In the biblical narrative, particularly within the Old Testament, the concept of God driving out nations is a recurring theme that underscores the divine mandate given to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. This theme is primarily found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. The nations that God drove out before the Israelites were the inhabitants of Canaan, a land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Biblical Context

The promise of the land of Canaan to the Israelites is first articulated in Genesis 15:18-21, where God makes a covenant with Abram, stating, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites" . This promise is reiterated throughout the Pentateuch as a central aspect of God's covenant with Israel.

The Nations Listed

The nations that God intended to drive out are frequently listed in the biblical text. These include:

1. Canaanites: The primary inhabitants of the land, often used as a general term for all the peoples of the region.
2. Hittites: Known for their advanced culture and military prowess.
3. Amorites: Occupants of the hill country, often depicted as formidable opponents.
4. Perizzites: A people living in the rural areas of Canaan.
5. Hivites: Inhabitants of the central highlands and northern regions.
6. Jebusites: The original inhabitants of Jerusalem.
7. Girgashites: A lesser-known group mentioned among the Canaanite tribes.

Divine Command and Purpose

The command to drive out these nations is given explicitly in several passages. In Exodus 23:23-24, God instructs, "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. You must not bow down to their gods or serve them or follow their practices. Instead, you are to demolish them and smash their sacred stones to pieces" .

The purpose of driving out these nations was multifaceted. Primarily, it was to fulfill God's promise to the patriarchs and to establish a holy nation set apart for His purposes. Additionally, it was to prevent the Israelites from adopting the idolatrous practices and moral corruption of the Canaanites, which were seen as abominations in the sight of God (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).

Historical and Theological Significance

Theologically, the driving out of the nations is seen as an act of divine judgment against the Canaanites for their sins, as well as an act of grace towards Israel. In Leviticus 18:24-25, God warns Israel not to defile themselves with the practices of the nations, stating, "Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants" .

Historically, the conquest of Canaan under Joshua is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking the transition from a nomadic existence to a settled nation. The successful conquest and settlement of the land are attributed to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His power in overcoming the formidable opposition of the Canaanite nations.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The narrative of God driving out the nations raises complex moral and ethical questions, particularly regarding the nature of divine justice and the use of warfare. From a conservative Christian perspective, these actions are understood within the context of God's sovereign will and His ultimate plan for redemption. The destruction of the Canaanite nations is seen as a necessary step in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, paving the way for the coming of the Messiah through the lineage of Israel.

In summary, the nations God drove out before Israel serve as a testament to His faithfulness, justice, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The narrative underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dangers of idolatry and moral compromise.