Deuteronomy 7 - Introduction

The discourse returns to the theme of Deuteronomy 6:10 ff., Israel's temptations in the promised land. He is to make no contract, nor show friendliness, nor intermarry with its peoples lest he be drawn to idolatry (1 4), but is to destroy their altars and other religious symbols (5). For Israel is holy and peculiar to Jehovah, who hath chosen him because He loved him and redeemed him in order to keep His oath to his fathers (6 8). He is faithful to His own to a thousand generations, but requites His haters by destroying them; Israel must therefore keep His laws (9 11). If so, Jehovah will keep His covenant with the people, securing the fertility of themselves, their soil and their cattle, and turning disease from them upon their enemies (12 15). These Israel must consume ruthlessly, for their gods will be a snare; and if Israel is afraid of them he must remember that what his God has already done to Pharaoh and Egypt He will do to them, for He is in the midst of Israel a great God and terrible (16 21). He will destroy them gradually (for His people's sake), but utterly (22 24). The chapter closes on its keynote: Israel must destroy the images of the gods of these peoples, not coveting even the silver and the gold upon these, which must be an abomination to Israel (25 26). Apart from certain editorial additions (see the notes), there is no reason to doubt the substantial integrity of the chapter; save with these additions Deuteronomy 7:5; Deuteronomy 7:7(except last clause), 12 ait maintains the Sg. address.