The phrase "The Nations Driven Out" refers to the various peoples and tribes that inhabited the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites, as described in the Old Testament. This event is a significant aspect of the biblical narrative, illustrating God's fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs and His judgment upon the idolatrous practices of these nations.

Biblical Context

The driving out of the nations is primarily documented in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants, a promise reiterated to Isaac, Jacob, and ultimately the nation of Israel. In Genesis 15:18-21 , God delineates the land that would be given to Abraham's descendants, listing the peoples who would be displaced: "On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.'"

Reasons for Displacement

The displacement of these nations is attributed to their sinful practices, particularly idolatry and moral corruption. In Leviticus 18:24-25 , God warns Israel not to follow the detestable customs of these nations: "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 sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants."

Divine Command and Execution

God's command to drive out the nations is explicitly stated in Deuteronomy 7:1-2 : "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."

The execution of this command is detailed in the book of Joshua, where the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, conquer and settle in the Promised Land. Joshua 11:23 summarizes the fulfillment of this divine mandate: "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."

Theological Significance

The driving out of the nations serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It underscores the holiness required by God and the consequences of idolatry and immorality. The narrative also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites were warned that failure to fully drive out these nations would lead to future troubles and temptations (Numbers 33:55-56).

Historical and Archaeological Considerations

From a historical and archaeological perspective, the conquest of Canaan and the displacement of its inhabitants have been subjects of extensive study and debate. While some evidence supports the biblical account, the historical details and timelines are often discussed among scholars. Nonetheless, the biblical narrative remains a foundational element of Judeo-Christian heritage, reflecting theological truths and moral lessons.

Conclusion

The account of the nations driven out is a complex and multifaceted narrative within the Bible, illustrating God's judgment, the fulfillment of His promises, and the call to holiness for His people.