Psalm 106:34

They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them,

Study Bible

They did not destroy
This phrase highlights a significant act of disobedience by the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "destroy" is "שָׁמַד" (shamad), which means to annihilate or exterminate. In the context of ancient Israel, this command was not merely about physical destruction but about removing the influence of pagan cultures and practices that could lead the Israelites away from their covenant with God. Historically, this failure to fully obey God's command led to the Israelites being influenced by the very cultures they were meant to eradicate, resulting in spiritual and moral decline.

the peoples
The term "peoples" refers to the various Canaanite nations inhabiting the Promised Land. These groups, including the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, were known for their idolatrous practices and moral corruption. From an archaeological perspective, evidence of these cultures' practices, such as child sacrifice and temple prostitution, underscores the severity of their influence. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart for God, and the presence of these peoples posed a direct threat to their spiritual purity and mission.

as the LORD had commanded them
This phrase underscores the divine authority behind the command. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "צָוָה" (tsavah), which implies a direct order or charge. The LORD's commands were not arbitrary but were given for the protection and spiritual well-being of His people. Scripturally, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience was a sign of faithfulness and trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. The failure to follow God's command reveals a lack of faith and understanding of the consequences of disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were commanded to conquer and inhabit the Promised Land.

2. The Canaanites
The peoples inhabiting the land of Canaan, whom God commanded the Israelites to destroy due to their idolatry and wickedness.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who gave specific commands regarding the conquest of Canaan.

5. The Conquest of Canaan
The historical event where the Israelites, under God's command, were to take possession of the land of Canaan.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' failure to fully obey God's command to destroy the Canaanites serves as a reminder of the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions.

Consequences of Disobedience
The Israelites' disobedience led to spiritual and moral compromise, showing that partial obedience is still disobedience.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as the Israelites were to remove the Canaanites, Christians are called to remove sin from their lives, recognizing the spiritual battle against sin and temptation.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's command to destroy the Canaanites reflects His justice and sovereignty, reminding us that His ways and judgments are perfect, even when they are difficult to understand.

Holiness and Separation
The call to destroy the Canaanites was also a call to holiness, separating the Israelites from pagan influences. Christians are similarly called to be holy and set apart.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the specific reasons God commanded the Israelites to destroy the Canaanite peoples, and how does this reflect His character?

2. How does the failure of the Israelites to fully obey God's command in Psalm 106:34 relate to the challenges Christians face in fully obeying God's Word today?

3. In what ways can the account of the Israelites' incomplete obedience serve as a warning for us in our spiritual lives?

4. How can we apply the principle of holiness and separation from worldly influences in our daily walk with Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when partial obedience led to negative consequences in your life. How can you learn from that experience to pursue complete obedience to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
This passage provides the original command from God to the Israelites to destroy the Canaanite nations completely.

Judges 1:27-36
Describes the failure of the Israelites to fully drive out the Canaanites, leading to future problems.

Joshua 23:12-13
Warns the Israelites of the consequences of not driving out the remaining nations, including becoming ensnared by their gods.

1 Samuel 15:18-23
Illustrates the importance of obedience to God's commands through the account of King Saul's incomplete obedience.