Deuteronomy 7:19
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.
Deuteronomy 7:19
Moses reminds Israel of the dramatic exodus-past: the overwhelming signs, wonders, and deliverances by which the Lord drew them from Egypt. The phrase “the great temptations which thine eyes saw” points to the visible demonstrations of God’s power that accompanied their journey—parting seas, plagues, miraculous provision. The purpose of recounting these wonders isn’t nostalgia; it’s doctrinal and practical: if the Lord did these mighty acts in history to deliver them from oppressive powers, then He will continue to act on their behalf against future enemies. The surrounding context in Deuteronomy emphasizes covenant faithfulness and national obedience as the path to blessing in the land. Israel’s enemies are pictured as objects of God’s justice and mercy, yet their fear should be a corrective—remember who the Lord is and what He has already done.
This verse reinforces God’s sovereignty in history and His faithfulness to His promises. It anchors courage in worship: God’s past works become the basis for trust in present battles. The contrasts—what God did in the past vs. what He will do to “all the people of whom thou art afraid”—underscore God’s protective power over His people when they remain aligned with the covenant. The language of “the LORD thy God” repeatedly personalizes this; the divine character—mighty, involved, gracious—frames the human political and military struggle within a theocentric narrative. The emphasis on fear is not about denying danger but reorienting fear toward the Lord, whose arm is stretched out in mercy and justice.
Like Israel, we face pressures and fears—career, health, cultural shifts—that can loom large. When you feel overwhelmed, rehearse God’s past faithfulness in your life: likely there have been “great temptations” you endured through prayer, wise counsel, or church community. Let those memories become sources of courage, not mute nostalgia. This verse invites you to trust not in your own strength but in God’s history of rescue. Practical steps: write a short “God’s Deliverances” timeline, memorize a few lines about God’s character, and share testimonies with a friend or family member to reinforce trust. In conflicts, the verse suggests choosing courage rooted in grace, not bravado—acting with steadfast faith even when outcomes aren’t instantly visible.
Cross-References
- Exodus 15:11
- Joshua 1:9
- Psalm 46:1-3
- Isaiah 41:10
- Romans 8:31-32