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Deuteronomy 7:17 - Fear not, trust divine promise.

Deuteronomy 7:17 - דברים 7:17

Hebrew Text

כִּי תֹאמַר בִּלְבָבְךָ רַבִּים הַגּוֹיִם הָאֵלֶּה מִמֶּנִּי אֵיכָה אוּכַל לְהוֹרִישָׁם׃

English Translation

If thou shalt say in thy heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?

Transliteration

Ki tomar bilvavecha rabim hagoyim ha'eleh mimeni eicha uchal lehorisham.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֤י תֹאמַר֙ בִּלְבָ֣בְךָ֔ רַבִּ֛ים הַגּוֹיִ֥ם הָאֵ֖לֶּה מִמֶּ֑נִּי אֵיכָ֥ה אוּכַ֖ל לְהוֹרִישָֽׁם׃
כִּ֤י תֹאמַר֙ בִּלְבָ֣בְךָ֔ רַבִּ֛ים הַגּוֹיִ֥ם הָאֵ֖לֶּה מִמֶּ֑נִּי אֵיכָ֥ה אוּכַ֖ל לְהוֹרִישָֽׁם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 7:17) appears in Moshe's address to Bnei Yisrael as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael. Moshe anticipates their fear of the formidable nations dwelling in the land and reassures them of Hashem's deliverance.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 7:17) explains that this verse addresses a natural human reaction—fear when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. The phrase "כי תאמר בלבבך" ("If you say in your heart") implies an internal doubt, not necessarily vocalized. Rashi emphasizes that even unspoken fears are recognized by Hashem, who provides reassurance in the subsequent verses.

Rambam's Perspective on Bitachon (Trust in Hashem)

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 7:15) discusses the obligation to trust in Hashem during battle, deriving from such verses. He teaches that military strength alone does not determine victory; rather, it is bitachon (trust in Hashem) and adherence to mitzvot that secure success. This verse serves as a reminder that numerical or physical superiority of enemies should not shake one's faith.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Eikev 3): The Midrash compares Bnei Yisrael's apprehension to a small bird fearing a larger predator. Just as Hashem protects the vulnerable in nature, He will shield His people when they rely on Him.
  • Sifrei Devarim 53: The Sifrei interprets "איכה אוכל להורישם" ("How can I dispossess them?") as a rhetorical question highlighting human limitation without divine aid. The answer, given in the next verse (7:18), is to remember Hashem's past miracles.

Theological Implications

This verse underscores a core Jewish principle: הכל בידי שמים חוץ מיראת שמים ("Everything is in the hands of Heaven except the fear of Heaven," Berachot 33b). While challenges may appear overwhelming, human responsibility lies in maintaining faith and moral commitment, leaving the outcome to Divine providence.

Practical Lesson for Jewish Life

The Ohr HaChaim (Devarim 7:17) notes that this scenario applies to all generations. When facing adversity—whether physical threats or spiritual struggles—one must internalize that success comes through emunah (faith) and hishtadlut (appropriate effort), not through despair over perceived obstacles.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 7:17 mean when it says 'These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?'
A: This verse reflects the natural fear the Israelites might have had when facing nations that appeared stronger or more numerous than them. Hashem is reassuring them that with His help, they will succeed in conquering the land, as stated in the surrounding verses (Rashi on Deuteronomy 7:17).
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse teaches us about bitachon (trust in Hashem) even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. The Talmud (Berachos 10a) explains that we must not rely solely on our own strength but remember that success comes from Hashem.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 7:17 to our lives today?
A: Just as the Israelites were instructed not to fear stronger nations, we today should face challenges with faith in Hashem's help. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 3:1) teaches that one should not be intimidated by obstacles but trust in Divine assistance when pursuing mitzvos.
Q: What lesson does this verse teach about dealing with fear?
A: The verse acknowledges human fear but comes to reassure us. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:6) explains that Hashem anticipated this fear and therefore gave the Israelites special mitzvos (like destroying idols) to strengthen their faith when facing challenges.
Q: Does this verse mean we shouldn't prepare for challenges?
A: No - Jewish tradition teaches 'hishtadlus' (proper effort) is required alongside trust in Hashem. While the verse warns against being paralyzed by fear, the Talmud (Pesachim 64b) shows that the Israelites still had to prepare for battle, just not to rely solely on their own strength.