The Promised Land was populated by seven mighty but godless nations. They had to be wiped out. Why? One reason was to prevent their godless influence from corrupting God's people (4). Another reason was that the LORD was repaying those who hated him (10). Israel was God's instrument of judgment. They are a people holy to the LORD. What made them such a treasured possession? Verse 6 says it was the LORD your God's sovereign choice. It was not any greatness they had-as they were the smallest of nations (7). They were a band of refugees from Egypt who grumbled and complained. Why did God choose them? Verse 8 says it was because the LORD loved them and redeemed them. In the same way, we are God's holy nation on the basis of his choice and his love. Our loving obedience to God is in response to his love and faithfulness to us.

God's people must not compromise with or fear wicked people. Rather, obeying God's law provides a lifestyle of blessing. See the repetitions of "the LORD your God will...." in this passage! We may be weak, but the LORD our God is a great and awesome God (21). Let's decide to trust and obey God today.


Application: Thank you for choosing, loving, and redeeming me as your holy people. Help me not compromise but trust and obey you today.
One Word: The LORD your God is faithful