The command to destroy the nations is a significant theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. This directive is primarily found in the Pentateuch and the historical books, where God instructs the Israelites to annihilate the inhabitants of Canaan and other surrounding nations. The command is rooted in divine judgment, the preservation of Israel's purity, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Biblical Foundation

The command is first articulated in the Book of Exodus, where God promises to drive out the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites from the land He has given to the Israelites. In Exodus 23:23-24 , God instructs, "For My angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and I will annihilate them. You must not bow down to their gods or serve them or follow their practices. Instead, you are to demolish them and smash their sacred stones to pieces."

The Book of Deuteronomy reiterates and expands upon this command. Deuteronomy 7:1-2 states, "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you—and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy."

Theological Rationale

The command to destroy the nations is often understood as an act of divine judgment against the Canaanites and other peoples for their idolatry, immorality, and abominable practices. Leviticus 18:24-25 warns, "Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its iniquity, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants."

Furthermore, the command serves to protect the Israelites from the corrupting influence of pagan religions and practices. Deuteronomy 20:16-18 emphasizes this point: "However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes. For you must devote them to complete destruction—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods, and so cause you to sin against the LORD your God."

Historical Context

The historical books of Joshua and Judges provide accounts of the Israelites' efforts to carry out this command. The Book of Joshua details the initial conquests and the allocation of the land among the tribes of Israel. Joshua 6:21 describes the destruction of Jericho: "At the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, ox, sheep, and donkey."

However, the Book of Judges reveals the incomplete nature of this conquest, as many Canaanite groups remained in the land, leading to ongoing conflicts and spiritual compromise. Judges 1:27-28 notes, "At that time Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, or Megiddo and their surrounding settlements, because the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. When Israel became stronger, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor, but they never drove them out completely."

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The command to destroy the nations raises complex moral and ethical questions, particularly in modern discussions. It is essential to understand this directive within its historical and theological context, recognizing it as a unique and specific command for a particular time and purpose in redemptive history. The command underscores the holiness and justice of God, as well as the seriousness of sin and idolatry.

Conclusion

The command to destroy the nations is a profound and challenging aspect of the biblical narrative, reflecting God's sovereignty, justice, and the unfolding of His covenant promises to Israel. It serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the dangers of spiritual compromise.