But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:
You must completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—just as the LORD your God has commanded you.
God is commanding the Israelites to completely destroy the specific nations living in the Promised Land as He had instructed them.
📚 Historical Context
This command was given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land of Canaan after their 40-year wilderness journey. These six nations were already living in the land God had promised to Abraham's descendants, and they practiced religious customs that included child sacrifice and temple prostitution. God saw their complete destruction as necessary to prevent the Israelites from adopting these harmful practices that would lead them away from worshiping Him.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.