The term "Canaanite" refers to the ancient inhabitants of the land of Canaan, a region that roughly corresponds to modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Jordan and Syria. The Canaanites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as the people who occupied the Promised Land before the arrival of the Israelites. The Canaanites were known for their advanced urban culture, trade, and polytheistic religion, which often brought them into conflict with the monotheistic Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Origins and Territory:
The Canaanites are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, where Canaan is listed as a descendant of Ham, the son of Noah: "Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites, Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, Arvadites, Zemarites, and Hamathites" (Genesis 10:15-18). This passage outlines the various tribes and peoples that made up the Canaanite civilization.

2. Canaanite Religion and Practices:
The Canaanites were known for their worship of a pantheon of gods, the most prominent being Baal and Asherah. Their religious practices often included rituals that were abhorrent to the Israelites, such as child sacrifice and temple prostitution. In Deuteronomy 12:31, the Israelites are warned: "You must not worship the LORD your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods."

3. Conflict with Israel:
The Canaanites are frequently depicted as adversaries of the Israelites. The conquest of Canaan under Joshua is a central narrative in the book of Joshua, where God commands the Israelites to take possession of the land and drive out its inhabitants. Joshua 3:10 states, "This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will surely drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites."

4. Canaanites in the Promised Land:
Despite the command to drive out the Canaanites, many remained in the land, leading to ongoing conflict and influence. Judges 1:27-28 notes, "At that time Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, and their surrounding settlements, because the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. When Israel became stronger, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor, but they never drove them out completely."

5. Cultural and Historical Impact:
The Canaanites had a significant impact on the culture and history of the region. Their language and script influenced the development of the Hebrew language. Archaeological discoveries have provided insight into their advanced urban centers and trade networks, which were integral to the ancient Near East.

Theological Significance:

The Canaanites serve as a symbol of the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the Israelites. Their presence in the Promised Land is often interpreted as a test of Israel's faithfulness to God. The biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dangers of adopting pagan practices. The struggle against Canaanite influence is a recurring theme that underscores the call to holiness and separation from idolatry for the people of Israel.

List of Bishops.
... Simon the Cananite, afterwards Bishop of Jerusalem, having preached the Gospel in
Britain ("Apostolic Constitutions," Lagarde, p.284); as also Aristobulus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/list of bishops.htm

The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha)
... shalt be my disciple. And this is Simon the Cananite, [1795] of whom mention
is made in the Gospel. [1796]. 43. On another day, Joseph ...
/.../the arabic gospel of the infancy of the saviour/the arabic gospel of the.htm

Cananite (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cananite (2 Occurrences). Matthew 10:4 Simon the Cananite,
and Judas Iscariot, who did also deliver him up. (YLT). ...
/c/cananite.htm - 6k

Cananaean (2 Occurrences)

/c/cananaean.htm - 10k

Cancel (4 Occurrences)

/c/cancel.htm - 8k

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