Deuteronomy 7:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 7:18
18 Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 7 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, covenant, redemption. 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 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 7:18
18 Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;
Analysis
The command 'Thou shalt not be afraid' addresses the fear anticipated in verse 17. Fear is conquered by remembrance: 'shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh.' The Hebrew zakar tizkor (emphatic remembrance) means to recall with full attention and application. Past redemption provides confidence for present challenges. Pharaoh and Egypt were the ancient world's superpower—if God defeated them, He can defeat any enemy. This principle of remembrance permeates Scripture: remembering God's past faithfulness strengthens present faith (Psalm 77:11-12; 105:5). The Lord's Supper embodies this—'do this in remembrance of me' (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)—recalling Christ's redemptive work to strengthen faith.
Historical Context
The Exodus had occurred 40 years prior to Moses' address in Deuteronomy. The current generation witnessed God's provision in the wilderness but many were children during the Exodus itself. Moses calls them to remember (through teaching and testimony) what God did to Pharaoh—the plagues, Red Sea crossing, and Egypt's destruction. This corporate memory would sustain Israel through conquest. Later biblical writers repeatedly invoke the Exodus as paradigmatic proof of God's saving power (Psalms 78, 105, 106, 136; Isaiah 43:16-19). Remembering God's mighty acts is essential to maintaining faith.
Reflection
- What specific acts of God's faithfulness in your past should you 'well remember' when facing current fears?
- How does corporate remembrance (church history, testimonies) strengthen individual faith?
- What practices help you cultivate remembrance of God's past faithfulness to combat present fears?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 31:6
- References Lord: Psalms 77:11
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 1:29, Psalms 105:5