The concept of nations being driven out is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Israelites entering the Promised Land. This theme is deeply rooted in the covenantal promises made by God to the patriarchs and is a significant aspect of Israel's history and theology.

Biblical Foundation

The driving out of nations is primarily associated with the conquest of Canaan, as recorded in the books of Exodus, Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges. God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants, a promise reiterated to Isaac and Jacob. This land was inhabited by various nations, including the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

In Genesis 15:18-21, God makes a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites."

Divine Command and Purpose

The command to drive out these nations is given explicitly in several passages. 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 purpose of driving out these nations was multifaceted. It was a fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs, a judgment against the nations for their iniquity, and a means to prevent Israel from being led astray by pagan practices and idolatry. Deuteronomy 9:4-5 emphasizes that it was not because of Israel's righteousness that they were given the land, but because of the wickedness of these nations and to fulfill God's promise to the patriarchs.

Historical Fulfillment

The book of Joshua details the conquest of Canaan, where Joshua leads the Israelites in driving out the inhabitants of the land. Joshua 11:23 states, "So Joshua took the entire land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. Then the land had rest from war."

However, the complete driving out of the nations was not fully realized. Judges 1:27-28 records that some tribes did not fully drive out the inhabitants, leading to future conflicts and spiritual compromise. This partial obedience had long-term consequences for Israel, as the remaining nations became a snare to them, as warned in Numbers 33:55.

Theological Implications

The driving out of nations underscores the holiness and justice of God, who judges sin and fulfills His promises. It also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dangers of compromise with the surrounding culture. The narrative serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the necessity of faithfulness to His covenant.

New Testament Reflection

While the New Testament does not directly address the driving out of nations, it reflects on the spiritual battles faced by believers. Ephesians 6:12 speaks of the struggle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. The call to spiritual vigilance and purity echoes the Old Testament call to separate from pagan influences.

In summary, the theme of nations being driven out is a testament to God's faithfulness, justice, and the call for His people to live in holiness, distinct from the surrounding nations.