֛ים
among them until they that are left
Strong's:
H7604
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
Historical Context
Exodus 23:28 and Joshua 24:12 also mention the 'hornet,' suggesting this was a known phenomenon in Canaan's conquest. Some identify this with Egyptian military campaigns that weakened Canaan prior to Israel's arrival. Others see literal hornets/wasps driving populations from certain areas. Archaeological evidence shows some Canaanite cities were abandoned or weakened before Israel's arrival. Whether literal or metaphorical, the principle is clear: God prepared the way for Israel's conquest through means beyond their military effort.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use 'small' or unexpected means to accomplish His purposes in your life?
- What evidence do you see of God's providential preparation making way for the 'impossible' to occur?
- How should recognizing God's sovereignty over all creation (down to hornets) affect your trust in His control?
Analysis & Commentary
The 'hornet' (tsir'ah) represents God's use of natural means and terror to accomplish His purposes. Some scholars debate whether this is literal (insects driving out inhabitants) or metaphorical (divinely-sent panic). Either way, it demonstrates God's comprehensive control over all creation—even small creatures serve His purposes. The phrase 'until they... be destroyed' shows God's thorough completion of judgment. This illustrates divine sovereignty working through both miraculous intervention and natural means. God's providence governs all things, great and small. In spiritual warfare, believers recognize that Christ has defeated Satan and evil through the cross (Colossians 2:15), and God uses various means to accomplish His sanctifying work.