And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

DEUTERONOMY 7:2KJV
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Deuteronomy 7:2 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 7:2 mean?

Deuteronomy 7:2 commands the Israelites that when the LORD their God delivers enemy nations into their hands, they are to defeat them completely, destroy them without exception, make no agreements or treaties with them, and show them no mercy. This instruction is direct and absolute, leaving no room for compromise with these specific peoples.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. The context is God’s command about how to deal with the nations living in the land, emphasizing total separation and no alliances. The verse highlights the seriousness of keeping Israel distinct from the surrounding peoples, reflecting concerns about influence and faithfulness to God.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 7:2

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that these instructions come from Israel’s covenant God, not just a generic deity.
  • utterly destroy (הַחֲרֵם, hacharem): This word means to devote something to complete destruction, often in the sense of setting it apart for God by removing it entirely. It is stronger than simply “defeat” and carries the idea of leaving nothing behind.
  • make (כָּרַת, karat) a covenant (בְּרִית, berit): The phrase means to “cut” a covenant, which was a formal and binding agreement. The instruction is to avoid any formal ties or peace treaties with these nations.
  • mercy (חָנַן, chanan): This word means to show favor or compassion. The command is not to extend leniency or kindness to these specific peoples in this context.

Why Deuteronomy 7:2 matters

  • Deuteronomy 7:2 clarifies that the command is not about general hostility but about a specific situation involving particular nations in Canaan, tied to Israel’s unique calling and the dangers of adopting foreign religious practices.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of Israel’s separation from the nations, highlighting the importance of loyalty to God over political or social convenience.
  • Understanding the original words for “utterly destroy” and “make a covenant” shows that the instruction is about total removal and no compromise, not just military victory or temporary avoidance.