Topical Encyclopedia The Canaanites, descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham and grandson of Noah, are a significant group in biblical history. They inhabited 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 Bible, often in the context of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land.Prophecy in Genesis The earliest prophecy concerning the Canaanites is found in Genesis 9:25-27, where Noah pronounces a curse upon Canaan: "Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers." This curse is significant as it sets the stage for the future subjugation of the Canaanites by the descendants of Shem and Japheth. The prophecy indicates a future where the Canaanites would be subservient, reflecting the eventual conquest and domination by the Israelites. Prophecy in Exodus and Deuteronomy In Exodus 23:23-28, God promises the Israelites that He will drive out the Canaanites and other inhabitants of the land before them: "For My angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and I will annihilate them." This divine promise is reiterated in Deuteronomy 7:1-2, where God commands the Israelites to "utterly destroy" the Canaanite nations, leaving no room for treaties or mercy. Prophecy in Joshua The book of Joshua details the fulfillment of these prophecies as the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, conquer the land of Canaan. Joshua 3:10 declares, "By this 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." The conquest of Canaan is portrayed as a divinely ordained mission, fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs. Prophecy in Judges Despite the initial successes, the book of Judges reveals that the Israelites did not fully drive out the Canaanites, leading to ongoing conflict and influence. Judges 2:3 records God's declaration: "Therefore I now say, I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you." This prophecy highlights the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the enduring presence of the Canaanites as a source of temptation and trouble. Prophecy in the Prophets The prophetic books often refer back to the Canaanites as a symbol of idolatry and moral corruption. In Zechariah 14:21, the term "Canaanite" is used metaphorically to describe those who are impure or unclean: "And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of Hosts." This prophecy envisions a future purification and holiness in the worship of God, free from the corrupting influences associated with the Canaanites. Conclusion The prophecies concerning the Canaanites are integral to understanding the narrative of Israel's history and God's covenant promises. They reflect themes of judgment, divine sovereignty, and the call to holiness, serving as a backdrop to the unfolding account of redemption in the Bible. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 9:25-27And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers. Nave's Topical Index Library The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. ) The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance. Covenanting a Duty. Index of Subjects. From the Flood to Abraham The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. Though Many Other Widows came Near to Judith in virtue... The People of the New Earth Chapter xlviii Book 5 Footnotes Resources Why did God condone such terrible violence in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgHow is the Islamic idea of jihad different from the violence in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the land of Canaan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Canaanites: Defeat the Israelites Canaanites: Defeated by the Israelites Canaanites: Eleven Nations, Descended from Canaan Canaanites: Given to the Israelites Canaanites: Isaac Forbidden by Abraham to Take a Wife From Canaanites: Judah Marries a Woman of Canaanites: Prophecy Concerning Canaanites: The Exile Jews Take Wives From Canaanites: To be Expelled from the Land The Canaanites: Abraham was Promised the Country of, of Inheritance The Canaanites: Abraham: Called to Dwell Amongst The Canaanites: Abraham: had his Faith Tried by Dwelling Amongst The Canaanites: An Accursed Race The Canaanites: Comprised Seven Distinct Nations The Canaanites: Country of, Fertile The Canaanites: Descended from Ham The Canaanites: Different Families of The Canaanites: Expelled for Wickedness The Canaanites: Extremely Numerous The Canaanites: Great and Mighty The Canaanites: had Many Strong Cities The Canaanites: Israel Commanded: Not to Fear The Canaanites: Israel Commanded: Not to Follow Customs of The Canaanites: Israel Commanded: Not to Follow Idols of The Canaanites: Israel Commanded: Not to Intermarry With The Canaanites: Israel Commanded: To Destroy all Vestiges of Their Idolatry The Canaanites: Israel Commanded: To Destroy, Without Mercy The Canaanites: Israel Commanded: To Make No League With The Canaanites: Israel Ensnared By The Canaanites: Kind to the Patriarchs The Canaanites: Part of Left: To Chastise Israel The Canaanites: Part of Left: To Try Israel The Canaanites: Partially Subdued by Israel The Canaanites: Possessions of, How Bounded The Canaanites: Profane and Wicked The Canaanites: some Descendants of, in Our Lord's Time The Canaanites: Terrified at the Approach of Israel Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) Misrephothmaim (2 Occurrences) |