Topical Encyclopedia The Canaanites were a group of ancient people who 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 Old Testament as the inhabitants of the land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites, upon their exodus from Egypt and subsequent wanderings in the wilderness, were commanded by God to conquer and possess this land.Divine Command and Assurance The Israelites were repeatedly instructed by God not to fear the Canaanites, despite their formidable presence and fortified cities. This command is rooted in the divine promise and assurance of God's presence and power. In Deuteronomy 7:17-18 , God addresses the potential fear of the Israelites: "You may say in your heart, 'These nations are greater than we are; how can we drive them out?' But do not be afraid of them; be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt." God's Promise of Victory The command not to fear is closely tied to God's promise of victory over the Canaanites. In Deuteronomy 31:6 , Moses encourages the people with these words: "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This assurance is a recurring theme, emphasizing that the battle belongs to the Lord and that He will deliver the Canaanites into the hands of the Israelites. The Role of Faith and Obedience The Israelites' success in conquering the Canaanites was contingent upon their faith in God's promises and their obedience to His commands. In Joshua 1:9 , God reiterates this command to Joshua, the leader of Israel after Moses: "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." This directive underscores the necessity of courage and trust in God's presence and power. Historical Context and Challenges The Canaanites were known for their advanced cities, military strength, and idolatrous practices, which posed significant challenges to the Israelites. The fear of these challenges is acknowledged in the biblical narrative, yet the command not to fear is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and His covenantal promises. The Israelites were to rely not on their own strength but on the assurance that God would fight for them. Spiritual Implications The command not to fear the Canaanites has spiritual implications for believers, illustrating the principle of trusting in God's promises despite overwhelming circumstances. The narrative of the conquest of Canaan serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of faith and obedience in the life of His people. The Israelites' journey from fear to faith is a powerful reminder of the victory that comes through reliance on God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 7:17,18If you shall say in your heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them? Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 31:7 Library Concerning Jeroboam King of Israel and Jonah the Prophet; and How ... Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat Of the Meaning of the Sacrifice Abraham was Commanded to Offer ... The Census of Israel Letter Xl. St. Ambrose Begs Theodosius to Listen to Him, as He ... Chapter xv The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... Knox and the Scottish Revolution, 1559 Covenanting Confers Obligation. A Treatise of the Fear of God; Resources What does it mean that “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure” (Genesis 15:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Abraham promised land that belonged to others (Genesis 12)? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Deborah and Barak? | 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 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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