Deuteronomy 7:2

and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.

Study Bible

and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and power of God in the battles Israel faces. The deliverance of enemies into Israel's hands is a fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs (Genesis 15:18-21). It underscores the divine initiative in Israel's conquest of Canaan, highlighting that victory is not by their own strength but by God's intervention (Joshua 1:3-5). This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a warrior who fights for His people (Exodus 14:14). The historical context involves the Israelites entering the Promised Land, a region inhabited by various Canaanite tribes, each with its own fortified cities and armies.

then you must devote them to complete destruction
The command to devote to destruction, or "herem," involves the total annihilation of the Canaanite peoples and their religious practices. This is not merely a military strategy but a theological mandate to purify the land from idolatry and moral corruption (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). The cultural context of the Canaanites included practices such as child sacrifice and temple prostitution, which were abominations to the LORD (Leviticus 18:24-30). This command foreshadows the ultimate judgment of sin and evil, pointing to the eschatological destruction of all that opposes God (Revelation 19:11-21). It also serves as a type of Christ's victory over sin and death, where He completely destroys the power of the enemy (1 Corinthians 15:24-26).

Make no treaty with them
This prohibition against making treaties is a safeguard against syncretism and the dilution of Israel's covenant identity. Treaties in the ancient Near East often involved political alliances and religious syncretism, which could lead Israel away from exclusive worship of Yahweh (Exodus 23:32-33). The command reflects the need for Israel to remain distinct and holy, set apart for God's purposes (Leviticus 20:26). This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are warned against being unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

and show them no mercy
The instruction to show no mercy is a difficult and often controversial aspect of the text, reflecting the severity of God's judgment against sin. It underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of idolatry, which can lead to spiritual and moral decay (Deuteronomy 7:4). The historical context involves the need to prevent Israel from adopting Canaanite religious practices, which would lead to their downfall (Judges 2:1-3). This command is not a general principle for all time but specific to the conquest of Canaan, highlighting the unique role of Israel in God's redemptive history. It points to the ultimate justice of God, where mercy is extended through Christ, but judgment remains for those who reject Him (John 3:36).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who commands and empowers His people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are entering the Promised Land.

3. Canaanites
The inhabitants of the Promised Land, whom God commands to be destroyed.

4. Promised Land (Canaan)
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's commandments to the people.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
God’s instructions to Israel were clear and required complete obedience. This teaches us the importance of following God's commands fully, without compromise.

Holiness and Separation
The command to destroy the Canaanites was about maintaining the holiness of God's people. As Christians, we are called to be separate from sin and the influences of the world.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
The Israelites were to trust that God would deliver their enemies into their hands. We, too, must trust in God's sovereignty and His plans for our lives.

The Danger of Compromise
Making treaties with the Canaanites would lead to spiritual compromise. We must be vigilant against compromising our faith and values.

God's Justice and Mercy
While the command seems harsh, it reflects God's justice against sin. It also points to the mercy available through Christ, who took the punishment for sin on our behalf.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to devote the Canaanites to destruction reflect God's holiness and justice?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of separation from sin in our daily lives?

3. How does the account of Saul in 1 Samuel 15 illustrate the consequences of partial obedience?

4. What are some modern-day "treaties" or compromises that Christians might be tempted to make, and how can we avoid them?

5. How can we balance the call to be separate from the world with the command to love and reach out to those who do not know Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 6
The fall of Jericho, where the Israelites follow God's command to devote the city to destruction.

1 Samuel 15
God's command to Saul to destroy the Amalekites, illustrating the importance of obedience.

Exodus 23
God's earlier instructions about driving out the inhabitants of the land.

Romans 12
The call for Christians to live in holiness and not conform to the world, reflecting the separation God required of Israel.

2 Corinthians 6
The exhortation for believers to be separate from unbelievers, echoing the call for Israel to avoid treaties with the Canaanites.