Commentary on Deuteronomy 7:2

Verse: "And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them."

Introduction

This verse is pivotal in understanding the nature of Israel's conflict with the nations in Canaan, as it reflects the serious tone God adopts concerning idolatry and the need for purity among His people. The command issued here is given within the context of a covenantal relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the imperative nature of faithfulness to that covenant.

Exegesis of Deuteronomy 7:2

In this verse, we explore three key aspects: divine deliverance, utter destruction, and no covenant. Each carries significant implications for understanding the character of God as well as the responsibilities of His people.

Divine Deliverance

Matthew Henry emphasizes that the phrase, "when the LORD thy God shall deliver them," signifies God’s active role in providing victory over the adversaries. This reflects His faithfulness and sovereign power, suggesting that Israel's success is grounded solely in God’s providential arrangements.

Albert Barnes elaborates that this deliverance is not to be seen merely as military conquest but as part of God's overarching plan to protect His chosen people from the corrupting influences of these nations. Recognizing God's involvement encourages reliance and trust in His promises.

Utter Destruction

The command to "smite them, and utterly destroy them" is particularly challenging and raises important theological questions regarding violence in the Old Testament. Adam Clarke explains that this destruction was not indiscriminate but was aimed at eradicating the idolatrous roots of the nations that posed a significant spiritual threat to Israel.

Matthew Henry draws attention to the seriousness of sin as portrayed by this command. The call for destruction underscores the need for holiness among God's people and serves as a stark warning against the dangers of syncretism—an amalgamation of worship practices that could dilute the true worship of Yahweh.

No Covenant

The injunction to "make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them" further emphasizes the boundaries God delineates between His people and the surrounding nations. Albert Barnes notes that this is a strategy to prevent the Israelites from being led into idolatry and moral compromise. Any form of intermarriage or alliances could have dire consequences for Israel's faithfulness to God.

Adam Clarke posits that the merciless stance is less about brutality and more about preserving a distinct identity for Israel. By forbidding covenants, God highlights the impossibility of sharing devotion with false gods while remaining loyal to the one true God. Clarke suggests that such separation is crucial for the covenant community's survival and spiritual integrity.

Theological Implications

This verse serves as a vivid reminder of the holiness of God and the serious nature of His commands. The directive for total destruction of pagan influences illustrates God's desire for His people to remain sacred and consecrated.

• Holiness: The call for utter destruction signifies God’s uncompromising stance on holiness, impacting contemporary discussions about purity in the Christian faith.
• Divine Judgment: The destruction commanded reflects God’s judgment on sin, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, prompting believers to remain vigilant against moral decay.
• Relational Dynamics: The prohibition of covenants allows us to reflect on the relational dynamics between God and humanity; it underscores the unique nature of the covenant relationship that demands fidelity.

Application for Believers Today

For modern believers, the exhortation found in Deuteronomy 7:2 serves multiple purposes:

• Spiritual Vigilance: Just as Israel was called to remain spiritually vigilant against idolatry, Christians are urged to examine the influences in their lives and to protect their spiritual integrity from conflicting values.
• Commitment to God’s Commands: This verse encourages dedication to God’s commandments and fosters a deeper relationship with Him, prioritizing obedience as a critical expression of faith.
• Covenantal Faithfulness: Believers can draw parallels to their own covenant relationship with Christ, ensuring that their hearts and actions align exclusively with His teachings and not the pressures of society.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 7:2 presents a crucial component of Israel's narrative regarding their divine mission in Canaan. The insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke collectively illuminate the text's spiritual depth, emphasizing themes of divine sovereignty, the seriousness of sin, and the necessity for fidelity to God's covenant. As pastors, students, theologians, and scholars reflect upon this passage, it remains vital to engage seriously with its challenges and to apply its lessons to the contemporary context of faith.