Deuteronomy 4 38

Deuteronomy 4:38 kjv

To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.

Deuteronomy 4:38 nkjv

driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land as an inheritance, as it is this day.

Deuteronomy 4:38 niv

to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you and to bring you into their land to give it to you for your inheritance, as it is today.

Deuteronomy 4:38 esv

driving out before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is this day,

Deuteronomy 4:38 nlt

He drove out nations far greater than you, so he could bring you in and give you their land as your special possession, as it is today.

Deuteronomy 4 verses

Deuteronomy 4 38 Meaning

Deuteronomy 4:38 underscores the foundational truth of Israel's existence: God's sovereign power, not their own might, expelled powerful nations from Canaan and delivered the land to them as an inheritance. Moses reminds the Israelites that their presence in the Promised Land "as it is this day" is a direct testament to Yahweh's unparalleled strength and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, establishing a vivid proof for their unique relationship with Him.

Deuteronomy 4 38 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 4 is part of Moses' second major discourse to Israel, delivered in the plains of Moab as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This chapter functions as a powerful exhortation to obedience, building upon the recitation of the Ten Commandments in chapter 5. Moses passionately appeals to Israel's memory, recounting pivotal moments of God's saving power and covenant faithfulness, specifically the deliverance from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Sinai. Verse 38 comes amidst Moses' reflection on Yahweh's uniqueness and His specific choice of Israel from among all peoples (vv. 32-37). It emphasizes that Israel's very possession of the land is undeniable proof of God's active involvement, divine power, and commitment to His covenant with their forefathers. This serves as both an historical argument for their obedience and a strong polemic against the idol worship of the surrounding nations, whose powerless gods could not defend their lands against the one true God, Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 4 38 Word analysis

• to drive out (לְהוֹרִישׁ - l'horish): This Hebrew verb implies dispossessing or taking possession, often in a forceful or violent manner. It highlights God's direct, sovereign action as the primary agent of removal, rather than Israel's military might. It conveys an act of complete eviction, not just scattering. This demonstrates divine authority and judgment over the land's previous inhabitants.
• nations (גּוֹיִם - goyim): Plural for "nations" or "peoples." Refers specifically to the Canaanite inhabitants of the land. In a broader biblical sense, goyim often refers to Gentiles or non-Israelite peoples. Here, it signifies the various tribal groups (e.g., Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites) mentioned elsewhere as obstacles to Israel's settlement.
• from before your face (מִפָּנֶיךָ - mippaneikha): Literally, "from before your presence" or "from before your face." This idiom means "in your sight" or "on your behalf." It stresses that Israel witnessed God's intervention directly and powerfully. It wasn't a hidden or passive act but a demonstrable display of divine power evident to Israel.
• greater and mightier (גְּדֹלִים וַעֲצֻמִים - gedolim v'atzumim): "Greater" (numerically, territorially) and "mightier" (stronger, more formidable, militaristic). This descriptive phrase counters any human logic that Israel, being small and formerly enslaved, could overcome such opponents on their own. It heightens the miraculous nature of God's intervention. This emphasizes the insurmountable human odds.
• to bring you in (לְהָבִיא אֹתְךָ - l'havi otkha): Implies God's active leading and establishing of Israel. It's not just removal of others but purposeful relocation and settlement of Israel. This action shows divine care and the fulfillment of God's long-standing promise.
• to give you (לָתֶת לְךָ - latet l'kha): "To give" indicates a gift, emphasizing God's generous bestowal rather than Israel's earned right. The land is a divine grant, not a conquest by human strength. This highlights grace and covenant fidelity.
• their land (אֶת אַרְצָם - et artzam): The specific territory formerly occupied by the dispossessed nations. It directly links the divine expulsion to Israel's possession.
• for an inheritance (נַחֲלָה - nachalah): More than temporary possession, this denotes a permanent, hereditary right, often tied to family or tribal lineage. It signifies secure, divinely sanctioned ownership passed down through generations. This is a perpetual entitlement, secured by covenant.
• as it is this day (כַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה - kayom hazzeh): A strong affirmation of present reality and verifiable truth. It declares that the fulfillment of God's promises is observable and undeniable at the time Moses is speaking. It provides contemporary proof for past divine acts, solidifying the argument for obedience.

• "to drive out nations... to bring you in...": This phrase highlights the two-fold divine action: destructive judgment upon the Canaanites and creative covenant faithfulness towards Israel. God's purpose includes both dispossessing and possessing, removing the unrighteous and establishing His chosen people. This underscores divine justice and redemptive love.
• "...greater and mightier than you...": This emphasizes the sheer scale of the challenge that Israel faced, making God's intervention indisputable. It preempts any self-congratulation on Israel's part and ensures that God receives all glory for the victory. This humility theme is crucial in Deuteronomy.
• "...to give you their land for an inheritance...": This specifies the nature and purpose of God's action. The land is a divinely designated inheritance, not a reward for merit but a fulfillment of ancestral promises. This elevates the concept of land beyond mere real estate to a sacred, covenantal possession.
• "...as it is this day.": This temporal marker functions as a present-day confirmation and a rhetorical proof point. It calls the audience to observe their current dwelling in the land as irrefutable evidence of God's promises fulfilled. This validates Moses' entire message and grounds faith in tangible historical reality.

Deuteronomy 4 38 Bonus section

The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה - nachalah) in this verse extends beyond mere physical land. Biblically, inheritance signifies a permanent, divine allocation. For Israel, the land was a tangible manifestation of their covenant relationship with God. In the New Testament, the concept of inheritance expands to spiritual realities: believers inherit salvation, eternal life, God's kingdom, and glory through Christ (Eph 1:11-14; Col 1:12; 1 Pet 1:4). Just as Israel received a land they did not earn, believers receive a spiritual inheritance through God's grace, underscoring the consistent theme of divine initiative and gift in both Testaments. This historical act of driving out nations and granting land foreshadows God's ultimate work of conquering spiritual foes and granting eternal rest in His presence for believers. The "greater and mightier" nations also find an echo in the spiritual strongholds believers face, emphasizing that our victory is solely through the power of God.

Deuteronomy 4 38 Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:38 serves as a pivotal theological declaration within Moses' exhortation. It encapsulates the core truth of Israel's establishment: Yahweh's unparalleled sovereignty. Moses reminds them that their entry into, and current occupation of, the Promised Land was not a feat of their military prowess or numerical superiority, but a direct, powerful act of God. The former inhabitants were "greater and mightier" than Israel, emphasizing that the victory was utterly beyond human capability. This reinforces God's commitment to His ancient covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The phrase "as it is this day" is a forceful historical proof, an observable reality for the generation listening to Moses. This verse is a polemic against the idol gods of the Canaanites, whose inability to defend their worshippers proved their powerlessness against the one true God. It calls Israel to a life of gratitude and exclusive obedience, knowing their existence as a nation and their dwelling in the land are entirely due to God's gracious and powerful intervention, not their merit or strength. It sets the foundation for understanding God's faithfulness and demands complete allegiance in return.