The treatment of Canaanite cities as described in the Bible is a significant aspect of Israel's history and God's covenantal relationship with His people. The conquest of Canaan, as recorded in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua, provides insight into the divine instructions given to the Israelites regarding the inhabitants of the land they were to possess.

Divine Command and Purpose

The Israelites' approach to the Canaanite cities was governed by divine command. In Deuteronomy 7:1-2 , God instructs the Israelites: "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. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy."

The purpose of this command was multifaceted. Primarily, it was to prevent the Israelites from being led astray by the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites, which were abhorrent to God. Deuteronomy 20:16-18 further clarifies: "However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes. You must completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods, and so cause you to sin against the LORD your God."

Implementation in the Conquest

The book of Joshua details the implementation of these commands during the conquest of Canaan. Joshua 6 describes the fall of Jericho, where the Israelites, following God's specific instructions, marched around the city for seven days, culminating in its walls collapsing. Joshua 6:21 states, "At the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys."

Similarly, the city of Ai was captured and destroyed as recorded in Joshua 8. The Israelites set an ambush, and after drawing the men of Ai out of the city, they captured and burned it. Joshua 8:26-28 recounts, "For Joshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai. But Israel took for themselves the livestock and plunder of that city, according to the word of the LORD that He had commanded Joshua. So Joshua burned Ai and made it a permanent heap of ruins, a desolation to this day."

Exceptions and Mercy

While the general command was to destroy the Canaanite cities, there were notable exceptions where mercy was shown. The account of Rahab in Joshua 2 and 6 illustrates this. Rahab, a Canaanite woman living in Jericho, hid the Israelite spies and acknowledged the God of Israel. As a result, she and her family were spared during the destruction of Jericho (Joshua 6:25).

Additionally, the Gibeonites, through deception, secured a treaty with Israel (Joshua 9). Although the treaty was made under false pretenses, the Israelites honored it, and the Gibeonites were spared from destruction, becoming servants to the Israelites (Joshua 9:26-27).

Theological Implications

The treatment of Canaanite cities raises significant theological questions about divine justice, mercy, and the holiness of God. The commands to destroy the Canaanite cities were rooted in God's desire to establish a holy people set apart for His purposes. The eradication of idolatry and the prevention of syncretism were paramount in maintaining the purity of Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God.

The narrative of the conquest of Canaan serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and idolatry, as well as His faithfulness to His promises. The treatment of Canaanite cities, while difficult to comprehend fully, underscores the broader biblical themes of judgment, redemption, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity.