How does Deuteronomy 3:6 connect to God's commands in Deuteronomy 7:2? Setting the Scene Moses recounts Israel’s victories east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 3) and, almost in the same breath, lays down marching orders for the conquest of Canaan (Deuteronomy 7). The link between the two chapters is a single, uncompromising principle: the LORD’s call for total devotion to destruction (ḥērem) of the Canaanite peoples. Deuteronomy 3:6—A Historical Example “We devoted them to destruction, as we had done to Sihon king of Heshbon, devoting every city to destruction—men, women, and children.” • Israel had already carried out ḥērem against Og’s cities. • The verse showcases complete obedience to a divine directive. Deuteronomy 7:2—A Standing Command “and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, you must completely destroy them. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.” • The future conquest is to mirror the precedent of 3:6. • The same ḥērem language (“completely destroy”) is employed. How the Two Passages Connect • 3:6 is the lived-out version of the command formalized in 7:2—proof that what God demands, He empowers. • Moses leverages past obedience to motivate future obedience: “What God enabled east of the Jordan, He will enable west of it” (cf. Deuteronomy 3:21-22). • Both passages use identical vocabulary, binding history (3:6) to command (7:2) and forming a theological pattern for Israel’s warfare. Why Total Destruction? 1. Judicial Judgment – Genesis 15:16 foretold that the Amorites’ iniquity would reach full measure; ḥērem is God’s verdict (cf. Deuteronomy 9:4-5). 2. Protection from Idolatry – Deuteronomy 7:4 warns that sparing the nations would lure Israel into apostasy. – Exodus 23:32-33 echoes the same concern. 3. Covenant Holiness – Israel, “a holy people to the LORD” (Deuteronomy 7:6), must remain distinct; mingling with pagan cultures threatened that holiness (Leviticus 20:26). Application for Believers Today • God’s holiness and justice remain unchanged (Hebrews 10:30-31). • While physical ḥērem is not our mandate, we are called to an unyielding spiritual warfare—“put to death what is earthly in you” (Colossians 3:5; Romans 8:13). • Remembering God’s past faithfulness fuels courage for present obedience. Key Cross-References – Deuteronomy 20:16-18 — further ḥērem instructions. – Joshua 6:17-21 — Jericho wholly devoted to destruction. – 1 Samuel 15:1-3 — Saul ordered (but fails) to carry out ḥērem against Amalek. |
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