Deuteronomy 20:17

For you must devote them to complete destruction--the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites--as the LORD your God has commanded you,

Study Bible

You must completely destroy them
This phrase underscores the divine command for total destruction, known in Hebrew as "herem," which means to devote something to God by completely destroying it. This was not merely a military strategy but a theological act of obedience. The command reflects the seriousness of maintaining the purity of Israel's worship and the danger of syncretism with pagan practices. Historically, this was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare, where conquered peoples and their gods were often annihilated to demonstrate the supremacy of the victor's deity.

the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites
These groups represent the inhabitants of the Promised Land at the time of Israel's conquest. Each of these nations had their own distinct cultures and religious practices, often characterized by idolatry and immorality, which were abominable to the God of Israel. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of these peoples, with records of the Hittites, for example, found in ancient Anatolia. The Amorites were known as a powerful group in Mesopotamia, while the Canaanites were the primary inhabitants of the land. The Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites were smaller groups, with the Jebusites notably occupying Jerusalem. The command to destroy these nations was rooted in the need to prevent Israel from adopting their corrupt practices, which would lead them away from the covenant with Yahweh.

as the LORD your God has commanded you
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the command. The use of "LORD" in all capitals signifies the translation of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, the personal name of God revealed to Moses. It highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to God's commands was paramount. The phrase "your God" personalizes this relationship, reminding Israel of their unique status as God's chosen people. The historical context of this command is rooted in the covenantal promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, where God promised to give their descendants the land of Canaan. The command to destroy these nations was not an act of arbitrary violence but a fulfillment of divine justice and a means to establish a holy nation set apart for God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hittites
An ancient group of people who lived in the region of Anatolia and were known for their advanced civilization and conflicts with Egypt and other neighboring nations.

2. Amorites
A Semitic people who occupied large parts of Mesopotamia and the Levant, often mentioned in the Bible as inhabitants of Canaan.

3. Canaanites
The original inhabitants of the land of Canaan, which God promised to the Israelites. They were known for their polytheistic beliefs and practices.

4. Perizzites
A group of people living in the land of Canaan, often mentioned alongside other Canaanite tribes.

5. Hivites
Another Canaanite tribe, known for their interactions with the Israelites, including the Gibeonites who deceived Joshua.

6. Jebusites
The inhabitants of Jerusalem before it was conquered by King David. They were one of the tribes that the Israelites were commanded to drive out.

Teaching Points

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 in our lives.

Holiness and Separation
The command to destroy these nations was to prevent the Israelites from adopting their sinful practices. We are called to be holy and separate from the sinful influences of the world.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
The Israelites had to trust that God's commands, even those that seemed harsh, were part of His sovereign plan. We are reminded to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty in our lives.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The failure to fully obey God's command led to future problems for Israel, as seen in the continued presence of these tribes. Disobedience can have long-term consequences in our spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the reasons God commanded the Israelites to completely destroy these specific tribes, and how does this reflect His character and purposes?

2. How can we apply the principle of separation from sinful influences in our modern context, while still engaging with the world around us?

3. In what ways does the command in Deuteronomy 20:17 challenge our understanding of God's justice and mercy?

4. How does the concept of obedience in this passage relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about following God's commands?

5. Reflect on a time when you struggled with obedience to God's will. What lessons can you learn from the Israelites' experience in Deuteronomy 20:17?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 23:23-33
This passage outlines God's promise to send an angel before the Israelites to bring them into the land of the Canaanites and other tribes, commanding them not to make covenants with these peoples or their gods.

Joshua 6:17-21
The account of the fall of Jericho, where the Israelites were commanded to destroy everything in the city as an act of devotion to the Lord, similar to the command in Deuteronomy 20:17.

1 Samuel 15:3
God's command to Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, which parallels the command to destroy the Canaanite tribes.