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Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the LORD your God hands these nations over to you and you conquer them, you must completely destroy them. Make no treaties with them and show them no mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, <i>and</i> utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God delivers them over to you, you shall conquer them <i>and</i> utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them nor show mercy to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God turns them over to you and you defeat them, you shall utterly destroy them. You shall not make a covenant with them nor be gracious to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God delivers them before you and you defeat them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them and show no favor to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and when the LORD your God shall deliver them before you, and you shall defeat them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them and show no favor to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and when Yahweh your God gives them over before you and you strike them down, then you shall devote them to destruction. You shall cut no covenant with them and show no favor to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God gives them over to you and you defeat them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall not make a covenant (treaty) with them nor show mercy <i>and</i> compassion to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God delivers them over to you and you defeat them, you must completely destroy them. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God delivers them over to you and you defeat them, you must completely destroy them. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and when Jehovah thy God shall deliver them up before thee, and thou shalt smite them; then thou shalt utterly destroy them: thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />the LORD will force them out of the land. Then you must destroy them without mercy. Don't make any peace treaties with them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and when the LORD thy God shall deliver them up before thee, and thou shalt smite them; then thou shalt utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the LORD your God gives them to you and you defeat them, destroy every one of them because they have been claimed by the LORD. Don't make any treaties with them or show them any mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the LORD your God places these people in your power and you defeat them, you must put them all to death. Do not make an alliance with them or show them any mercy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So when the LORD your God delivers them to you and you have defeated them, then utterly destroy them. You are not to make any covenant with them nor be gracious to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and he delivers them over to you and you attack them, you must utterly annihilate them. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God shall deliver them up before you, and you shall strike them; then you shall utterly destroy them: you shall make no covenant with them, nor show mercy to them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee, thou shalt smite them and utterly destroy them, thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy to them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and when Yahweh your God delivers them up before you, and you strike them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them, nor show mercy to them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and your God YHWH has given them before you, then you have struck them—you utterly devote them—you do not make a covenant with them, nor do you favor them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Jehovah thy God hath given them before thee, and thou hast smitten them -- thou dost utterly devote them -- thou dost not make with them a covenant, nor dost thou favour them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah thy God gave them before thee, and thou didst smite them: exterminating, thou shalt exterminate them; thou shalt not make to them a covenant and thou shalt not show them mercy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord thy God shall have delivered them to thee, thou shalt utterly destroy them. Thou shalt make no league with them, nor shew mercy to them: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and when the Lord your God will have delivered them to you, you shall strike them down unto utter annihilation. You shall not enter into a pact with them, nor shall you show any pity to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and when the LORD, your God, gives them over to you and you defeat them, you shall put them under the ban. Make no covenant with them and do not be gracious to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God gives them over to you and you defeat them, then you must utterly destroy them. Make no covenant with them and show them no mercy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when the LORD your God shall deliver them before you, and you shall defeat them; then you shall utterly destroy them; you shall make no covenant with them, nor show mercy to them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH your God shall deliver them before you and you shall strike them, and you shall certainly destroy them; you shall not make a covenant with them and you shall not have mercy upon them:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and when the LORD thy God shall deliver them up before thee, and thou shalt smite them; then thou shalt utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and the Lord thy God shall deliver them into thy hands, then thou shalt smite them: thou shalt utterly destroy them: thou shalt not make a covenant with them, neither shall ye pity them:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=2187" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/7.htm">Casting out the Nations</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">and when the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: ū·nə·ṯā·nām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">has delivered them over</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 2ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">to you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: wə·hik·kî·ṯām (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms:: 3mp) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">to defeat them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2763.htm" title="2763: ha·ḥă·rêm (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; to seclude; specifically to devote to religious uses; physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose.">then you must devote them to complete destruction.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2763.htm" title="2763: ta·ḥă·rîm (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to seclude; specifically to devote to religious uses; physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: ṯiḵ·rōṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">Make</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rîṯ (N-fs) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">treaty</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">with them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and show them no</a> <a href="/hebrew/2603.htm" title="2603: ṯə·ḥān·nêm (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore.">mercy.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-32.htm">Exodus 23:32-33</a></span><br />You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. / They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-12.htm">Exodus 34:12-16</a></span><br />Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst. / Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles. / For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/23-12.htm">Joshua 23:12-13</a></span><br />For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, / know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/2-2.htm">Judges 2:2-3</a></span><br />and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.’ Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done? / So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-2.htm">1 Kings 11:2</a></span><br />These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/9-12.htm">Ezra 9:12</a></span><br />Now, therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Never seek their peace or prosperity, so that you may be strong and may eat the good things of the land, leaving it as an inheritance to your sons forever.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-34.htm">Psalm 106:34-36</a></span><br />They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, / but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. / They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-17</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-9.htm">1 Corinthians 5:9-11</a></span><br />I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. / I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. / But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20-21</a></span><br />No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11</a></span><br />Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-10.htm">2 John 1:10-11</a></span><br />If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. / Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-4.htm">Revelation 18:4</a></span><br />Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/20-23.htm">Leviticus 20:23</a></span><br />You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when the LORD your God shall deliver them before you; you shall smite them, and utterly destroy them; you shall make no covenant with them, nor show mercy to them:</p><p class="hdg">deliver</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/7-23.htm">Deuteronomy 7:23,24</a></b></br> But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/3-3.htm">Deuteronomy 3:3</a></b></br> So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/23-14.htm">Deuteronomy 23:14</a></b></br> For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.</p><p class="hdg">utterly</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">Deuteronomy 20:16,17</a></b></br> But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee <i>for</i> an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/27-28.htm">Leviticus 27:28,29</a></b></br> Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, <i>both</i> of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing <i>is</i> most holy unto the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/33-52.htm">Numbers 33:52</a></b></br> Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:</p><p class="hdg">make no</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/20-10.htm">Deuteronomy 20:10,11</a></b></br> When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/23-32.htm">Exodus 23:32,33</a></b></br> Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/34-12.htm">Exodus 34:12-16</a></b></br> Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/5-3.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-34.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-3.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/numbers/22-6.htm">Defeat</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-33.htm">Defeated</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-2.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-22.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/exodus/22-10.htm">Delivers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-15.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-15.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-6.htm">Devote</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-8.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-10.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-42.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/exodus/33-19.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-5.htm">Show</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-3.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-42.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/numbers/34-11.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/numbers/21-2.htm">Totally</a> <a href="/exodus/34-15.htm">Treaty</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Utterly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/7-12.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-23.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-9.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-14.htm">Defeat</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-7.htm">Defeated</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-16.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-10.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-13.htm">Delivers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-4.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-10.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-17.htm">Devote</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-16.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-9.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-7.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/joshua/18-3.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-17.htm">Show</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-13.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/joshua/10-35.htm">Totally</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-6.htm">Treaty</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-26.htm">Utterly</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">All communion with the nations is forbidden</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-5.htm">for fear of idolatry,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-6.htm">for the holiness of the people,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-9.htm">for the nature of God in his mercy and justice,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-17.htm">and for the assuredness of victory which God will give over them.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The deliverance of enemies into Israel's hands is a fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs (<a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18-21</a>). It underscores the divine initiative in Israel's conquest of Canaan, highlighting that victory is not by their own strength but by God's intervention (<a href="/joshua/1-3.htm">Joshua 1:3-5</a>). This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a warrior who fights for His people (<a href="/exodus/14-14.htm">Exodus 14:14</a>). The historical context involves the Israelites entering the Promised Land, a region inhabited by various Canaanite tribes, each with its own fortified cities and armies.<p><b>then you must devote them to complete destruction</b><br>The command to devote to destruction, or "herem," involves the total annihilation of the Canaanite peoples and their religious practices. This is not merely a military strategy but a theological mandate to purify the land from idolatry and moral corruption (<a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">Deuteronomy 20:16-18</a>). The cultural context of the Canaanites included practices such as child sacrifice and temple prostitution, which were abominations to the LORD (<a href="/leviticus/18-24.htm">Leviticus 18:24-30</a>). This command foreshadows the ultimate judgment of sin and evil, pointing to the eschatological destruction of all that opposes God (<a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-21</a>). It also serves as a type of Christ's victory over sin and death, where He completely destroys the power of the enemy (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-24.htm">1 Corinthians 15:24-26</a>).