The Canaanites and the Justice of God

The Canaanites and the Justice of God

The God of Israel is sometimes criticized as being a cruel God for instructing Israel to destroy utterly the inhabitants of Canaan as they entered the Promised Land. Superficially, this criticism may appear to be justified. The searching question is asked, is this the manner of a loving and compassionate God? Surprisingly to many, the answer must be, yes, it is, and the discoveries of archaeologists show us why the Canaanites had to be destroyed.

When Abraham arrived in the land, although he had been definitely promised it by Almighty God, he did not receive it, nor did his descendants for several centuries afterwards. Why? "for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full" (Gen. 15:16). What was the iniquity of the Amorites?

Archaeology has given us the answer. Inscribed baked clay tablets at Ras Shamra (Ugarit) in Syria, and at other sites, have revealed something of the horrible nature of the Amorite religious practices. They worshipped gods who have been shown to be sexual perverts of the most grotesque kind, and who had no respect for the sanctity of human life. Countless children were sacrificed to their gods by being thrown into the fires of their god Moloch. Israel was forewarned about this abominable practice in Leviticus 18:21.

Also, funerary jars have been found containing the remains of young children distorted by suffocation as they struggled for life, after having been buried alive as a sacrifice to Canaanite gods. Such children have been found in the foundations of Canaanite houses. Thus archaeological discoveries have revealed a people whose moral sense was so debased that the God of Israel could not tolerate them in His land. Insurgent Israel, under God's instructions, was to purge out this people who were not fit to live. It was an essential task to be accomplished before the land was fit to be occupied. These Amorites were to be judged by their own standard of the expendability of human life, even of their own children.

That incoming Israel failed to complete this cleaning operation became the direct cause of their own moral degeneration, leading to their eventual dispersion. Israel became tainted by adopting some of these heathen practices. Knowing beforehand of this very real danger, the God of Israel clearly instructed His people of the need to be utterly ruthless. By so doing He was showing Himself to be, in fact, the loving Shepherd of His sheep, caring for their welfare in a very practical manner, by issuing these drastic instructions to cleanse the Promised Land on His behalf.

Originally found here

Related Articles

More From Articles

Ruth

The Hebrew Scriptures record the history of a gentile woman named Ruth.
Ruth

Torah-Eve

I would say most people who have read the Torah probably know that Eve was the first person to…
Torah-Eve

Caribbean Connections

The beautiful Bahamas. Stunningly clear turquoise waters; white sandy beaches; sunny days with…
Caribbean Connections
Abraham's Seed

Abraham's Seed

God made a promise to Abraham that from His seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed.…
Abraham's Seed
Israel's New Name

Israel's New Name

Do you know where the name Israel comes from? It originated in a most remarkable manner.…
Israel's New Name

Torah-Judah and Tamar

“After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had recovered from his…
Torah-Judah and Tamar

Mother in Israel

Are you a mother, or a father, in Israel? Have you ever heard someone called "a mother in…
Mother in Israel

In the Beginning

Perhaps one of the best known statements in the Torah is the verse “In the beginning God…
In the Beginning
Elisha

Elisha

God commanded Elijah, the prophet of the Lord, to go and anoint Elisha to be a prophet to…
Elisha

The Brazen Altar

The first thing a person would see when they entered God's sanctuary would be the brazen altar,…
The Brazen Altar

Samuel

Hannah desired a child for a long time but was not able to conceive. One year when she and her…
Samuel

You Number My Wanderings

“You number my wanderings; put my tears into your bottle; are they not in your book?” Psalm…
You Number My Wanderings

Joash

Joash, who was only 7 when he became king, was the youngest king that ever reined in Jerusalem.…
Joash

Heaven

Do you ever think about heaven? It is a beautiful place.
Heaven

Slavery in the Torah

“‘And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor, and sells himself to you, you…
Slavery in the Torah

Jehoshaphat

King Jehoshaphat was the 5th King after King David.
Jehoshaphat

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation