The concept of driving out the inhabitants is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Israelites entering the Promised Land. This directive was given by God to the Israelites as they prepared to take possession of Canaan, a land promised to them through the covenant with Abraham. The command to drive out the inhabitants was both a divine mandate and a test of Israel's obedience and faithfulness to God.

Biblical Foundation

The command to drive out the inhabitants is first articulated in the Pentateuch. In Exodus 23:31-33, God instructs the Israelites: "I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. You must not make a covenant with them or with their gods. They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you."

This command is reiterated in Numbers 33:51-53: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, you must drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places. You are to take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess."

Theological Significance

The driving out of the inhabitants was not merely a military conquest but a spiritual cleansing. The Canaanites were known for their idolatrous practices, which included child sacrifice and other abominations detestable to the Lord. By driving them out, the Israelites were to establish a land dedicated to the worship of Yahweh alone. This act was intended to prevent the Israelites from being led astray by pagan influences and to maintain the purity of their worship.

Historical Context

The historical books of the Old Testament, particularly Joshua and Judges, detail the execution of this command. Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites experienced significant victories, such as the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the conquest of Ai (Joshua 8). However, the task was not fully completed, as some inhabitants remained in the land, leading to future conflicts and spiritual compromises.

Judges 1:27-28 highlights the incomplete obedience of the Israelites: "At that time Manasseh failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, 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 drive out the inhabitants raises moral and ethical questions, particularly in modern readings of the text. From a biblical perspective, this directive is understood as a unique, divinely ordained act of judgment against the Canaanites for their wickedness. It underscores the holiness of God and His intolerance of sin, as well as His sovereign right to judge nations.

Spiritual Lessons

For contemporary believers, the narrative of driving out the inhabitants serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battle against sin and idolatry in one's life. Just as the Israelites were called to remove all influences that could lead them away from God, Christians are exhorted to "put to death" the deeds of the flesh (Colossians 3:5) and to live lives set apart for God's purposes.

In summary, the command to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan was a critical component of Israel's covenant relationship with God, reflecting His holiness and the call for His people to be distinct from the surrounding nations.