Holy War or Wholly Genocide

• Removal Over Extermination: While some passages use language of complete destruction , they are often paired with commands to “drive out” the inhabitants. The primary goal was the removal of Canaanite influence and the clearing of the land rather than a mandate for total genocide.
• The Significance of Rahab: The deliverance of Rahab and her family proves that the command to destroy the Canaanites was not an absolute requirement for every individual. Her story suggests that mercy was available to those who turned toward Yahweh.
•  The Land as Sacred Space: The Promised Land was intended to be a sanctuary and a “sacred space” for God. The inhabitants were removed because their pervasive idolatry had defiled the land and posed a spiritual threat to Israel through moral corruption and intermarriage.
•  Understanding War Rhetoric: Joshua’s writings utilize “Ancient Near Eastern War Rhetoric,” a genre characterized by sweeping generalizations. This explains why Joshua could be considered obedient to the commands of Moses even while many Canaanites remained in the land.
• Divine Patience: God’s judgment was not immediate; the Amorites were given 400 years to turn away from their sin before Israel entered the land. This reflects Yahweh’s character as a sovereign, patient, and just God who operates within a covenant of mercy and grace.

Icebreaker Question

If you were describing a major sporting event or a personal victory to a friend, what “exaggerated” language might you use (e.g., “We slaughtered them” or “They got annihilated”)? Why do we use that kind of language?

1: Introduction and Framing the Difficulty

Scripture References: Deuteronomy 20:16–17

Summary This study addresses a subject that is often difficult for both nonbelievers and believers to contemplate: the command to destroy the nations in the Promised Land. The goal is to provide a greater understanding of the text to alleviate discomfort and prepare believers to answer questions from friends or colleagues. The central contention is that God was not commanding a literal, total annihilation of every human being, but was using specific language and concepts that require careful biblical context to understand.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think this subject is often a primary “stumbling block” for people investigating the Christian faith?
2. The text mentions that we should take Scripture literally unless there is compelling context not to. How does this rule protect us from “interpretive contortionism”?
3. How does acknowledging the global Flood as a real historical event of judgment change the way we view the Canaanite Conquest?

Application Questions

1. When you encounter a passage of Scripture that makes you feel uncomfortable, what is your first instinct: to ignore it, to doubt God, or to dig deeper?
2. How can you be better prepared to discuss difficult biblical topics with an unbelieving friend this week?

2: Biblical Considerations and the “Driving Out” Passages

Scripture References: Deuteronomy 9:1, Deuteronomy 11:22–23, Joshua 6:22–25, Joshua 2:9–11, Romans 1:20

Summary While some texts use absolute language, many others describe the mission as “driving out” the nations. Logic dictates that you cannot drive out those who have been killed; therefore, survival was clearly in view. A primary example is Rahab, a Canaanite whose life was spared. Her deliverance demonstrates that God did not literally mean every individual must die, as that would make Him contradict His own commands. Rahab may serve as an example of what was possible for any Canaanite who turned toward faith in Yahweh.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is the distinction between “driving out” and “wiping out” so important to this conversation?
2. Looking at Joshua 2:9–11, what does Rahab’s knowledge of the Red Sea and previous victories suggest about what other Canaanites knew?
3. In light of Romans 1:20, why are the inhabitants of the land described as being “without excuse”?

Application Questions

1. Rahab was a “true believer” in Yahweh despite her background. Who in your life might you be “writing off” who actually needs to hear the gospel?
2. How does the truth that God never contradicts Himself provide you with peace when you read “troubling” texts?

3: The “Why” Behind the Command

Scripture References: Deuteronomy 20:18, Leviticus 18:24–25, Exodus 15:17, Deuteronomy 7:1–4

Summary The command to clear the land was not based on arbitrary violence but on three specific reasons: the prevention of idolatry, the establishment of the land as a sanctuary, and the prevention of intermarriage. Canaanite culture was defiled by detestable acts, to the point that the land is described as “vomiting out” its inhabitants. The Promised Land was intended to be a sacred space for God’s dwelling, which could not coexist with practitioners of wickedness who would lead Israel into sin through intermarriage and cultural influence.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the description of the land as a “sanctuary” change the way you view the need for “cleansing” or “clearing it out”?
2. What was the specific danger of intermarriage mentioned in Deuteronomy 7:4?
3. How does “partial obedience” in clearing the land lead to the “internal and external problems” we see later in Israel’s history?

