Deuteronomy 20:17 – “Completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the Lord your God has commanded you.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Deuteronomy 20:17 commands the Israelites to completely destroy certain groups of people living in the Promised Land, specifically naming the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. This instruction was not about arbitrary violence but was a specific command from God meant to eliminate the severe spiritual and moral corruption that these nations represented. These groups were known for practices that were deeply offensive to God, such as idol worship, child sacrifice, and widespread immorality. God’s command to destroy them was both a form of divine judgment on these nations and a protective measure to prevent the Israelites from being influenced by their sinful practices. This severe action underscores the seriousness of sin and the need to remove anything that stands against God’s holiness.

Historical Context

When the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land, they were surrounded by nations whose practices were directly opposed to God’s commands. The cultures of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites were steeped in idol worship and moral corruption, which posed a significant threat to the spiritual purity of Israel. God had been patient with these nations for centuries, giving them time to turn from their ways, but they had persisted in their rebellion. By the time Israel was ready to enter the land, these nations had reached a point of no return, and God’s judgment was to be carried out through the Israelites. The command to completely destroy these groups was intended to create a clean break from the sinful influences that could lead Israel away from God.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse highlights God’s holiness and His intolerance of sin. It shows that God’s commands are not only about protecting His people but also about upholding His standards of righteousness. The destruction of these nations was a severe but necessary act to preserve the spiritual integrity of Israel. This passage teaches that God takes sin seriously and that there are consequences for persistent rebellion against Him. It also underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands, even when they are difficult to understand or carry out. God’s instructions were not arbitrary; they were grounded in His desire to establish a people who would reflect His holiness and be a light to the nations.

Literary Analysis

Deuteronomy 20:17 uses direct and forceful language to emphasize the completeness of the command: “Completely destroy them.” The verse lists the specific nations targeted, making it clear that this was a focused judgment, not a generalized call to violence. The structure of the verse reinforces the severity and clarity of God’s instructions, leaving no room for partial obedience. The command is framed as a divine mandate—“as the Lord your God has commanded you”—highlighting that this was not Israel’s decision but God’s directive. The verse fits within the broader narrative of Deuteronomy, which outlines the terms of Israel’s covenant relationship with God, emphasizing the need for purity and separation from corrupting influences.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 23:32-33 – “Do not make a covenant with them or with their gods. Do not let them live in your land, or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.”
• Deuteronomy 7:1-2 – “When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and 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 destroy them totally.”
• Joshua 23:12-13 – “But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you and if you intermarry with them and associate with them, then you may be sure that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Deuteronomy 20:17 serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of separating ourselves from influences that lead us away from God. While the direct application of this command doesn’t fit our context, the principle remains: we are called to remove anything that pulls us away from a life dedicated to God. This might mean cutting ties with habits, influences, or relationships that tempt us to compromise our faith. The verse challenges believers to be vigilant about what they allow into their lives and to take decisive action to guard their spiritual integrity. It’s a call to live holy lives, set apart for God, and to be unafraid to remove what hinders our walk with Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

While the command to completely destroy these nations seems harsh, it reflects God’s protective love for His people. God’s primary concern was the spiritual health and faithfulness of Israel. He knew that allowing these nations to remain would lead Israel into idolatry and sin, which would ultimately bring harm and judgment upon them. By removing these influences, God was safeguarding the future of His people and their relationship with Him. This command shows that God’s love sometimes involves difficult actions to protect His children from spiritual danger. It reminds us that God’s love is not passive but actively works to keep His people close to Him and away from harm.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ came to address the ultimate problem of sin and separation from God, fulfilling what the laws and commands in the Old Testament pointed toward. While Deuteronomy 20:17 involves the physical removal of sinful influences, Jesus dealt with the root of sin in the human heart. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provided a way for all people—regardless of their background—to be reconciled to God. In Ephesians 2:14-16, it says, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility… reconciling both of them to God through the cross.” Jesus’ sacrifice broke down the barriers of sin, offering forgiveness and a new way of life to anyone who turns to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge you to think about the influences in your life that might pull you away from God?
2. What are some practical steps you can take to remove sinful influences from your life?
3. How does understanding the seriousness of sin help you appreciate God’s grace and forgiveness more deeply?
4. In what ways can you reflect God’s holiness in your daily decisions and actions?
5. How does Jesus’ work on the cross give you hope in the face of sin and temptation?

Deuteronomy 20:17 reminds us of the importance of taking sin seriously and being willing to take decisive steps to protect our relationship with God. It calls us to live lives that are fully dedicated to Him, free from the things that would lead us astray.