Deuteronomy 7:21
You shall not be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just say God is with you; it emphasizes He is in your midst. This isn't a distant deity but one actively present, a potent reminder that He is your greatest defense against any fear.
God has just commanded the Israelites to utterly destroy the nations in the land He is giving them, warning them not to show them pity or worship their gods, as these would become a snare. He reassures them that He will remove these nations gradually, lest the wild animals multiply, and assures them of His complete victory over their enemies. This verse then directly addresses their potential fear of these powerful nations by reminding them of God’s awesome presence and might.
When facing overwhelming odds, it's natural to feel fear. But what if God's presence changes the entire equation?
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they are about to enter the Promised Land, a place occupied by powerful nations.
It would be easy for them to look at the giants and walled cities and feel paralyzed by dread. But Moses reminds them of a crucial truth: the Lord their God is with them.
This isn't just a passive presence; it's the presence of a 'great and awesome God.' His might and terror are on their side. This presence means the odds aren't determined by human strength or enemy numbers, but by God's power.
Think about it: When God is with you, you're not just one person against many; you are God's representative, backed by His infinite power. This truth is meant to dissolve fear, not just to manage it.
The description of God as 'great and awesome' isn't just about His power; it speaks to His purpose in protecting His people.
The word 'awesome' here carries a sense of awe-inspiring power and even terror – not terror for the Israelites, but terror for their enemies.
The context of Deuteronomy 7 is about conquering the land. God's people were not to be 'in dread' because their God was not only present but was actively working to defeat their enemies. He would drive them out, destroy them, and ensure they were utterly vanquished.
This wasn't a battle of equals. It was God demonstrating His power and fulfilling His promises to Israel. Their role was to trust and obey, not to be paralyzed by the perceived strength of their opposition. God's 'awesome' nature meant He was more than capable of handling these nations, ensuring their complete removal so Israel could live in peace and faithfulness.
Understand the original words
arats · Hebrew Verb
A state of extreme fear, terror, or alarm, often associated with a sense of helplessness before an overwhelming threat or divine presence.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the Almighty God of Israel, revealing His covenant faithfulness, eternal nature, and sovereign authority over all creation.
nora · Hebrew Adjective
A term used to describe God’s nature that inspires both deep reverence and a sense of holy fear because of His power, holiness, and majesty.
This passage echoes Deuteronomy's command, reminding Joshua to 'Be strong and courageous' because the Lord will be with him, just as He was with Moses, reinforcing the idea that God's presence overcomes fear in challenging situations.
Psalm 27:1The Psalmist declares, 'The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?' This directly parallels the sentiment of Deuteronomy 7:21, showing that God's powerful presence is the ultimate antidote to fear.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic promise reassures believers: 'fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' It speaks to God's active presence and strength, mirroring the reason given in Deuteronomy for not being afraid.
Nehemiah 4:14During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, facing opposition, Nehemiah exhorted his people: 'And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”' This shows the enduring principle of remembering God's might to conquer fear in the face of adversaries.
calvinDeuteronomy 7:16-26: "And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare unto thee."
The great temptations which thine eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby the LORD thy God brought thee out; so shall the LORD thy God do unto all the people of whom thou art afraid.
Probationum magnarum quas videru…
gillDeuteronomy 7:21: "Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible."
Thou shall not be affrighted at them,.... At their numbers, nor at their gigantic stature: for the Lord thy God is among you: in the tabernacle, in the holy of holies, which was in the midst of them, and besides would give proof of his powerful presence among them, in protecting them, and destroying their enemies: a mighty God and terrible; mighty to save his people, and terri…
The verse doesn't just say God is with you; it emphasizes He is in your midst. This isn't a distant deity but one actively present, a potent reminder that He is your greatest defense against any fear.
God has just commanded the Israelites to utterly destroy the nations in the land He is giving them, warning them not to show them pity or worship their gods, as these would become a snare. He reassures them that He will remove these nations gradually, lest the wild animals multiply, and assures them of His complete victory over their enemies. This verse then directly addresses their potential fear of these powerful nations by reminding them of God’s awesome presence and might.
God has just commanded the Israelites to utterly destroy the nations in the land He is giving them, warning them not to show them pity or worship their gods, as these would become a snare. He reassures them that He will remove these nations gradually, lest the wild animals multiply, and assures them of His complete victory over their enemies. This verse then directly addresses their potential fear of these powerful nations by reminding them of God’s awesome presence and might.
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"You shall not be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God." — The verse doesn't just say God is with you; it emphasizes He is in your midst. This isn't a distant deity but one actively present, a potent reminder that He is your greatest defense against any fe…
