Directives for Conquering the Canaanite Nations

Moses addresses a nation preparing for a massive military invasion. The people stand waiting on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. Across the moving water lies a fractured landscape of fortified city-states. These territories belong to seven ethnic groups possessing advanced bronze weaponry and strong masonry walls. The God of Israel demands the complete dismantling of their existing political and religious structures.

The Israelites camp on the plains of Moab in the late 15th century b.c., waiting to cross the river. They are positioned a few miles east of the fortified oasis of Jericho. Their target is a central highland region stretching nearly 150 miles long and 50 miles wide. This territory supports established agricultural societies with terraced farms and deep limestone wells.

The primary military directive targets the religious infrastructure of the native inhabitants. Moses orders the invading force to tear down stone altars and smash sacred pillars. They must chop down wooden fertility poles and destroy carved metal idols in the fire. The command strictly prohibits any diplomatic treaties or political marriages with these rival groups. Soldiers cannot salvage gold or silver from the ruined shrines for their own personal use.

For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you to be his own special possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.

The strategy for this massive conquest requires deliberate pacing and measured progress. Moses warns that driving out the current populations too quickly will create vast empty territories. A sudden regional population collapse would cause wild animal numbers to rapidly multiply. The Israelites must instead occupy the newly conquered land steadily over several years. They face a grinding regional campaign rather than a single rapid victory.