Deuteronomy 7:21, "You shall not be scared of them; for Yahweh your God is among you, a great and awesome God," is a powerful assurance and command meant to instill courage in the Israelites. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"You shall not be scared of them": This is a direct command to the Israelites not to fear the nations they are about to encounter and conquer in the Promised Land. These nations were often larger, more technologically advanced, and seemingly more powerful. The verse acknowledges the natural human tendency to be afraid in the face of such opposition.
"for Yahweh your God is among you": This is the reason for the command. The Israelites are not to be afraid because Yahweh, their God, is with them. The presence of God is the source of their strength and security. The phrase "among you" suggests not only God's omnipresence but also a special covenantal relationship with Israel. He is actively involved in their lives and their struggles.
"a great and awesome God": This describes the nature of Yahweh. "Great" emphasizes God's power, might, and supremacy over all other "gods" or forces. "Awesome" evokes a sense of reverence, fear (in the sense of awe and respect), and the overwhelming nature of God's presence and power. Yahweh is not a mere tribal deity, but a God of immense power who inspires awe.
In essence, the verse means:
Don't be afraid: The external threats might seem daunting, but fear is not the proper response.
God's presence is the key: The reason to overcome fear is the assurance of God's presence and active support.
Remember God's power: Recalling God's greatness and awesomeness will inspire confidence and dispel fear.
Contextual Significance:
This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 7) where God is instructing the Israelites on how to deal with the inhabitants of Canaan. God commands them to destroy these nations, not to intermarry with them, and to tear down their idols. This was to prevent the Israelites from being led astray and worshipping false gods.
The verse's message is relevant beyond its original context:
Facing Challenges: It serves as a reminder that in the face of any overwhelming challenge, faith in God and recognizing His power can provide courage and strength.
Trust and Dependence: It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's presence and relying on His power rather than their own limited abilities.
Understanding God's Nature: It helps to cultivate a proper understanding of God as a being of immense power and majesty.
In short, Deuteronomy 7:21 is a powerful reminder that God's presence and power are the ultimate sources of courage and strength in the face of adversity. It encourages trust and reliance on Him rather than succumbing to fear.
Deuteronomy 7:21, "You shall not be scared of them; for Yahweh your God is among you, a great and awesome God," is a powerful assurance and command meant to instill courage in the Israelites. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"You shall not be scared of them": This is a direct command to the Israelites not to fear the nations they are about to encounter and conquer in the Promised Land. These nations were often larger, more technologically advanced, and seemingly more powerful. The verse acknowledges the natural human tendency to be afraid in the face of such opposition.
"for Yahweh your God is among you": This is the reason for the command. The Israelites are not to be afraid because Yahweh, their God, is with them. The presence of God is the source of their strength and security. The phrase "among you" suggests not only God's omnipresence but also a special covenantal relationship with Israel. He is actively involved in their lives and their struggles.
"a great and awesome God": This describes the nature of Yahweh. "Great" emphasizes God's power, might, and supremacy over all other "gods" or forces. "Awesome" evokes a sense of reverence, fear (in the sense of awe and respect), and the overwhelming nature of God's presence and power. Yahweh is not a mere tribal deity, but a God of immense power who inspires awe.
In essence, the verse means:
Don't be afraid: The external threats might seem daunting, but fear is not the proper response.
God's presence is the key: The reason to overcome fear is the assurance of God's presence and active support.
Remember God's power: Recalling God's greatness and awesomeness will inspire confidence and dispel fear.
Contextual Significance:
This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 7) where God is instructing the Israelites on how to deal with the inhabitants of Canaan. God commands them to destroy these nations, not to intermarry with them, and to tear down their idols. This was to prevent the Israelites from being led astray and worshipping false gods.
The verse's message is relevant beyond its original context:
Facing Challenges: It serves as a reminder that in the face of any overwhelming challenge, faith in God and recognizing His power can provide courage and strength.
Trust and Dependence: It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's presence and relying on His power rather than their own limited abilities.
Understanding God's Nature: It helps to cultivate a proper understanding of God as a being of immense power and majesty.
In short, Deuteronomy 7:21 is a powerful reminder that God's presence and power are the ultimate sources of courage and strength in the face of adversity. It encourages trust and reliance on Him rather than succumbing to fear.