“But you may say to yourselves, ‘These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?’”
The full verse · Deuteronomy 7:18 · KJV
Thou shalt not be of them: but shalt what the thy unto , and unto all ;
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionMoses poses this question to address Israel’s natural fear of stronger enemies. It serves both as a rhetorical device to strengthen faith and to prepare them for trust in God’s promised help. The goal is to shift their focus from human strength to divine power (Deuteronomy 7:18-19).
The Response
What Scripture recordsGod, through Moses, reassures Israel not to fear these stronger nations because He will fight for them, just as He delivered them from Pharaoh’s might (Deuteronomy 7:19). The promise underscores God’s sovereign power and faithfulness to His covenant (Exodus 14:13-14).
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyWiersbe highlights Moses’ question as an honest expression of Israel’s fear, yet a teaching moment to rely on God’s power rather than numbers. He reminds readers that God fought for Israel before and will do so again. Henry emphasizes the importance of faith over sight; although the nations appear stronger, God’s covenant and mighty acts assure victory. Both commentaries underscore that God’s people must remember His past deliverance (Exodus 14:13-14) to overcome present fears. The question invites believers to trust in God’s providential care, knowing that divine strength surpasses human weakness, a timeless truth applicable in spiritual battles today.
Believers today face fears and challenges seemingly greater than their strength. This passage encourages reliance on God’s power rather than human ability (Psalm 27:1; Philippians 4:13). Trusting God’s past faithfulness builds courage to confront present trials. Practical steps include prayer, meditation on God’s promises, and community encouragement.
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“How can I dispossess them?”
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul?”
“Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise?”
“Hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?”