#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“However, in the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—as the Lord your God has commanded you. Otherwise, they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods, and you will sin against the Lord your God.” — Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (NIV)
Have you ever struggled with understanding why God commanded the Israelites to completely destroy the Canaanites? It’s a tough question that can challenge our faith and understanding of God’s nature.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
Apologist Paul Copan, in his work on the Old Testament, explains that the command to destroy the Canaanites was not a genocidal mandate but rather a specific judgment against a society deeply entrenched in evil practices. The Canaanites’ actions, such as child sacrifice and sexual immorality, were not only against God’s holiness but also posed a significant threat to the moral integrity of the Israelites. Copan notes, “God’s command was a form of quarantine, to protect His people from spiritual infection.”
Similarly, Norman Geisler points out that God’s judgment on the Canaanites was consistent with His character of justice and mercy. Geisler writes, “God is patient and longsuffering, giving ample time for repentance, as seen in the case of Nineveh. The Canaanites had centuries to turn from their ways, but they chose to continue in sin.”
Encouragement & Application:
It’s okay to wrestle with difficult passages in the Bible. Remember, God’s ways are higher than ours, and His commands are rooted in His desire to protect and guide His people. Spend time in prayer and study, seeking to understand His heart behind His actions. Engage with trusted mentors or resources to explore these complex issues further.
Reflection Questions:
- How does understanding the context of Deuteronomy 20:16-18 affect your view of God’s commands?
- What can you learn about God’s character from His dealings with the Canaanites?
Prayer:
Lord, help us to trust in Your wisdom and justice, even when we struggle to understand Your commands. Give us the courage to seek truth and the humility to accept Your ways. Guide us in our journey of faith, and help us to grow closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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