Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 20 - Verse 17

In this verse, God commands the Israelites to completely destroy the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. This commandment is a part of God's plan to fulfill his promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. These seven nations were occupying the land that God had promised to the descendants of Abraham, and their idolatrous practices and wicked ways were seen as a threat to the spiritual purity and destiny of God's chosen people. The destruction of these nations was not an act of cruelty, but rather a necessary measure to prevent the corruption of the Israelites and to establish them as a holy nation dedicated to serving the one true God. The Israelites were instructed to carry out this task with faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, trusting in his wisdom and righteousness.

In this verse, the command to "utterly destroy" the various tribes listed by God may seem perplexing and troubling to modern readers. However, it is important to understand the historical and theological context in which this command was given. The conquest of Canaan by the Israelites was seen as a necessary step in fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. The tribes mentioned were known for their idolatry, immorality, and wicked practices, which threatened to lead the Israelites into sin and away from worshiping the one true God.

Furthermore, the language of "utterly destroy" was likely a hyperbolic expression meant to convey the seriousness of separating the Israelites from the influence of these pagan nations. It was not necessarily a directive to annihilate every man, woman, and child, but rather to completely remove their influence and presence from the land. This interpretation is supported by other passages in the Bible where these same tribes are later encountered, indicating that the command was not carried out in a literal sense.

Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the holiness and sovereignty of God, who calls his people to obedience and faithfulness in following his commands, even when they are difficult to understand or accept. It also underscores the importance of being vigilant against the temptations of the world, which can lead us astray from God's purposes and plans for our lives.