Deuteronomy 20:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 20:16
16 But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 20 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, wisdom, covenant. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 20:16
16 But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:
Analysis
But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth—The Canaanite herem demanded total destruction: nothing that breatheth (כָּל־נְשָׁמָה, kol-neshamah, literally 'every breath'). This wasn't ethnic cleansing but spiritual surgery—removing cancer threatening Israel's covenant relationship. God's explicit command (next verse) makes His purpose clear: prevent idolatry contagion.
Israel's incomplete obedience (failing to execute full herem) caused centuries of apostasy. They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them: But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works...Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people (Psalm 106:34-35, 40). Spiritual compromise never stays contained; it metastasizes. Jesus demands similar ruthlessness with personal sin: If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out (Matthew 5:29)—radical amputation prevents spiritual death.
Historical Context
The seven Canaanite nations (Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites) occupied the Promised Land. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread child sacrifice, ritual prostitution, and brutality. God's 400-year patience (Genesis 15:16) expired; judgment came through Israel's conquest.
Reflection
- What personal sins require 'herem' (total destruction, no negotiation) rather than moderation or management?
- How did Israel's incomplete obedience (leaving Canaanites alive) warn about 'small compromises' that grow into major apostasy?
- What does Jesus's 'pluck it out' command teach about the violence necessary for defeating besetting sins?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 7:16, Joshua 10:40
- Parallel theme: Numbers 21:35, 33:52, Joshua 10:28, 11:14