Deuteronomy 4:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 4:38
38 To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 4 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, holiness, grace. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 4:38
38 To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.
Analysis
To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance...
Moses articulates the purpose clause of verse 37: God loved, chose, and delivered Israel lehorish (לְהוֹרִישׁ, 'to dispossess/drive out') nations and lahavi'akha (לַהֲבִיאֲךָ, 'to bring you in') and latet lekha (לָתֶת לְךָ, 'to give you') their land. Three infinitives of purpose reveal God's comprehensive plan: removal of enemies, entrance into blessing, and receipt of inheritance.
The nations are described as gedolim va'atsumim (גְּדֹלִים וַעֲצֻמִים, 'greater and mightier') than Israel. This is not false modesty but military reality. The Canaanites possessed fortified cities, iron chariots, professional armies, and centuries of territorial establishment. By every human calculation, Israel should fail. Their success would therefore demonstrate divine power, not Israelite prowess.
The phrase kayom hazeh (כַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה, 'as it is this day') points to already-accomplished conquest east of the Jordan. Sihon and Og—both mightier than Israel—have fallen. What God began He will complete. The partial fulfillment guarantees the whole. Christians live similarly between Christ's first and second comings—initial victory assuring final triumph.
Historical Context
Moses explains God's purpose in bringing Israel to the edge of Canaan: to dispossess nations greater and mightier than they. The Canaanite city-states had superior military technology (iron chariots) and fortified cities, making God's promise to give Israel victory a matter requiring faith in divine intervention rather than military strength.
Reflection
- How does recognizing that your spiritual enemies are 'greater and mightier' than you drive you to depend on God's power rather than your own?
- What partial victories in your life serve as evidence that God will complete the work He has begun?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 7:1, 11:23