They did not destroy the peoples, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them, but they mingled with the Gentiles and learned their works. They served their idols, which became a snare to them. (Psalm 106:34-36)

Before the people of Israel entered Canaan, they received some explicit instructions as it related to the inhabitants of the land. Specifically, they were told, “Of the cities of these peoples which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, you shall let nothing that breathes remain alive, but you shall utterly destroy them” (Deuteronomy 20:16-17). For those who have no desire to serve God, this and other similar instructions are used as a reason to rail accusations at God and His Word as being malicious and judgmental. Even among those who serve God and respect His Word, this instruction is difficult to reconcile with the belief that God is good, merciful and long suffering. Why such a harsh position?

First of all, it is important that we recognize that the Almighty — He who has no beginning and no end, and who knows all from beginning to end — is infinitely smarter than we are. Furthermore, He is good, merciful and long suffering, and so, there must be a legitimate reason for giving this mandate to Israel — one that has their best interests in mind. This is to say everything He does is intended to promote life and blessings, not death and curses. That this was the reason is borne out by the fact that Israel did not do as they were commanded; they allowed the inhabitants of the land to remain and, as a result, “they mingled with the Gentiles and learned their works.” Instead of being a proper example to the nations, Israel became ensnared by the customs and beliefs of heathens. The end result for Israel was death, destruction and eventual exile from the land of promise.

We are called to be a set apart people, which means we are not to be like everyone else. From beginning to end, the Scripture describes what happens when God’s people give into the desire “to be normal” and behave like the nations. The problem is, if we assimilate into the nations and adopt their values and embrace their customs and habits, we can not be a light to them. There should be an obvious distinction between us and them. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t engage them — no, we should engage. But we should be so steadfast in our devotion to God’s ways, that they will know we are a set apart people. Let’s not place value on thoughts and things that are temporal; let us strive to embrace those things that are eternal and truly be a holy people unto the Lord.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill