Deuteronomy 20:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 20:17
17 But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 20 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, prayer, 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 essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 20:17
17 But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:
Analysis
But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee—The seven nations listed represent complete Canaanite civilization. Utterly destroy (הַחֲרֵם תַּחֲרִימֵם, hacharem tacharimem, intensive doubling: 'you shall certainly devote to destruction') emphasizes non-negotiable obedience. The phrase as the LORD thy God hath commanded anchors this in divine authority, not human cruelty.
This isn't genocide (ethnic elimination) but theocide (false-god elimination). Rahab and the Gibeonites survived by embracing YHWH (Joshua 2, 9)—proving ethnicity wasn't the issue, idolatry was. Similarly, God demands spiritual herem: Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). No quarter given to indwelling sin.
Historical Context
These seven nations formed Canaan's dominant cultures. Israel conquered under Joshua (1406-1399 BC) but failed to complete the herem, leaving pockets of Canaanite population. Judges records the predictable result: The anger of the LORD was hot against Israel for serving Baals and Ashtoreths (Judges 2:13-14).
Reflection
- How does Rahab's salvation (ethnic Canaanite who embraced YHWH) prove God's target was idolatry, not ethnicity?
- What sins are you 'managing' rather than 'devoting to destruction' (mortifying completely)?
- How does Colossians 3:5's 'mortify' (put to death) demand the same ruthlessness toward personal sin that Israel applied to Canaanites?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)