In the context of the Bible, the term "natives" often refers to the indigenous peoples of a particular land or region. The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, frequently addresses the interactions between the Israelites and the native populations of Canaan and surrounding areas. These interactions are significant in understanding the historical and theological narratives of the Scriptures.

Canaanites and Other Indigenous Peoples

The Canaanites are among the most frequently mentioned native groups in the Bible. They inhabited the land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. In Genesis 15:18-21 , God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him the land of various native groups, including the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. These groups were known for their idolatrous practices, which were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh.

The Israelites' conquest of Canaan, as described in the Book of Joshua, involved the displacement and destruction of these native peoples. Joshua 11:20 states, "For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be completely destroyed without mercy and be annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses." This divine mandate was intended to prevent the Israelites from adopting the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites.

Interactions and Conflicts

Throughout the historical books of the Old Testament, the Israelites' interactions with native populations are marked by both conflict and coexistence. In Judges 2:1-3 , the Angel of the LORD rebukes the Israelites for failing to drive out the native inhabitants completely, warning that they would become "thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you."

Despite these conflicts, there are instances of peaceful coexistence and integration. Rahab, a Canaanite woman, is a notable example. Her faith and assistance to the Israelite spies in Jericho led to her and her family's preservation (Joshua 6:25). Rahab is later mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5), highlighting the inclusion of non-Israelites in God's redemptive plan.

Theological Implications

The interactions with native populations in the Bible carry significant theological implications. The conquest of Canaan is often viewed as a divine judgment against the sinful practices of its inhabitants. Deuteronomy 9:4-5 emphasizes that the Israelites were not given the land because of their righteousness but because of the wickedness of the native peoples and to fulfill God's promise to the patriarchs.

Moreover, the inclusion of non-Israelites, such as Rahab and Ruth, in the lineage of Jesus underscores the universal scope of God's salvation plan. The prophetic literature, particularly in books like Isaiah, envisions a future where all nations, including native peoples, will come to worship the God of Israel (Isaiah 2:2-3).

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical land and native peoples to a spiritual kingdom encompassing all nations. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 commands the disciples to "make disciples of all nations," indicating the expansion of God's covenant community beyond ethnic and geographical boundaries.

The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, encounters various native populations across the Roman Empire. His message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is extended to both Jews and Gentiles, breaking down the barriers between native and foreigner (Ephesians 2:14-16).

Conclusion

The biblical narrative concerning natives is complex, involving themes of judgment, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The interactions between the Israelites and native populations serve as a backdrop for understanding God's unfolding plan of salvation, which ultimately transcends ethnic and cultural divisions.915. barbaros -- barbarous, barbarian
... for unintelligible sounds Definition barbarous, barbarian NASB Word Usage
barbarian (3), barbarians (1), natives (2). barbarian. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/915.htm - 7k

Europeans in India.
... In these different departments Europeans are in constant intercourse with
natives of every class from the highest to the lowest. ...
/.../chapter xxx europeans in india.htm

Habits and Condition of the People. Mission Work and Retirement.
... built on them. Though so near the plains, this lakelet was till 1842 unknown,
except to natives and a few English officials. In that ...
/.../chapter xxiii habits and condition.htm

Indian Religions.
... The natives of CANADA have an idea of the Supreme Being; and they all, in general,
agree in looking upon him as the First Spirit, and the Governor and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/indian religions.htm

Essay vi. "The Way of Ancient Ordinance, Though it Winds, is yet ...
... With the exception of the governor and of the public secretary, both of whom
undoubtedly should be natives of Great Britain and appointed by the British ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay vi the way of.htm

The First Year --Society and Climate.
... they met, though only a few desired their intercourse. [Sidenote: EUROPEANS
AND NATIVES.]. As to the people of the land, both Hindu ...
/.../chapter vi the first yearsociety.htm

Catholic Missions
... St. Francis threw himself generously into the work of re-awakening the faith of
the Portuguese before attempting the conversion of the natives. ...
/.../chapter v catholic missions.htm

Carey's Christian University for the People of India
... sketched, under the providence of God there have been two notable developments in
the conditions of Indian life"(1) the educated Christian natives of India ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xv careys christian university.htm

Kallihirua on Board the "Assistance"
... Captain Ommanney, accompanied by Captain Penny, with his interpreter, immediately
returned to Cape York, and had a long interview with the natives. ...
/.../murray/kalli the esquimaux christian /kallihirua on board the assistance.htm

Colonization.
... Queen Isabel of Spain; and with them, in the year 1492, came to the islands which
he named the West Indies, lovely places, full of gentle natives with skins of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxxiii colonization.htm

How the Britons Obtained their First victory Over the Angles ...
... When the army of the enemy, having destroyed and dispersed the natives, had returned
home to their own settlements,^ the Britons began by degrees to take heart ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xvi how the britons.htm

Natives (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Natives (6 Occurrences). Acts 28:2 The natives
showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and ...
/n/natives.htm - 8k

Lystra (6 Occurrences)
... story in Acts a fast distinction is implied, and in fact existed, between the ideas
and practices of the Greeks and the Roman colonists and those of the natives...
/l/lystra.htm - 14k

Native-born (16 Occurrences)
Native-born. Native, Native-born. Natives . Multi-Version Concordance ... (WEB NAS
RSV NIV). Native, Native-born. Natives . Reference Bible.
/n/native-born.htm - 11k

Sojourners (37 Occurrences)
... houses, for any 'one' eating anything fermented -- that person hath been cut off
from the company of Israel, among the sojourners or among the natives of the ...
/s/sojourners.htm - 18k

Ostrich (9 Occurrences)
... The outer layer of eggs is generally so ill covered that they are destroyed in
quantities by jackals, wild-cats, etc., and that the natives carry them away ...
/o/ostrich.htm - 18k

Tarsus (5 Occurrences)
... It did not by itself bestow Roman citizenship on the Tarsinas, but doubtless there
were many natives of the city to whom Pompey, Caesar, Antony and Augustus ...
/t/tarsus.htm - 30k

Ethiopia (26 Occurrences)
... But by the side of these natives of K'sh, the artist also represents various
reddish-brown varieties; for from the beginning of historic time t...
/e/ethiopia.htm - 45k

Papyrus (4 Occurrences)
... In 1820 another body of papyri was found by natives, buried, it was said, in an
earthen pot, on the site of the Serapeum at Memphis, just above Cairo. ...
/p/papyrus.htm - 34k

Nativity (9 Occurrences)

/n/nativity.htm - 11k

Vessels (210 Occurrences)
... Samuel 17:28). The generous natives brought not only gifts of food but the
necessary vessels in which to cook it. An earthen vessel ...
/v/vessels.htm - 40k

What is religious syncretism? | GotQuestions.org

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Why is so much of the world still unevangelized? | GotQuestions.org

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