Week 7: Loved Because He Loved You (Deuteronomy 7:6–12)

The Big Idea

Moses tells Israel plainly why God chose them: not because they were many or mighty, but because God loved them and was keeping the oath he swore to their fathers. The only reason given for God's love is God's love. And that love, bound by oath, reaches to a thousand generations.

Before You Read

Deuteronomy is a collection of Moses' sermons to Israel on the plains of Moab, just before they cross the Jordan into the promised land (Deuteronomy 1:1–5). The generation that stood at Sinai has died in the wilderness. Moses is now speaking to their children, renewing the covenant with a new generation. Chapter 7 opens by warning Israel not to make covenants with the peoples of Canaan or adopt their gods, and to stay set apart for the LORD. Our passage explains why Israel is to be different: because of who they belong to and how they came to belong to him.

Read

Read Deuteronomy 7:6–12 slowly, twice, once aloud. Pay attention to the word because and to every place the word love shows up.

Observe

1. In verse 6, what three things does Moses say about Israel's identity? Who made them that way?
2. According to verse 7, what was not the reason God chose Israel? What does Moses say about their size?
3. According to verse 8, what were the reasons God chose them? List both.
4. What does verse 8 say God did as a result of his love and his oath?
5. What does verse 9 call Israel to know? List every description of God in that verse.
6. For how many generations does God keep covenant and steadfast love? With whom?
7. What does verse 10 say about those who hate God?
8. In verses 11–12, what is Israel told to do, and what does God promise in return? What does verse 12 say God swore?

A Word to Notice

Shava (shah-VAH) means to swear an oath. It is the self-binding act underneath covenant-making. When someone swore an oath, they put themselves under obligation; they called down consequences on themselves if they failed to keep their word. Twice in this passage Moses says God swore to the patriarchs (vv. 8, 12). God did not have to swear anything. No one could hold him to account. But he chose to bind himself by his own oath, so that his people would have something solid to stand on. That is why Moses can call him the faithful God in verse 9. His faithfulness is not a mood. It is a promise he has sworn and will not break.

Interpret

1. Moses says God set his love on Israel because he loved them. Isn't that circular? What is Moses trying to rule out?Consider: Moses is shutting every door except one. The reason for God's love is found in God, not in Israel. They cannot take pride in it, and they cannot lose it by being small.

2. Why would it matter so much for Israel to remember they were the fewest of all peoples, especially right before entering a land of stronger nations?Consider: Israel would be tempted either to fear the nations or, once settled, to think they had earned the land. Remembering their smallness keeps them humble and keeps their confidence in God.

3. Verse 9 calls God the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments. How do God's unconditional choice (vv. 7–8) and the call to obedience (vv. 9–12) fit together?Consider: Love comes first, and obedience is the shape of love returned. God chose them freely. Living in his commands is how they remain in the blessing of that covenant, not how they earned it.

4. Why do you think Moses includes the sobering words of verse 10 in a passage so full of love?Consider: God's love is not soft on evil. Those who hate him and reject his covenant face real judgment. Covenant love is serious love.

5. Cross-reference: Read 1 John 4:10, 19 and Ephesians 1:4–5. How does the New Testament echo the logic of Deuteronomy 7?Consider: John says love begins with God, not with us; we love because he first loved us. Paul says God chose us in love before the foundation of the world. The pattern is the same: grace first, and our love in response.

Apply: Let the Text Read You

• Most of us have been chosen for things because of what we could offer: our skills, our strength, our usefulness. How does it feel to be loved for no reason found in you?
• Is there a part of you that believes you need to become bigger, better, or more impressive before God will really love you? Where did that come from?
• Moses wanted Israel to know that God is faithful. Not just believe it on paper, but know it. Where have you seen his faithfulness, even across generations of your own family?
• What would change in how you face this week if you started each day remembering that God has sworn himself to his people?

Pray

Faithful God, you did not choose me because I was strong or impressive. You set your love on me because you love. Thank you for binding yourself by oath to people like me. Teach me to rest in that love and to answer it with my whole life. Amen.

For Groups (optional)

• Discussion starter: Think of a time you were picked for a team, a job, or a role. Why were you picked? How is God's choosing in this passage different?
• Some in your group may have grown up in families where love had to be earned. Make room for honest reflection on Apply question 2.
• Notice that a thousand generations is far longer than all of recorded history. Ask the group what that number is meant to communicate.

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.