²³ then the Lord will drive out^(A) all these nations^(B) before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you.^(C)

³⁸ to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you and to bring you into their land to give it to you for your inheritance,^(A) as it is today.

Not Because of Israel’s Righteousness

9 Hear, Israel: You are now about to cross the Jordan^(A) to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you,^(B) with large cities^(C) that have walls up to the sky.^(D)

⁵ It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity^(A) that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness^(B) of these nations,^(C) the Lord your God will drive them out^(D) before you, to accomplish what he swore^(E) to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.^(F)

²² The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little.^(A) You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you. ²³ But the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed.^(B)