Deuteronomy 7:23
But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Israel's military victories regularly featured supernatural elements: Jericho's walls falling (Joshua 6), hailstones killing enemies (Joshua 10:11), sun standing still (Joshua 10:12-13), stars fighting from heaven (Judges 5:20), panic in enemy camps (Judges 7:22). These weren't natural military triumphs but demonstrated God's direct intervention. Archaeological evidence shows violent destruction layers at various Canaanite sites (Jericho, Hazor, Lachish) during the late Bronze Age, consistent with Israel's conquest accounts.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced God's intervention bringing 'confusion' to enemies or obstacles in your life?
- What promises of God require you to trust His completion of what He has begun?
- How does Christ's total victory over sin and death shape your confidence in spiritual battles?
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Analysis & Commentary
The Lord's 'mighty destruction' (mehumah gedolah, great confusion/panic) describes divine intervention causing disarray in enemy ranks. This isn't merely military victory but supernatural disruption. Similar language appears in Joshua 10:10 (Gibeon), Judges 4:15 (Sisera), and 1 Samuel 7:10 (Philistines)—God threw enemies into confusion, enabling Israel's victory. The phrase 'until they be destroyed' emphasizes completeness. God finishes what He starts. This principle applies to salvation: 'He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ' (Philippians 1:6). God doesn't abandon His purposes incomplete. In spiritual warfare, Christ's victory is total—not partial or uncertain (Revelation 19:11-21).