Deuteronomy 7:7
It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that God’s choice of Israel wasn't based on their number or strength, but on His own sovereign love. This highlights that God's favor isn't earned by human merit or quantity, but is a completely free and unmerited gift rooted in His own purposes.
Moses is reminding Israel that their special relationship with God isn't based on their own merit or strength. He's just told them they'll be driving out nations mightier than themselves, and now he emphasizes that their selection wasn't because they were numerous, but quite the opposite. This underscores that their election and God's faithfulness are entirely by His sovereign choice and love, not their own deserving.
It's easy to think God favors those who are already impressive or numerous. But Scripture paints a different picture.
This verse hits us with a surprising truth: Israel wasn't chosen because they were big, strong, or had a large population. In fact, the opposite was true! Moses emphasizes that they were the 'fewest of all peoples.'
If numbers aren't the reason, what is? This verse points to the deep, unearned affection of God.
While the verse explicitly states why Israel was not chosen (based on their numbers), it strongly implies the true reason: God's 'love.'
Understand the original words
ʾāhab · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew word for love in this context often implies a covenantal, loyal, and volitional commitment, rather than mere emotional affection. It denotes a deliberate choice to set one's affection upon and commit to the well-being of another.
This passage echoes Deuteronomy's point by highlighting that God often chooses the weak and humble (those who are not many or powerful in the world's eyes) to confound the wise and strong. It shows that God's choice is about His glory, not human merit or numbers.
John 15:16Jesus tells His disciples, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you.' This directly parallels the theme in Deuteronomy that Israel's selection was initiated by God's sovereign choice and love, not by their own initiative or merit.
Ephesians 1:4-6Paul explains that God chose believers in Christ 'before the foundation of the world' to be holy and blameless. This shows the ancient pattern of God's elective love, rooted in His grace rather than anything in us, extends to the New Testament church.
Romans 9:11-13When discussing Jacob and Esau, Paul emphasizes God's sovereign choice, stating, 'though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—she was told, 'The older will serve the younger.'' This reinforces that God's election is based on His own purpose and love, not on any merit of the chosen.
gillDeuteronomy 7:7: "The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:"
The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you,.... He had done both, and the one as the effect and evidence of the other; he loved them, and therefore he chose them; but neither of them: because ye were more in number than any people; not for the quantity of them, nor even for the quality of them: for ye were the fewest of all…
calvinDeuteronomy 7:6-8: "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth."
But because the Lord loved you-- and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers-- hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand-- and redeemed you out of the house of bond-men-- from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Sed quia diligebat vos Jehova-- et custodire vole…
The verse emphasizes that God’s choice of Israel wasn't based on their number or strength, but on His own sovereign love. This highlights that God's favor isn't earned by human merit or quantity, but is a completely free and unmerited gift rooted in His own purposes.
Moses is reminding Israel that their special relationship with God isn't based on their own merit or strength. He's just told them they'll be driving out nations mightier than themselves, and now he emphasizes that their selection wasn't because they were numerous, but quite the opposite. This underscores that their election and God's faithfulness are entirely by His sovereign choice and love, not their own deserving.
Moses is reminding Israel that their special relationship with God isn't based on their own merit or strength. He's just told them they'll be driving out nations mightier than themselves, and now he emphasizes that their selection wasn't because they were numerous, but quite the opposite. This underscores that their election and God's faithfulness are entirely by His sovereign choice and love, not their own deserving.
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"It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples," — The verse emphasizes that God’s choice of Israel wasn't based on their number or strength, but on His own sovereign love. This highlights that God's favor isn't earned by human merit or quantity, but…
