Deuteronomy 9: Giants and Grace
Okay, let’s be real. The Old Testament can feel, um, old. Like, what does a bunch of Israelites staring down giants in Canaan have to do with my life in 2025? Turns out, a whole lot.
Deuteronomy 9 paints a vivid picture: God’s people are about to step into the Promised Land, but there are some seriously scary obstacles in the way. We’re talking giants (okay, big dudes, think pre-David and Goliath), seven nations all bigger and stronger than Israel, and impenetrable cities – the kind of stuff that makes you want to turn around and head back where you came from. That might resonate.
Maybe your “giant” is a financial crisis, a health scare, a strained relationship, an addiction that always seems to win, or even just the overwhelming feeling that you’re not enough. We all have challenges and seasons where we feel like we’re facing something impossible.
God Goes Before You
Here’s the good news: God goes before you. Deuteronomy 9:3 says it plainly: “Know therefore today that it is YHWH your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire.” He doesn’t just give a pep talk; He gives Himself. He doesn’t just send help; He is the help.
He doesn’t just give a pep talk; He gives Himself. He doesn’t just send help; He is the help.
He’s not surprised by your giants. He points them out and winks, saying, “Trust Me.”
This isn’t some “name it and claim it” prosperity gospel. It’s a promise rooted in God’s character. He’s faithful. He’s powerful. And He’s not intimidated by any giants that threaten us.
Grace in the Mess
All of this is based on God’s character, His faithful love. Not anything we do to deserve or earn it. Moses tells the Israelites, “Do not say in your heart when YHWH your God has driven them out before you, ‘Because of my righteousness YHWH has brought me in to possess this land!‘” (Deuteronomy 9:4).
Again in verse 6:6 “Know, then, it is not because of your righteousness that YHWH your God is giving you this good land… for you are a stubborn people.”
In other words, “Don’t get it twisted. God isn’t giving you this land because you’re more spiritual, biblical, generous, righteous, or disciplined than others. You’ve been a rebellious, stubborn bunch since day one!”
Ouch.
But that’s the beauty of grace, isn’t it? God’s love isn’t a reward for good behavior; it’s a gift. It’s good news because, more than we realize, we are rebellious, stubborn, and weak. We mess up, we fall short, we build golden calves when God’s back is turned (Deuteronomy 9:7-8). But He’s giving us His promises anyway.
God’s love isn’t a reward for good behavior; it’s a gift. It’s good news because, more than we realize, we are rebellious, stubborn, and weak. We mess up, we fall short, we build golden calves when God’s back is turned (Deuteronomy 9:7-8). But He’s giving us His promises anyway.
Moses interceded for the Israelites, reminding God of His character and promises (Deuteronomy 9:26-29). And no, God didn’t need Moses to calm Him down; He raised up Moses to step into his role as intercessor. In other words, this was for Moses’ sake, not God’s.
God doesn’t typically snap His fingers and immediately make everything fine. He invites our participation. He works with us. He loves to reveal His power through our weakness.
And now, we have an even greater Mediator: Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
- Jesus didn’t just pray for us; He bled and died for us.
- He didn’t just stand in the gap; He became the bridge.
- He didn’t just plead for mercy—He is the mercy seat. (1 John 2:1-2).
We are not Israelites staring down 9-foot-tall giants, but life throws some pretty scary stuff our way. The super thing about Deuteronomy 9 is that it reminds us that God totally has this. He’s with you, He’s for you, and He goes before you!
Our role? Trust Him enough to tag along, to say yes, to follow His lead. Let go of trying to earn God’s love, prove your goodness, and soak up the amazing grace that He lavishes on us in Christ. It’s all about Jesus, and honestly, that’s the best foundation we could ever ask for.”