Topical Encyclopedia 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 Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, as the people who occupied the Promised Land before the arrival of the Israelites.Biblical References and Historical Context The Canaanites are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, where Canaan is listed as a descendant of Ham, one of Noah's sons: "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 indicates the broad ethnic and cultural diversity within the Canaanite population. The land of Canaan is described as a fertile and prosperous region, often referred to as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). However, the Canaanites were also known for their idolatrous practices and moral corruption, which are frequently condemned in the biblical narrative. The worship of Baal and Asherah, among other deities, was prevalent among the Canaanites, and these practices were seen as abominations by the Israelites. Conquest and Conflict The Canaanites are most prominently featured in the biblical account of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua. God commanded the Israelites to take possession of the land and to drive out its inhabitants: "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—seven nations larger and stronger than you" (Deuteronomy 7:1). The conquest of Canaan is depicted as a divine mandate, with the Israelites acting as instruments of God's judgment against the Canaanites' wickedness. The Book of Joshua details the military campaigns against various Canaanite cities, including Jericho and Ai. The fall of Jericho is one of the most famous episodes, where the walls of the city collapsed after the Israelites marched around them for seven days (Joshua 6:20). Despite these victories, the Israelites did not fully expel the Canaanites from the land, leading to ongoing conflicts and the influence of Canaanite culture and religion on the Israelites. Cultural and Religious Influence The presence of the Canaanites in the land had significant implications for the Israelites, both culturally and religiously. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting Canaanite religious practices: "Do not follow the practices of the nation I am driving out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them" (Leviticus 20:23). Despite these warnings, the Israelites often fell into idolatry, influenced by the Canaanite deities and rituals. The Canaanites' advanced urban culture, with its fortified cities and sophisticated art and architecture, also left a lasting impact on the region. Archaeological discoveries have provided insights into Canaanite society, revealing a complex civilization with a rich cultural heritage. Legacy and Significance The Canaanites, as depicted in the Bible, serve as a symbol of the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the Israelites. Their account is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands and the dangers of syncretism. The narrative of the Canaanites underscores the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Smith's Bible Dictionary The Canaanitethe designation of the apostle Simon, otherwise known as "Simon Zelotes." It occurs in (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18) and is derived from a Chaldee or Syriac word by which the Jewish sect or faction of the "Zealots" was designated --a turbulent and seditious sect, especially conspicuous at the siege of Jerusalem. They taught that all foreign rule over Jews was unscriptural, and opposed that rule in every way. Greek 5478. Chananaios -- Canaanite, a Gentile of Pal. ... 5477, 5478. Chananaios. 5479 . Canaanite, a Gentile of Pal. ... Word Origin from Chanaan Definition Canaanite, a Gentile of Pal. NASB Word Usage Canaanite (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5478.htm - 6k 1697. Hemmor -- Emmor, a Canaanite 896. Baal -- Baal, a Canaanite deity 2581. Kananaios -- Cananaean, Aramaic for Zealot, surname of one ... 4966. Suchem -- Shechem, a city in Samaria Strong's Hebrew 6061. Anaq -- "neck," a Canaanite... Anaq. 6062 . "neck," a Canaanite. Transliteration: Anaq Phonetic Spelling: (aw-nawk') Short Definition: Anak. ... Anak. The same as anaq; Anak, a Canaanite -- Anak ... /hebrew/6061.htm - 6k 3278. Yael -- a Canaanite woman 6502. Piram -- a Canaanite king 8413. Tidal -- perhaps a Canaanite king 8112. Shimron Meron -- a Canaanite city conquered by Joshua 6786. Tsemari -- a Canaanite people 6857. Tsephath -- a Canaanite city 8656. Tirtsah -- daughter of Zelophehad, also a Canaanite city 1603. Gaal -- probably a Canaanite 3412. Yarmuth -- a Canaanite city in Judah, also a city in ... Library A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. Abram and the Life of Faith Chapter xxxviii Chapter xiii The Importance of a Choice As to the Charge that they Bring against Us... The Man of Faith Disciples of John Refuted. Israel in Canaan. Ordination and Duties of the Clergy. Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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