Deuteronomy 4:38
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What's often overlooked here is the phrase "as it is this day." This isn't just a concluding remark; it points to the immediate, tangible reality of God's power already demonstrated by the defeat of Sihon and Og. It grounds the promise of future inheritance in God's present, active faithfulness, reminding Israel that their entire history is unfolding as a testament to His mighty deeds.
driving out before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is this day,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is reminding the Israelites of God's powerful actions on their behalf, recounting how God miraculously delivered them from Egypt and is now driving out greater nations from the land of Canaan to give it to them as an inheritance. This is presented as a demonstration of God's unique power and faithfulness, underscoring the extraordinary nature of their calling and the land they are about to possess.
You're facing giants, and you feel small. What if God's power isn't just for grand gestures, but for your daily battles?
This verse reminds us that God's plan for Israel involved confronting powerful nations. The language 'greater and mightier than you' emphasizes the overwhelming odds they faced. This wasn't a fair fight based on human strength. Instead, it highlights God's active role in empowering them.
God's Initiative
God didn't just ask Israel to be brave; He promised to drive out these nations before them. This shows that the victory wasn't ultimately theirs to win through sheer force, but through God's intervention on their behalf. He acted so they could enter and possess the land.
A Pattern of Grace
This isn't just about ancient Israel. It echoes God's heart throughout Scripture: He often calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things, not because they are inherently capable, but because He equips them. His power is magnified when we are weak.
The land of Canaan was a physical inheritance. What does it mean for us to 'inherit' God's promises today?
The phrase 'to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is this day' anchors the promise in a tangible reality for Israel. It was a gift, a secure possession, and a place of rest and blessing. They were entering into what God had prepared.
Beyond Geography
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While the original context is the land of Canaan, this concept extends to the New Testament. For believers today, 'inheritance' often refers to our spiritual blessings in Christ – forgiveness, eternal life, adoption into God's family, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
Present Reality
The phrase 'as it is this day' signifies that this was not a future hope but a present reality for those who trusted God. Similarly, our spiritual inheritance is not just for the future; it's a gift we can experience and live in now, as we walk by faith and trust in God's promises.
Understand the original words
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
The land, blessing, or position granted by God to His people as a permanent gift, confirming His covenant faithfulness and fulfillment of promises.
This verse highlights God's power in enabling the Israelites to dispossess powerful nations, referencing the recent conquest of Sihon and Og's kingdoms east of the Jordan as a clear example of this ongoing divine provision.
~1400 BC
Israelites enter Canaan
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River into the land of Canaan.
c. 1380 BC
Conquest of Canaan begins
The Israelites begin their military campaign to conquer the Canaanite city-states, driving out many nations.
c. 1370 BC— this verse
Conquest of Sihon and Og's Kingdoms
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh are given the conquered lands east of the Jordan River, demonstrating God's provision and power.
c. 1370 BC
Moses' Farewell Address
Moses delivers his final speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, recounting their history and reminding them of God's faithfulness and their covenant responsibilities.
This passage describes the powerful presence of God going before the Israelites, enabling them to dispossess nations greater and mightier than themselves, mirroring the action described in Deuteronomy 4:38.
Exodus 34:24This verse highlights God's promise to drive out nations before the Israelites when they go up to appear before the Lord three times a year, underscoring God's active role in securing their land.
Nehemiah 9:24The people recall how God gave them the land of their enemies, describing the inhabitants as 'greater and mightier,' which directly echoes the language and theme of Deuteronomy 4:38.
1 Samuel 15:3This passage shows God commanding Saul to go and strike the Amalekites and utterly destroy them and all that they had, illustrating the historical precedent of God's people dispossessing stronger nations.
gillDeuteronomy 4:38: "To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day."
To drive out nations from before thee, greater and mightier than thou art,.... The seven nations of the land of Canaan, which were more in number and mightier in power and strength than they, and particularly the Amorites, who were already driven out and dispossessed of their country, even the kingdoms and nations of Sihon…
pulpitDeuteronomy 4:38: "To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day."
Verse 38. - As it is this day; as this day has shown, or as it has come to pass this day, in the overthrow, namely, of Sihon and Og.
What's often overlooked here is the phrase "as it is this day." This isn't just a concluding remark; it points to the immediate, tangible reality of God's power already demonstrated by the defeat of Sihon and Og. It grounds the promise of future inheritance in God's present, active faithfulness, reminding Israel that their entire history is unfolding as a testament to His mighty deeds.
Moses is reminding the Israelites of God's powerful actions on their behalf, recounting how God miraculously delivered them from Egypt and is now driving out greater nations from the land of Canaan to give it to them as an inheritance. This is presented as a demonstration of God's unique power and faithfulness, underscoring the extraordinary nature of their calling and the land they are about to possess.
Moses is reminding the Israelites of God's powerful actions on their behalf, recounting how God miraculously delivered them from Egypt and is now driving out greater nations from the land of Canaan to give it to them as an inheritance. This is presented as a demonstration of God's unique power and faithfulness, underscoring the extraordinary nature of their calling and the land they are about to possess.
"driving out before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is this day," — What's often overlooked here is the phrase "as it is this day." This isn't just a concluding remark; it points to the immediate, tangible reality of God's power already demonstrated by the defeat of…
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Last reviewed October 2026
