Read passages from Deuteronomy chapters 7, 8 and 9, last Sunday 8.12.13: TEV
In these chapters of Deuteronomy, Moses reminded the people of Israel three "non-reasons" why the Lord YHWH chose them, prospered them and promised to give a good land to them.
(1) Not because of your numbers
Deuteronomy 7:7
YHWH did not love you and choose you because you outnumbered other peoples; you were the smallest nation on earth. (see also verse 8, which says it was because YHWH loved Israel and wanted to keep the promise that He had made to their ancestors.)
(2) Not because of your power
Deuteronomy 8:17
So then, you must never think that you have made yourselves wealthy by your own power and strength. (see earlier verses 11 to 16 where Moses reminded Israel of the providence of YHWH throughout their wandering in the wilderness, protecting them from venomous serpents and scorpions, giving them water out of solid rock and manna which they had never eaten before. Also verse 18 which says it was YHWH their God who gives Israel the power to prosper, because He remains faithful to the covenant He made with their ancestors.)
(3) Not because of your goodness
Deuteronomy 9:5a
It is not because you are good and do what is right that YHWH is letting you take their land.
Deuteronomy 9:6b
No, you are a stubborn people.
