In the Old Testament, why did Jehovah order Israel to kill all the inhabitants of the land of Canaan?
Jehovah repeatedly made known in the Old Testament why He ordered all Canaanites annihilated: it was because of how extremely evil they were. The annihilation of the Canaanites was like the great flood in Noah's days; it was purposed for the same reason—to remove evil people from Earth—but it was on a much smaller scale, as it concerned only one land as opposed to the entire world with the great flood.
How evil were the Canaanites? Their evil acts included but were not limited to burning their children alive to sacrifice to their false gods, incest, bestiality, female and male prostitution, orgies, homosexuality, witchcraft, consulting mediums and fortune-tellers, adultery, murder, and rape.
To those who criticize Jehovah of being unfair and unjust (as if they were somehow more righteous than God!), please keep in mind of these points:
a) Jehovah is an absolute holy God who is always a lover of justice; whatever He does is righteous. No one, absolutely no one has to worry about God being unrighteous and unjust.
b) Jehovah NEVER harms a righteous person along with the unrighteous. Prior to destroying the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (which were in Canaan), Jehovah promised that He would not destroy the cities if there were ten righteous people. When there were less than ten, He destroyed the cities—but only after rescuing one man and his family first. Jehovah also did not order the annihilation of all Canaanites until the evil deeds of the people reached their maximum. Finally, let us not forget that prior to the great flood, Jehovah rescued the righteous Noah and his family. Indeed, God does not destroy the good with the bad. And prior to destruction, He gives many, many warnings, pleading the people to turn to Him and do good. Killing is God's last resort, so evildoers would not be able to continually harm others.
c) Jehovah does not enjoy ending people's lives. Instead, He asks all people to do what is good and right. Note what He said: "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways. Again, when I have said to the wicked, You shall surely die, if he turns from his sin and does that which is lawful and right— If the wicked restores [what he took in] pledge, gives back what he had taken in robbery, walks in the statutes of life [right relationship with God], without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of his sins that he has committed shall be [seriously] remembered against him; he has done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. Yet your people say, The way of the Lord is not perfect or even just; but as for them, it is their own way that is not perfect or even just. When the righteous turns back from his [uncompromising] righteousness and commits perverseness and iniquity, he shall even die in and because of it. But if the wicked turns back from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it. Yet you say, The way of the Lord is not perfect or [even] just. O you house of Israel, I will judge you, every one according to his own ways!" (Ezekiel 33:11, 14-20, Amplified Bible)
d) Jehovah is focused on what is eternal, while we are more inclined to look at the present. When God sentenced people to death, that doesn't necessarily mean eternal death, for He can resurrect them (raise them from the dead), and this is exactly what He will do on Judgment Day—all those who have ever died, both the righteous and the unrighteous, will be resurrected. All will be judged and be given a final chance to live. Those who still want to do evil will die for a second time, and this time, they will never be resurrected again. Jehovah gives many chances to sinners; that's why He sent Jesus to die for us—Jesus is the only way to eternal life.
e) Jehovah is the Creator of all and the Life-Giver of all. If He wills, He can destroy the entire universe in a split second, and absolutely no one has the right to protest a single word! He gave us life as He willed, and He can take our lives away anytime if He chooses. How could we, the created, dare question Him and criticize Him? Jehovah does NOT owe us anything. Conversely, we owe Him everything!
Jehovah will carry out the final destruction of all evil people in the future to leave only the righteous behind. Since the beginning of humanity, He has given us countless warnings and pleas to repent and turn to Him. Would you listen to His plea, and return His love for you? Then put your trust in His only Son, Jesus our Messiah, and love this holy Father-Son team!
About the Author:
Shirley Cheng (b. 1983), a blind and physically disabled award-winning author with 26 book awards, motivational speaker, Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honor) graduate with Bachelor of Biblical Studies, poet, author of nine books (including "Do You Love Jehovah? God Almighty's Infinite Love & Wisdom to Propel You to Greatness"), contributor to 22, and a parental rights advocate, has had severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since infancy. Owing to years of hospitalization, she received no education until age eleven. Back then, she knew only her ABCs and very simple English; other than that, her book knowledge was non-existent. However, after only about 180 days of special education in elementary school, she mastered grade level in all areas and entered a regular sixth grade class in middle school. Unfortunately, Shirley lost her eyesight at the age of seventeen. After a successful eye surgery, she hopes to earn multiple science doctorates from Harvard University. Visit www.shirleycheng.com for more inspiration.
Do you have questions about the Bible? Something you don't understand? Do you need a bit of guidance in developing a relationship with Jehovah? Then Shirley would like to help you! Please contact her via her site at www.shirleycheng.com and she would be more than glad to do her best to answer your questions! Never hesitate to ask questions, for no question about the Bible is ever too small or stupid.
