Deuteronomy 7:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 7:20
20 Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 7 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, covenant, mercy. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 7:20
20 Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Joshua 24:12