Deuteronomy 7:1
When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;
Deuteronomy 7:1 · King James Version
Meaning
When the Lord thy God brings the Israelites into the promised land, they are warned that they will encounter powerful nations currently residing there. These nations are specifically named as the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites - seven mighty nations greater than the Israelites in strength and numbers. This verse serves as a reminder of the challenges that the Israelites will face as they prepare to possess the land promised to them by God. It highlights the need for courage, faith, and obedience as they embark on this journey of conquest. The mention of these nations also emphasizes the divine intervention and assistance that the Israelites will rely on to overcome these formidable foes. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the upcoming battles and the triumph of the Israelites as they move towards claiming their inheritance.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse is that it highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people. The mention of God bringing the Israelites into the promised land and casting out many nations before them demonstrates His power and sovereignty over all the obstacles that may come in their way. The mention of the seven nations greater and mightier than the Israelites serves to show that God's strength and favor are more than enough to overcome any challenge or opposition. Additionally, the specific mention of the various nations being driven out carries a symbolic significance, representing the victory of light over darkness, righteousness over evil, and God's chosen people over the forces that seek to hinder them. Through this passage, believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises and His ability to lead them to victory in every aspect of their lives.
Deuteronomy 7:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
When Jehovah thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and shall cast out many nations before thee, the Hittite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;
World English Bible
When Yahweh your God brings you into the land where you go to possess it, and casts out many nations before you, the Hittite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, seven nations greater and mightier than you;
Douay-Rheims
When the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land, which thou art going in to possess, and shall have destroyed many nations before thee, the Hethite, and the Gergezite, and the Amorrhite, and the Chanaanite, and the Pherezite, and the Hevite, and the Jebusite, seven nations much more numerous than thou art, and stronger than thou:
Geneva Bible (1599)
When the Lord thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possesse it, and shall roote out many nations before thee: the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hiuites, and the Iebusites, seuen nations greater and mightier then thou,