Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.

DEUTERONOMY 7:20KJV
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Deuteronomy 7:20 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 7:20 mean?

Deuteronomy 7:20 says that the LORD your God will send the hornet among the enemies of Israel, causing even those who try to hide from the Israelites to be destroyed. This verse promises that God will use unusual means to drive out Israel’s opponents, not just through direct confrontation.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. He reassures them that God Himself will act against the nations living there, even pursuing those who escape or hide. The mention of the "hornet" suggests a powerful, unsettling force that will reach every enemy, showing that Israel’s victory will come through God’s intervention, not just their own strength.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 7:20

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God, emphasizing that it is Israel’s covenant God who acts on their behalf.
  • hornet (צִרְעָה, tsir‘ah): This word refers to a stinging insect, often understood as a literal hornet or a symbol for panic and terror sent by God. The use of this word highlights that God can use even small, unexpected things to accomplish His purposes.
  • destroyed (שָׁמַד, shamad): This word means to be wiped out or exterminated. It stresses the completeness of the defeat that God promises for Israel’s enemies.

Why Deuteronomy 7:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s success in Canaan is not only about military strength but about God’s active role in fighting for them, even using unexpected means.
  • The mention of the "hornet" connects to earlier promises in Exodus and Joshua, showing consistency in how God works for His people.
  • It reassures the Israelites that no enemy can escape God’s reach, even if they try to hide, emphasizing God’s thoroughness and faithfulness to His promises.

Where else these words appear

“hornet” Hebrew H6880 · used in 3 verses

  • Exodus 23:28 And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.
  • Joshua 24:12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.

“hide” Hebrew H5641 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

“left” Hebrew H7604 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Joshua 13:2 This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,
  • Nehemiah 1:2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.