Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 7:22 mean when it says Hashem will drive out the nations 'little by little'?
A: Rashi explains that Hashem promised to drive out the Canaanite nations gradually so the Land of Israel wouldn't become desolate. If all the enemies were removed at once, wild animals would multiply in the empty land and become a danger to Bnei Yisrael. This shows Hashem's wisdom in guiding our ancestors' settlement of the land.
Q: Why couldn't the Israelites conquer all the nations in the Land of Israel at once?
A: The Ramban teaches that a sudden conquest would have left large uninhabited areas where dangerous wild animals could thrive. Additionally, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 98b) notes that gradual conquest allowed the Israelites to properly settle each area before moving forward, ensuring stable possession of the land according to Hashem's plan.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Deuteronomy 7:22 about dealing with challenges?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that this verse shows us the importance of dealing with challenges gradually rather than all at once. Just as the conquest of Canaan happened step by step, we should approach our personal struggles with patience and persistence, trusting in Hashem's timing and wisdom.
Q: How does the warning about 'wild beasts' apply to our spiritual lives?
A: The Sforno explains this metaphorically - if we try to remove all negative influences from our lives too quickly without properly filling that space with Torah and mitzvot, spiritual 'wild beasts' (yetzer hara) can grow stronger. This teaches the importance of gradual, sustainable spiritual growth.
Q: Why is this verse important in understanding Jewish history?
A: This verse establishes an important principle that Jewish settlement in Eretz Yisrael follows a divinely ordained process that takes time. The Netziv notes that this pattern continued throughout Jewish history - whether in Joshua's time, the return from Babylon, or modern times, Jewish return to the land has always been a gradual process directed by Hashem's wisdom.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 7:22) explains that the phrase "by little and little" (מְעַט מְעָט) refers to the gradual conquest of the Land of Israel. He notes that if the Jewish people were to conquer the land all at once, the land would become desolate, leading to an overpopulation of wild animals (חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה) that would threaten the inhabitants. This gradual process ensures that the land remains settled and cultivated.
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (3:32), Rambam discusses the wisdom behind this divine strategy. He explains that sudden upheaval and displacement of nations could lead to chaos and instability. A measured approach allows for orderly settlement and the establishment of a stable society, aligning with the Torah's emphasis on building a just and sustainable civilization in Eretz Yisrael.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Practical Lessons
This verse underscores a broader principle in Jewish thought: meaningful growth and conquest—whether spiritual or physical—require patience and methodical effort. The Torah rejects rash or impulsive action, instead advocating for a deliberate process that ensures long-term success. This idea is echoed in Pirkei Avot (5:23), which praises the trait of patience (ארך אפיים) as essential for achieving lasting accomplishments.