<p><b>Make no treaty with them</b><br>This prohibition against making treaties is a safeguard against syncretism and the dilution of Israel's covenant identity. Treaties in the ancient Near East often involved political alliances and religious syncretism, which could lead Israel away from exclusive worship of Yahweh (<a href="/exodus/23-32.htm">Exodus 23:32-33</a>). The command reflects the need for Israel to remain distinct and holy, set apart for God's purposes (<a href="/leviticus/20-26.htm">Leviticus 20:26</a>). This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are warned against being unequally yoked with unbelievers (<a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-18</a>).<p><b>and show them no mercy</b><br>The instruction to show no mercy is a difficult and often controversial aspect of the text, reflecting the severity of God's judgment against sin. It underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of idolatry, which can lead to spiritual and moral decay (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-4.htm">Deuteronomy 7:4</a>). The historical context involves the need to prevent Israel from adopting Canaanite religious practices, which would lead to their downfall (<a href="/judges/2.htm">Judges 2:1-3</a>). This command is not a general principle for all time but specific to the conquest of Canaan, highlighting the unique role of Israel in God's redemptive history. It points to the ultimate justice of God, where mercy is extended through Christ, but judgment remains for those who reject Him (<a href="/john/3-36.htm">John 3:36</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who commands and empowers His people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who are entering the Promised Land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaanites.htm">Canaanites</a></b><br>The inhabitants of the Promised Land, whom God commands to be destroyed.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land (Canaan)</a></b><br>The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's commandments to the people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>God’s instructions to Israel were clear and required complete obedience. This teaches us the importance of following God's commands fully, without compromise.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_and_separation.htm">Holiness and Separation</a></b><br>The command to destroy the Canaanites was about maintaining the holiness of God's people. As Christians, we are called to be separate from sin and the influences of the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The Israelites were to trust that God would deliver their enemies into their hands. We, too, must trust in God's sovereignty and His plans for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a></b><br>Making treaties with the Canaanites would lead to spiritual compromise. We must be vigilant against compromising our faith and values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While the command seems harsh, it reflects God's justice against sin. It also points to the mercy available through Christ, who took the punishment for sin on our behalf.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_bible_support_interfaith_dialogue.htm">Is interfaith dialogue supported by biblical teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_judges_1_show_partial_victories.htm">Why does Judges 1 focus on partial victories and failures if God had promised total victory, raising questions about divine promises versus historical outcomes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_paul_a_false_prophet.htm">Is Paul a false prophet?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_deut._7_1-2_allow_destruction.htm">If God is compassionate, how can Deuteronomy 7:1–2 condone the total destruction of other nations? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee. . . .</span>--It would be possible to read, "<span class= "ital">Then </span>the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee, and thou shalt smite." Or the sentence might also be divided thus: <span class= "ital">"</span>When the Lord thy God shall bring thee in, and shall have delivered the nations from before thee, and thou hast smitten them, <span class= "ital">then </span>thou shalt utterly destroy them"--i.e., shalt make them <span class= "ital">cherem, </span>a devoted or accursed thing. Perhaps this last way of dividing the clauses is, upon the whole, to be preferred. But in any case it should be noted that <span class= "ital">Jehovah's deliverance of the nations into Israel's hand </span>is to precede their defeat and extermination. Indiscriminate attack and massacre are not to be thought of. (See for a further Note on this, Joshua 13) All the operations described in Joshua--the sieges of Jericho and Ai, the southern campaign and the northern campaign--were alike undertaken under Divine direction. The same may be said of the battles in Moses' lifetime, whether against Amalek, Sihon, Og, Arad, or Midian. The same is true of the judges, and of David's operations against the Philistines after he came to the throne (<a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm" title="And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? will you deliver them into my hand? And the LORD said to David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.">2Samuel 5:19</a>, &c). The principle was acknowledged by Ahab in his attack on Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22).<p><span class= "bld">Thou shalt make no covenant with them.</span>--The reason for this is too obvious to need comment. If Israelites and idolaters were united--still more if they were intermingled in marriage--there was an end to the distinction of race and religion--an end to the supremacy of Israel or the isolation of the people of Jehovah, as exhibiting His Law and the blessings of His government to mankind. It must be remembered, however, that the isolation here commanded was only a means to an end; it was not the end itself. It may be further observed that as soon as the danger of idolatry was at an end, the isolation of Israel in a great measure ceased. The object of giving the people a land of their own, and supremacy among the surrounding nations, was to enable them to develop the religion which was to prepare the way for Christianity. When the religious principles of the nation were sufficiently fixed to make their political supremacy unnecessary, this supremacy was taken away.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and when the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֧ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has delivered them over</span><br /><span class="heb">וּנְתָנָ֞ם</span> <span class="translit">(ū·nə·ṯā·nām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to defeat them,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִכִּיתָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hik·kî·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">then you must completely destroy them.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֲרֵ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥă·rêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2763.htm">Strong's 2763: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seclude, to devote to religious uses, to be blunt as to the nose</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Make</span><br /><span class="heb">תִכְרֹ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiḵ·rōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">treaty</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרִ֖ית</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covenant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with them</span><br /><span class="heb">לָהֶ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and show them no</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mercy.</span><br /><span class="heb">תְחָנֵּֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·ḥān·nêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2603.htm">Strong's 2603: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 7:2 And when Yahweh your God shall deliver (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 7:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 7:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 7:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 7:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>