Deuteronomy 7:16

You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God will deliver to you. Do not look on them with pity. Do not worship their gods, for that will be a snare to you.

Study Bible

You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God will deliver to you.
This command was given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The destruction of these peoples was not an act of unwarranted aggression but a divine judgment against nations that had reached the fullness of their iniquity (Genesis 15:16). The Canaanites were known for practices such as child sacrifice and idolatry, which were abominations to God. This command also served to protect Israel from being led astray by the pagan practices of these nations. Theologically, this reflects God's holiness and justice, as well as His desire for His people to remain pure and devoted to Him alone.

Do not look on them with pity.
This phrase underscores the seriousness of the command. Pity could lead to disobedience, which would result in Israel adopting the detestable practices of the Canaanites. The Israelites were to be instruments of God's judgment, and any deviation from this command could compromise their mission and relationship with God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the necessity of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the story of Saul's incomplete obedience in 1 Samuel 15.

Do not worship their gods,
The prohibition against worshiping the gods of the conquered peoples is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. The Israelites were to worship Yahweh alone, as stated in the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). The worship of other gods would lead to spiritual adultery and a breach of the covenant relationship with God. This warning is echoed throughout the history of Israel, as seen in the repeated cycles of idolatry and repentance in the Book of Judges.

for that will be a snare to you.
The term "snare" indicates a trap or a source of entanglement. Idolatry would ensnare the Israelites, leading them away from God and into spiritual bondage. This warning is prophetic, as Israel's history shows that they often fell into the trap of idolatry, leading to their eventual exile. The New Testament also warns believers to avoid being ensnared by the world (Hebrews 12:1), emphasizing the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual purity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being instructed by Moses in this passage as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who commands the Israelites to destroy the nations in the Promised Land.

3. The Canaanite Nations
The peoples inhabiting the Promised Land, whom God commands the Israelites to destroy to prevent idolatry.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's commandments to the people.

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

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites are called to complete obedience, which includes difficult tasks. This teaches us the importance of following God's commands fully, even when they are challenging.

The Danger of Idolatry
The command to destroy the nations is rooted in the danger of idolatry. We must be vigilant in identifying and removing modern-day idols from our lives, whether they be material possessions, relationships, or ideologies that take precedence over God.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
The command reflects God's sovereign right to judge nations. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine justice.

Separation from Sin
The Israelites were to be distinct from the nations around them. As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of it, maintaining a distinct identity in Christ.

Trust in God's Deliverance
The Israelites were assured of victory because God would deliver their enemies into their hands. We can trust in God's power and faithfulness to deliver us from spiritual battles.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to destroy the Canaanite nations reflect God's holiness and justice?

2. In what ways can modern Christians identify and remove idols from their lives, drawing parallels to the command given to the Israelites?

3. How does the concept of being "in the world but not of it" apply to the command for the Israelites to remain distinct from the Canaanite nations?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure complete obedience to God's commands in our daily lives?

5. How can we trust in God's deliverance in our spiritual battles, and what scriptures support this trust?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 23:32-33
This passage also warns against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land and serving their gods, emphasizing the danger of idolatry.

Joshua 23:12-13
Joshua reiterates the warning against associating with the remaining nations and the consequences of turning to their gods.

Judges 2:2-3
The Israelites' failure to fully obey this command leads to ongoing struggles with idolatry and oppression by surrounding nations.

1 Corinthians 10:14
Paul warns the Corinthians to flee from idolatry, echoing the Old Testament's consistent message against idol worship.