What lessons on holiness can we learn from God's instructions in Deuteronomy 20:17? Setting the Context Deuteronomy 20 records God’s war directives for Israel as they entered the Promised Land. Verse 17 sits in the section dealing with nations living inside Canaan’s borders—peoples whose persistent idolatry had reached its full measure (Genesis 15:16). Key Verse Deuteronomy 20:17: “You must completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you.” Observations on God’s Holiness • Radical command: “completely destroy” underscores God’s intolerance of sin and idolatry (Exodus 34:12–16). • Divine initiative: the instruction comes “as the LORD your God has commanded,” revealing His sovereign right to judge (Psalm 24:1). • Protective purpose: removal of pagan influence guarded Israel’s worship and covenant purity (Deuteronomy 7:4). • Historical uniqueness: a one-time directive tied to establishing a theocratic nation; today, the battle is spiritual, not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). Lessons for Our Walk • Holiness permits no compromise – Colossians 3:5: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” • Remove sin at the root, not merely trim the branches – Matthew 5:29–30 calls for decisive action against stumbling blocks. • Guard worship fiercely – 1 Corinthians 10:14: “Flee from idolatry.” • Obedience flows from love for a holy God – John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Putting It into Practice • Identify “Canaanites” in your life—attitudes, habits, media, relationships—that lure you from wholehearted devotion. • Use God’s Word as your sword (Hebrews 4:12) to expose and expel hidden sin. • Pursue separation without isolation: stay distinct while engaging the world with grace (2 Corinthians 6:17–18; John 17:15). • Rely on the Spirit’s power, not mere willpower, to walk in holiness (Romans 8:13). |
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