Deuteronomy 7:22
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This verse reveals a surprising concern for practical, even mundane, consequences. God’s directive to clear out the enemy gradually isn't just about Israel's spiritual purity, but also about preventing an ecological imbalance that would introduce dangerous wild animals into their new homeland.
The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little. You may not make an end of them at once, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is instructing the Israelites on how they will conquer the land, not through a swift, overwhelming victory, but gradually, by driving out the existing nations "little by little." This is not because Israel lacks the power to destroy them all at once, but rather to prevent a practical problem: if the entire land were emptied of people too quickly, wild animals would multiply unchecked in the unpopulated areas and become a danger to the Israelites.
Why didn't God just wipe out Israel's enemies all at once? This verse reveals a surprising reason tied to practical wisdom.
The conquest of Canaan wasn't meant to be an instant victory. God promised to drive out the nations 'little by little.' This wasn't because Israel lacked the power, but because they weren't yet numerous enough to inhabit and manage the entire land. A sudden, complete expulsion would leave vast areas empty and vulnerable.
The reason for the gradual conquest is unexpected – it's about wild animals! Discover the practical wisdom behind God's command.
The primary reason for not clearing the land all at once was to prevent the proliferation of wild beasts. An unpopulated or sparsely populated land would become a haven for dangerous animals. These creatures would then pose a significant threat to the growing Israelite population. This shows God's concern for the practical well-being and safety of His people, even amidst warfare.
Understand the original words
nashal · Hebrew Verb
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Refers to the process of being driven out, removed, or dispossessed from land, often used in the context of divine judgment upon the inhabitants of Canaan.
This passage echoes the same sentiment, explaining that God will drive out the nations 'little by little' so the land doesn't become desolate and overrun by wild animals before Israel is numerous enough to occupy it.
Joshua 24:12This verse, recounting the conquest of Canaan, directly links the ongoing defeat of the Canaanites to God sending hornets ahead of the Israelites, illustrating the 'little by little' progression mentioned in Deuteronomy.
Romans 8:28While not about physical conquest, this New Testament passage reveals God's sovereign hand in all circumstances, assuring believers that He works everything for good, similar to how His seemingly slow process in Deuteronomy ultimately served a good purpose.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse speaks to God's faithfulness in providing a way out of temptation, mirroring how God's measured approach in Deuteronomy protected Israel from the dangers of a sudden, overwhelming victory and its potential spiritual pitfalls.
Hebrews 12:1This passage calls believers to run the race with perseverance, which resonates with the idea in Deuteronomy that God's work, whether in conquest or spiritual growth, often unfolds gradually, requiring patient endurance.
gillDeuteronomy 7:22: "And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee."
And the Lord thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little,.... Which is observed for their encouragement, who seeing that all were not destroyed at once, might fear the work would never be thoroughly accomplished; see Exodus 23:30 , thou mayest not consume them at once; though it was in…
clarkeDeuteronomy 7:22: "And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee."
Put out those nations - by little and little - The Israelites were not as yet sufficiently numerous to fill the whole land occupied by the seven nations mentioned Deuteronomy 7:1 . And as wild and ferocious animals might be expected to multiply where either there are no inhabitants, or the place is but thinly…
This verse reveals a surprising concern for practical, even mundane, consequences. God’s directive to clear out the enemy gradually isn't just about Israel's spiritual purity, but also about preventing an ecological imbalance that would introduce dangerous wild animals into their new homeland.
God is instructing the Israelites on how they will conquer the land, not through a swift, overwhelming victory, but gradually, by driving out the existing nations "little by little." This is not because Israel lacks the power to destroy them all at once, but rather to prevent a practical problem: if the entire land were emptied of people too quickly, wild animals would multiply unchecked in the unpopulated areas and become a danger to the Israelites.
God is instructing the Israelites on how they will conquer the land, not through a swift, overwhelming victory, but gradually, by driving out the existing nations "little by little." This is not because Israel lacks the power to destroy them all at once, but rather to prevent a practical problem: if the entire land were emptied of people too quickly, wild animals would multiply unchecked in the unpopulated areas and become a danger to the Israelites.
"The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little. You may not make an end of them at once, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you." — This verse reveals a surprising concern for practical, even mundane, consequences. God’s directive to clear out the enemy gradually isn't just about Israel's spiritual purity, but also about preventi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