Application Questions

1. If the Promised Land was a sanctuary for God, and your heart is now His dwelling place, what “idolatrous influences” do you need to “drive out”?
2. How do we balance the call to be a “light to the nations” while ensuring we don’t let a “sinful culture” influence our own walk with God?

4: Ancient Rhetoric and the Patience of God

Scripture References: Joshua 10:40, Joshua 13:1, Joshua 13:6, Joshua 11:12–15, Genesis 15:16

Summary Biblical authors used “Ancient Near Eastern War Rhetoric,” which involved sweeping generalizations common to that era. Joshua describes “leaving no survivors,” yet chapters later, the text states that “a great deal of land remains.” This demonstrates that the focus was on total defeat of the enemy’s power, not necessarily every individual. Ultimately, we see God’s character throughout the process: He is sovereign, just, and incredibly patient—waiting 400 years for the sin of the Amorites to reach its full measure before acting in judgment.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it helpful to understand that Joshua used writing methods common to his own time (rhetoric) rather than our modern scientific reporting style?
2. How does the fact that Joshua was “obedient” (leaving nothing undone) despite Canaanites still being alive prove that the commands were not meant to be a literal genocide?
3. Genesis 15:16 mentions a 400-year wait. How does this timeframe challenge the idea that God was “eager” to destroy the Canaanites?

Application Questions

1. When you see God’s judgment, do you also look for His mercy and grace, as seen in the story of Rahab and the 400-year wait?
2. The text concludes that “Sin must have judgment.” How does looking at the Cross help you find peace with the reality of God’s justice?

Day 1: Driving Out the Old

• Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 9:1, Deuteronomy 11:22-23
• Key Focus: The “drive out” command was a call for removal and cleansing.
• Reflection: While some passages use wording of complete destruction, Scripture also frequently describes the inhabitants being “driven out”. This suggests that the primary goal was the removal of the people and their influence from the land rather than total extermination.
• Application Question: What negative influence in your life needs to be “driven out” to make more room for God’s presence?
• Prayer Prompt: Ask God for the strength to remove habits or environments that hinder your spiritual growth.

Day 2: The Door of Grace

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 2, Joshua 6
• Key Focus: God’s mercy is available to anyone who turns toward Him.
• Reflection: Rahab and her family’s deliverance from Jericho proves that the command to kill was not an absolute mandate for every individual Canaanite. Rahab stands as an example of what was possible for any Canaanite who chose to align with Yahweh.
• Application Question: Is there someone you have deemed “too far gone” for God to save?
• Prayer Prompt: Pray for someone who seems unlikely to follow God, asking that their heart might be opened to His grace.

Day 3: Creating Sacred Space

• Scripture Reference: Exodus 15:17, Leviticus 18:25
• Key Focus: The Promised Land was to be a sanctuary, a sacred space for a holy people.
• Reflection: The land needed to be cleared because Canaanite idolatry was a worldview that profoundly influenced and defiled their society. To prevent Israel from intermarrying and being corrupted by these influences, the land had to be cleansed.
• Application Question: If your heart is a sanctuary, what “unclean” things have you allowed to settle in lately?
• Prayer Prompt: Ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse your heart and help you maintain your life as a dedicated space for Him.

Day 4: Looking Past the Rhetoric

• Scripture Reference: Joshua 10:14, Joshua 13:1-6, Joshua 11:12-15
• Key Focus: Understanding the writing style of the time reveals the heart of Joshua’s obedience.
• Reflection: Joshua utilized “Ancient Near Eastern War Rhetoric,” which included speaking in sweeping generalizations. Because Joshua was considered obedient to the commands of Moses despite not killing every single person, we can see that the commands were not meant to be taken as literal total genocide.
• Application Question: How does knowing the context of God’s commands change how you read “difficult” Bible passages?
• Prayer Prompt: Thank God for the clarity of His Word and ask for wisdom when you encounter passages that are hard to understand.

Day 5: The Long Wait of Mercy

• Scripture Reference: Genesis 15:16
• Key Focus: God is incredibly patient, giving ample time for repentance before judgment.
• Reflection: The Amorites had at least 400 years to turn away from their sin before judgment came. This reflects a God who is sovereign and just, but also patient, gracious, and merciful within His covenant.
• Application Question: In what area of your life have you been experiencing God’s patience lately?
• Prayer Prompt: Praise God for His patience with you and ask Him to help you live a life that honors His grace.