However, in the cities of the nations that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes. However, in the cities of the nationsThe command concerns the Canaanite peoples occupying the land Israel was about to enter. Unlike distant cities, which could be offered terms of peace, these fortified centers stood under God’s direct judgment for generations of idolatry, sexual immorality, violence, and child sacrifice (Genesis 15:16; Leviticus 18:24–25; Deuteronomy 12:31). Deu 7:1-2 When the LORD your God brings you into the land… that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, Canaan belonged to the Lord, who granted it to Israel in fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Israel received the land as a gift, not as a reward for superior righteousness, and was responsible to preserve it as a place of faithful worship and covenant obedience. Deu 4:21 The LORD, however, was angry with me because of you… you must not leave alive anything that breathes. God required complete destruction of the Canaanite cities so that their gods, altars, customs, and corrupting influence would not remain to draw Israel away from Him (Deuteronomy 20:17–18). The judgment was limited to this historical conquest under God’s command and was not a mandate for Israel’s ordinary warfare or for later believers. Rahab’s rescue demonstrates that God received those who turned from their former allegiance and trusted Him. The severity of Canaan’s judgment reveals the holiness of God and anticipates the final judgment of sin, from which Christ delivers all who come to Him in faith. Jos 10:40 So Joshua conquered the whole region—the hill country… Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being instructed on how to conduct themselves in warfare as they enter the Promised Land. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who is giving these commands to His people through Moses. 3. The Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants, and which the Israelites are about to enter and conquer. 4. The Canaanite Nations The inhabitants of the land that God is giving to the Israelites, who are to be completely destroyed according to this command. 5. Moses The leader of the Israelites, who is delivering God's laws and instructions to the people. Teaching Points Understanding God's JusticeThis passage reflects God's justice and holiness. The command to destroy the Canaanite nations is a divine judgment on their sinfulness and idolatry. The Seriousness of Sin The complete destruction commanded here underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and idolatry. It serves as a reminder of the need for holiness in our own lives. Obedience to God's Commands The Israelites were called to obey God's commands fully, even when they were difficult. This teaches us the importance of complete obedience to God's will. The Role of Context in Scripture Understanding the historical and cultural context of this command helps us to interpret its meaning and application for today. The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ While the Old Testament contains difficult commands, the New Testament reveals how Christ fulfills the Law and offers a new way of understanding God's justice and mercy. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of Deuteronomy 20:16 help us interpret its meaning for today?2. In what ways does the command to destroy the Canaanite nations reflect God's justice and holiness? 3. How can we apply the principle of complete obedience to God's commands in our own lives? 4. How does the New Testament teaching on love and mercy relate to the Old Testament commands of warfare and destruction? 5. What lessons can we learn from the account of King Saul's incomplete obedience in 1 Samuel 15, and how does it relate to Deuteronomy 20:16? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 6The conquest of Jericho, where the Israelites follow God's command to destroy everything in the city, exemplifying the application of this command. 1 Samuel 15 The account of King Saul's incomplete obedience in the destruction of the Amalekites, highlighting the importance of following God's commands fully. Genesis 15:16 God's promise to Abraham about the iniquity of the Amorites, providing context for the judgment on the Canaanite nations. Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus' teaching on the fulfillment of the Law, offering a New Testament perspective on Old Testament commands. Romans 12:19 The principle of leaving vengeance to God, which can be contrasted with the direct commands given to Israel in the Old Testament.
People Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, PerizzitesPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Alive, Anything, Breathes, Breatheth, Breathing, Cities, Death, Gives, Giveth, Giving, Heritage, Howbeit, Inheritance, Kept, Leave, Nations, Nothing, Peoples, Save, TownsDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 20:1-20Library 'Fit, Though Few''Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2. And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against Me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. 3. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Sharon. Caphar Lodim. The Village of those of Lydda. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 20:16 NIVDeuteronomy 20:16 NLT Deuteronomy 20:16 ESV Deuteronomy 20:16 NASB Deuteronomy 20:16 KJV Deuteronomy 20:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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