Deuteronomy 7:23 - But Yahweh your God will deliver them up before you, and will confuse them with a great confusion, until they are destroyed.

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 7:23

What does "Deuteronomy 7:23" mean?


Deuteronomy 7:23 is part of a larger passage where God is instructing the Israelites on how to deal with the nations living in the land of Canaan that they are about to inherit. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:

"But Yahweh your God will deliver them up before you..." This means God will hand over these nations into the power of the Israelites. He will orchestrate events so that the Israelites will be victorious.

"...and will confuse them with a great confusion..." This refers to God creating chaos, panic, and disorientation among their enemies. This could manifest in military strategy, leadership, or the morale of their enemies. The term "great confusion" suggests widespread disarray, making it difficult for the enemy to effectively fight back.

"...until they are destroyed." This specifies the ultimate outcome of this confusion and defeat: the complete destruction of these nations. This destruction is not just about military defeat, but a more complete eradication of their cultural and religious influence, so that the Israelites would not be tempted to follow their practices.

In essence, the verse is a promise of divine assistance and victory. God promises to disorient and defeat the enemy nations, ensuring their complete destruction, thus paving the way for the Israelites to inhabit the land without the corrupting influence of those nations.

Important Considerations:

Context: It's crucial to read this verse within the broader context of Deuteronomy and the Old Testament. These texts were written within a specific historical and cultural context.

Interpretation: This verse and the passages surrounding it have been interpreted in various ways over time. Some interpretations emphasize the literal destruction of the enemy nations as a historical event, while others focus on the spiritual warfare against evil influences.

Ethical Implications: The command to destroy entire nations raises significant ethical questions that are often debated and wrestled with in theological discussions.