Deuteronomy 7:18 - you shall not be afraid of them. You shall remember well what Yahweh your God did to Pharaoh, and to all Egypt:

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 7:18

What does "Deuteronomy 7:18" mean?


Deuteronomy 7:18 is a call to courage and remembrance, drawing strength from past deliverance. Let's break down its meaning:

"You shall not be afraid of them...": This is the core command. "Them" refers to the nations that the Israelites were about to encounter and dispossess in the Promised Land. God is telling them not to be intimidated by these nations, even though they might seem powerful or numerous. The fear referred to is that of intimidation or fear of defeat, not necessarily the fear of God.

"You shall remember well...": This is the key to overcoming fear. Remembrance is an important theme throughout Deuteronomy. God often reminds the Israelites to remember their history and his faithfulness.

"...what Yahweh your God did to Pharaoh, and to all Egypt:": This is the specific event they are to remember. The Exodus from Egypt was the defining moment of Israel's liberation. It demonstrated God's incredible power to overcome even the mightiest of empires (Pharaoh's Egypt).

In essence, the verse means:

Don't be afraid. The God who delivered you from slavery in Egypt is powerful enough to help you conquer these new enemies.
Remember your history. Recall the miraculous way God acted in the past. Use that memory as a source of courage and confidence.
Trust in God's power. The God who defeated Pharaoh is the same God who is with you now. He is capable of doing great things.

Significance:

Assurance: It assures the Israelites that God is on their side and will fight for them.
Perspective: It reminds them that their enemies are not more powerful than God.
Motivation: It encourages them to trust in God's power and obey his commands.

This verse speaks to overcoming fear and facing challenges by remembering God's past faithfulness. It's a timeless message that can be applied to any situation where we feel overwhelmed or intimidated.