The phrase "nations around them" often refers to the various peoples and kingdoms that surrounded the nation of Israel throughout its history. These nations played significant roles in the biblical narrative, influencing Israel both politically and spiritually. The interactions between Israel and these nations are a recurring theme in the Old Testament, highlighting issues of idolatry, warfare, and divine judgment.

Canaanites: The Canaanites were the original inhabitants of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. They were known for their idolatrous practices, which included the worship of Baal and Asherah. God commanded the Israelites to drive out the Canaanites to avoid being led astray by their practices (Deuteronomy 7:1-5). Despite this, the Israelites often fell into the trap of adopting Canaanite customs, leading to cycles of sin and repentance as recorded in the Book of Judges.

Philistines: The Philistines were a significant adversary of Israel during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. They were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. The Philistines are perhaps best known for their conflicts with Samson (Judges 13-16) and their battles against King Saul and King David. The account of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) is one of the most famous accounts of Israel's struggle against the Philistines.

Moabites and Ammonites: These two nations were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew (Genesis 19:36-38). The Moabites and Ammonites frequently clashed with Israel. The Moabite king Balak attempted to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam (Numbers 22-24), and the Ammonites were often at war with Israel during the time of the Judges and King Saul (Judges 11, 1 Samuel 11).

Edomites: The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother (Genesis 36:1). Their territory was located to the south of Israel. The relationship between Israel and Edom was marked by hostility and conflict, as seen in the refusal of Edom to allow Israel passage through their land during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21). The Edomites were later subjugated by King David (2 Samuel 8:13-14).

Amalekites: The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe that frequently harassed the Israelites. They were the first to attack Israel after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8-16), leading to a divine decree of their eventual destruction. King Saul's failure to completely destroy the Amalekites led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15).

Assyrians and Babylonians: These powerful empires played crucial roles in the history of Israel and Judah. The Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, leading to the dispersion of the ten tribes (2 Kings 17:6). The Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC, resulting in the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 25:8-12).

Egyptians: Egypt was both a place of refuge and a source of oppression for the Israelites. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt before their miraculous deliverance through Moses (Exodus 1-14). Throughout their history, Israel often looked to Egypt for military alliances, despite prophetic warnings against such reliance (Isaiah 31:1).

Syrians (Arameans): The Arameans, centered in Damascus, were frequent adversaries of Israel during the period of the divided kingdom. They engaged in numerous conflicts with the northern kingdom of Israel, as seen in the accounts of King Ahab and King Jehoram (1 Kings 20, 2 Kings 6-7).

The nations surrounding Israel served as instruments of God's judgment and as tests of Israel's faithfulness. The prophets often warned Israel against adopting the idolatrous practices of these nations and called them to trust in Yahweh alone. The interactions with these nations underscore the biblical themes of covenant faithfulness, divine sovereignty, and the call to holiness.