Blessings of Obedience

Deuteronomy 7:1–26
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Moses warned Israel not to tolerate Canaanites in the land because their very presence would tempt them to fall into idolatry. Instead, He told them to destroy their enemies (vv. 1-2). He also told them not to inter-marry with the Canaanites (vv. 3-4) and to tear down their altars (v. 5). Israel was the Lord’s chosen people (vv. 6-10) even though they were the weakest of all nations (v. 7). If they followed the Lord, He would keep his promises to them (vv. 11-16).  

It seems apparent that God wanted the Israelites to learn two lessons. First, He wanted them to realize that God can raise up nations and He can also to bring them down. He also wanted the people to know that He is a faithful God. To Israel, rebellious individuals will be judged for their sin just as His enemies in other nations are judged by Him. This meant that every Israelite must be careful to follow His commands. God’s people don’t live on explanations but on promises:

      1.   God was faithful in the past (vv. 17-19).

      2.   God would go before Israel (vv. 20-21).

      3.   God had a timetable for the conquest (vv. 22-23).

      4.   God expected the nation to obey Him (vv. 24-26).

Application

I may think that it is ok to be close to sin if I don’t participate in it. But being close to sin can tempt me to give in. The only sure way to not get involved in sin is to stay away from it.