Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7:

I just finished watching the news. It was all about the coronavirus, the possible death toll, the news that the next two weeks are going to be really bad. Warnings are everywhere. Uncertainty weighs heavily on everyone. How will this work out? When will it end? Will my family and loved ones be okay? How will I keep my children sheltered and safe and unaffected as much as possible? When the future is ominous, our fears can take over. That is what happened to the Israelites when they first attempted to enter the Promised Land. Their fear of the unknown won their hearts instead of their fear of the LORD who was guiding them. Chapter 6 ends with the reminder that God had reminded the Israelites to observe His law, to fear Him, and this would be for their survival in this land they were about to enter.

Read Deuteronomy Chapter 7. Make a list of the warnings and the blessings as you read.

In verses 2-3, Moses gives a list of “shall nots.” What would these things prevent from happening? (Look in verse 4.)

Verse 6 tells why? Why are they to follow these commands?

There were so many blessings listed. Which blessing from the LORD is most interesting to you? Why?

The last images in this chapter are another warning. This warning is about bringing the graven images of false gods into their homes. It would be a snare to them, a trap they couldn’t escape. Moses told them, “You shall not bring an abomination into your house . . .” (v. 26). Our homes are where we live, where we dwell. The things in our home are personal to us. To bring a graven image into their home would be mean they liked it or wanted it or both. This would trap them.

I started wondering . . . what do we bring into our homes that is an abomination to God? We don’t have graven images of other gods, I don’t think. But if our worship begins in the heart, begins with our love for God, then what do we have that might trap us and keep us from following God? Music? Television? Movies we watch? Secret things on a glowing screen? What is in our homes?

Is there anything in your home, close to your heart that is taking you away from the Lord? If so, pray and ask the Lord for help removing this idol.

Read verses 6-10 again.


The Israelites were not blessed by God because they had done anything special or were large in number. No. They were blessed simply because God chose them and had promised their forefathers. They were blessed because He is God, He is faithful, and He is full of lovingkindness. The same is true for us. God chose us out of love and faithfulness. He delivered us from sin and bondage and death. He calls us to a life focused on Him, but it requires we fight the cultural distractions thrown at us from every angle. He promises to be with us, to bless us. If we walk away, we are still chosen; He is still faithful. We have simply decided we like the distraction more than the blessed truth. Have we walked away from God's lovingkindness? Is He trying to bring us back? I can't help but wonder.

There is a line from the song “Highlands and Heartache” that says, “There is no less God within the shadows.” This is true. Even when we choose the darker path, God is still there in our midst. He is still here among us with the virus, as well. Why? Because He is who He says He is. . .and we are His. He wants to bless you, but He requires that you follow Him. Can you hear him whispering in the dark, “Oh that they had such a heart in them . . .” Come out from the shadows. Set your eyes on Jesus, and walk with Him through the land He has given you.

Love. Remember. Fear. Observe. Be blessed. That is God’s plan for us.

Lesson to Remember: God is faithful
A Way to Walk: Be aware of the things you let enter your home that take you away from Jesus. Remove those things. They are a snare to you.