BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

In today’s reading, Moses uses intense rhetoric to warn the Israelites about what happens when they choose to embrace Canaanite idol worship. His severe instructions about the people groups living in Canaan are disturbing. However, remember that Moses is using extreme language to warn against extreme consequences. Additionally, this is ancient literature, so keep paying attention to important nuances that temper these commands and shed light on their deeper meaning.

For example, Moses follows the command to wipe out the Canaanites’ way of life by prohibiting Israelites from marrying them and rejecting all forms of covenant-making with them, which assumes at least some Canaanites still live in the land. This expectation of survivors suggests Moses is using hyperbolic language of utter destruction (which sounds like genocide) for rhetorical effect.

The biblical authors also weave hyperlinks from the flood narrative in Genesis 6-8 into this story, envisioning Israel’s mission of conquering Canaan as a flood of divine judgment on human evil. Notice how the biblical story connects this generation of Canaanites with the dark, violent generation wiped out in the flood during Noah’s generation. This includes the Anakim, who descended from the Nephilim (Num. 13:33), the warrior-giants whose violence stained the world with innocent blood.

These Canaanites have already chosen to be agents of death and de-creation. And God enacts justice by hurrying them along the path they have chosen.

Reflection Questions

• Compare today’s reading to the flood narrative in Genesis 6-8. What similarities and differences do you notice between Israel’s conquest of Canaan and the flood?
• What references to God’s promises from Genesis do you see in today’s reading? How does this help you understand Israel’s calling in Deuteronomy?