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THE COMMANDS IN THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20
Deuteronomy 7:1-14

Romans 6:11-14

 

“Let not sin therefore reign in
your mortal body, that ye should

obey it in the lusts thereof.”

 

THE COMMANDS IN THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN
 
Israel was now set to enter Canaan. Moses commanded them to be ready for that heritage. He told them what God would do for them and guided Israel on how to respond and what to abstain from doing. The Lord was set to guide them and Moses gave them the assurance of success as they obeyed the Lord.
 
In reference to Canaan, the Lord said that He would bring them to conquer a land of seven nations. The names of these nations are listed in the text. In this, Moses was assuring Israel that all would be well with them as they prepared to occupy the land that the Lord had promised them. He told them that the Lord would deliver them into their hands and they would destroy them. They were not to make any covenant with them or show mercy to them. God’s instructions would save them from the danger of making a wrong move in dealing with their enemies. In subsequent conquest of Canaan, Israel understood what the Lord meant when He gave them those commands.
 
Joshua was tricked into making a covenant with the Gibeonites and that wrong move had long-term consequences for Israel. In addition, Israel was forbidden to intermarry with the Canaanites. The reason for that prohibition is thus given in verse 4: “For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.” People of other nations did not know the true God, and they had a very strong devotion to their idols.
 
When God’s people turn to these meaningless superstitions, they in effect deny the true God. The relationship in marriage easily turns the heart of the believer to have things common with the unbelieving partner, and this destroys the believer’s relationship with God. What a great tragedy for Israel when their sons and daughters denied the God who had saved them.
 
THOUGHT: Take time to be holy.

PRAYER: Father, may I obey Thy commandments without question.

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