Deuteronomy Chapter 7 Summary

Command to be separate people and to destroy opposing nations.

Discussion Questions for Deuteronomy, Chapter 7

  1. Deuteronomy 7:1 states, “When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it…” (ESV). What is important about the use of the word "when" in this verse? What would alternative phrasing have meant? How would this have challenged the Israelites' faith?
  2. Why were they not to enter into marriage with any of the seven nations? What impact would this have had on future generations?
  3. How do verses 3-4 influence how you pursue a relationship today? Does it shape your priorities? How and why?
  4. Deuteronomy 7:6 states, “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” Why did God choose this people? What does this mean for Christ followers today?
  5. Deuteronomy 7:9: “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.” What is it like to consider yourself a part of God’s kept covenant promise to a thousand generations? All who follow the Lord are part of this promise.
  6. Deuteronomy 7:16: “And you shall consume all the peoples that the LORD your God will give over to you. Your eye shall not pity them, neither shall you serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you.” (ESV) What is the difference between sinful pity and mercy that is driven by conviction? How does understanding the difference impact how we move forward with either?
  7. Why is there a shift from the Old Testament to the New Testament in how the Lord calls His people to handle other faiths and unbelievers? What can be gleaned from how God deals with worldly religions in the Old Testament? How do both the Old and New Testaments shape how we should approach other faiths and nonbelievers today?
  8. Deuteronomy 7:21 states, “You shall not be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.” What does it mean for God to be in your midst? How can this verse help you in times of dread or fear?
  9. Deuteronomy 7:26 states, “And you shall not bring an abominable thing into your house and become devoted to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest and abhor it, for it is devoted to destruction” (ESV). What does it mean for something to be an abomination before the Lord? How did the Israelites measure what was abominable before God? How do you measure it?
  10. How can this chapter help you pursue a deeper reliance on the Lord and His commands? What role does the Holy Spirit play in light of God’s commands?

Key Words/Phrase

Chosen, v. 6.

Characters

God, Moses.

Strong Verse(s)

6, 9 .