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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Deuteronomy 7:21
What does Deuteronomy 7:21 mean?
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Deuteronomy 7:21
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The verse commands Israel not to fear their enemies because God is "in your midst" – not just with them, but among them, intimately present. This powerful presence is described with "great and awesome," highlighting that God's might isn't just for distant power but for the immediate, awe-inspiring reality of His fellowship.
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)
God is instructing the Israelites on how to deal with the nations they will encounter as they enter the Promised Land, emphasizing that they must completely drive them out and not make any covenants with them. This directive extends to destroying their idols and not letting them become a snare. To encourage them to obey this difficult command, God assures them that He will be with them, driving out their enemies gradually and powerfully, even using natural means like hornets if necessary.
Facing overwhelming odds can make anyone feel fear. But what if God Himself is right there with you?
Israel was about to enter the Promised Land, a land inhabited by powerful nations. The temptation to fear these enemies would have been immense. But Moses delivers a powerful reminder: 'You shall not be in dread of them.' Why? Because their perception of the situation was incomplete.
This wasn't just about Israel's military strength; it was about God's presence in their midst. He wasn't distant or uninvolved. He was right there with them, a tangible reality. This truth is foundational. When we face our own giants – be they personal struggles, difficult circumstances, or daunting tasks – the same principle applies. God's presence is not a passive observation; it's an active, powerful reality that transforms our perspective and empowers us to stand firm.
The text doesn't just say God is with us; it describes who He is. Why is this so important when facing fear?
The verse continues, explaining why Israel shouldn't fear: 'a great and awesome God.' This isn't just about His power; it's about His character and His reputation.
A God of Immeasurable Power
'Mighty' speaks to His sheer strength and ability to act. He is not limited by the circumstances or the power of Israel's enemies. He is sovereign and all-powerful.
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A God Who Inspires Awe
'Awesome' (or 'terrible' in some translations) points to the profound respect and even fear (in the sense of reverential awe) that God commands. He is holy, majestic, and utterly other. This isn't a giddy, pop-culture 'awesome,' but a deep recognition of His supreme glory and might.
When we truly grasp the magnitude of who God is – His power and His awe-inspiring nature – our fears about earthly challenges begin to shrink in comparison. It's not that the problems disappear, but our confidence is placed in Someone infinitely greater than any problem.
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 the command in Deuteronomy, urging Joshua to 'be strong and courageous' because God is with him, just as the Lord is with Israel in Deuteronomy 7:21, promising victory over their enemies.
Psalm 46:1-3The psalm speaks of not fearing despite earthly turmoil because God is their refuge and strength, a 'very present help in trouble.' This mirrors the assurance in Deuteronomy 7:21 that dread is unnecessary because the mighty God is in their midst.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic promise directly addresses fear, stating 'fear not, for I am with you.' It reassures believers that God's presence is their strength and the basis for not being afraid, much like the reason given in Deuteronomy.
Nehemiah 4:14During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, facing opposition, Nehemiah reminds the people, 'Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome.' This echoes Deuteronomy 7:21's emphasis on God's might as the reason to stand firm against 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 commands Israel not to fear their enemies because God is "in your midst" – not just with them, but among them, intimately present. This powerful presence is described with "great and awesome," highlighting that God's might isn't just for distant power but for the immediate, awe-inspiring reality of His fellowship.
God is instructing the Israelites on how to deal with the nations they will encounter as they enter the Promised Land, emphasizing that they must completely drive them out and not make any covenants with them. This directive extends to destroying their idols and not letting them become a snare. To encourage them to obey this difficult command, God assures them that He will be with them, driving out their enemies gradually and powerfully, even using natural means like hornets if necessary.
God is instructing the Israelites on how to deal with the nations they will encounter as they enter the Promised Land, emphasizing that they must completely drive them out and not make any covenants with them. This directive extends to destroying their idols and not letting them become a snare. To encourage them to obey this difficult command, God assures them that He will be with them, driving out their enemies gradually and powerfully, even using natural means like hornets if necessary.
"You shall not be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God." — The verse commands Israel not to fear their enemies because God is "in your midst" – not just with them, but among them, intimately present. This powerful presence is described with "great and awes…
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Last reviewed October 2026