Deuteronomy 7: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 7 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands the Israelites to conquer nations, including the Hittites and Amorites (vv. 1-2). They must not make marriages with these nations to avoid turning away from Yahweh (vv.

Key verse

“For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God. Yahweh your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
Deuteronomy 7:6 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 7:1–2 God's Command to Conquer Nations
Deuteronomy 7:3–5 Prohibition of Intermarriage
Deuteronomy 7:6–8 Israel's Unique Calling
Deuteronomy 7:9–10 God's Faithfulness to His Covenant
Deuteronomy 7:11–14 Blessings for Obedience
Deuteronomy 7:15–21 Protection from Diseases and Fear
Deuteronomy 7:22–26 Gradual Conquest and Detestation of Idols

Discussion questions

In v6, what does Yahweh call Israel when He says they are a 'holy people'?
What does Yahweh command in v25 regarding the 'engraved images' of other gods?
In vv. 7-8, why does Yahweh mention that Israel was the 'fewest of all peoples'?
In v16, why does Yahweh say 'Your eye shall not pity them' when dealing with other nations?
When have you felt the need to remain 'distinct' in your own beliefs amid outside influences?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 7: Exodus 23, 1 Peter 2, Deuteronomy 8.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 8.