Deuteronomy 7 Devotional

Loved for No Reason but Love

“But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”Deuteronomy 7:8 (BSB)

This chapter begins with one of the hardest commands in the Bible. Israel is to devote the seven nations of Canaan to complete destruction, make no treaty, and show no mercy (7:2). The stated reason is idolatry: these nations would turn Israel away to other gods, so their altars and images must be destroyed (7:4-5). Elsewhere Moses adds their wickedness (9:5). It is God's judgment, and the text does not make it comfortable.

Then comes a startling explanation of why Israel is God's people at all. He did not choose them for their size, since they were the fewest of all peoples. He chose them because he loved them and kept his oath (7:7-8). There is no deeper reason beneath his love than his love. Paul says God saved us in the same way, not because of our works but by his own purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:9). Because you are loved without earning it, you are free to tear down whatever competes with him for your heart.

To think about: What competes with God for your heart, and how does being loved without earning it change the way you deal with it?