Deuteronomy 7 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues Moses’ second speech, which began in chapter five.

1. Moses tells the Israelites what they are to do to the seven nations occupying the land that Yahweh had promised them and to those nations’ objects of worship (1–11)
2. Blessings for obedience (12–24)
3. Commands regarding what the Israelites are to do with the idols of the false gods of the nations they dispossess (25–26)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

“You must completely destroy them”

The people of Canaan worshiped idols and did other things that were abominations to Yahweh. Since the Israelites had a special relationship with Yahweh, Yahweh used Israel to punish these nations for their idolatry by destroying them completely. Yahweh wanted the Israelites to live differently than those nations. (See: sin and mercy)

Abrahamic Covenant

This chapter references parts of the covenant Yahweh made with Abraham. Yahweh promised Abraham that he would have very many descendants. The Israelites are the descendants of Abraham, so Yahweh repeats his promise to them in Deuteronomy, telling them that they will prosper and increase their population if they obey him. (See: covenant and faithful)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“you” and “your” singular and plural

The pronouns “you” and “your” are plural in this chapter unless otherwise noted. Although Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, he sometimes addresses them as “you” singular. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation. (See figs-youcrowd)