Deuteronomy 9:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God gives the land to Israel not for Israel's righteousness but to judge the wicked nations and to fulfill His oath to the patriarchs.
The Context of Deuteronomy 9:5
The true grounds for conquest are God's oath to the patriarchs and the nations' wickedness, not Israel's merit.
What Does Deuteronomy 9:5 Mean?
Moses repeats and expands the warning: Israel's righteousness and uprightness are NOT the basis for receiving the land. Neither their moral record nor their spiritual condition earns them Canaan. This is stated plainly to prevent any illusion of desert-based entitlement.
God drives out the nations for two reasons: their wickedness and God's covenant oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land-gift flows from God's ancient promise and His judgment of evil, not from Israel's achievement. Israel receives the land as heirs of the covenant, not as the righteous conquering the unworthy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 9:5
What does Deuteronomy 9:5 mean?
God gives the land to Israel not for Israel's righteousness but to judge the wicked nations and to fulfill His oath to the patriarchs.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 9:5?
The true grounds for conquest are God's oath to the patriarchs and the nations' wickedness, not Israel's merit.