17 November Deuteronomy 7

Before entering the promised land, you must drive out the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.

Deuteronomy 7:1-6 (NIV) “When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— and when the Lord your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy. Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the Lord’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you. This is what you are to do to them: Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones, cut down their Asherah poles and burn their idols in the fire. For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession”.

Israel had to drive out the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites before it could fully occupy the promised land. They had to defeat, destroy, and make no treaty with and show them no mercy.

In the Bible, the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites are frequently listed as groups of people living in the land of Canaan before the Israelites entered it. Each of these tribes is often symbolic, representing challenges or spiritual "battles" God's people faced or would need to overcome to inhabit the land promised by God fully. Here’s a breakdown of their biblical meanings and symbolic significance:

*1. Hittites - Fear and Intimidation:* They were known for their military strength and warrior culture. Spiritually, they represent fear or intimidation, as they often instilled terror in others. Overcoming the “Hittite” spirit means conquering fears that prevent spiritual growth. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. Conformed by the Psalmist in Psalm 27:1 (NIV) “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”.

*2. Girgashites* - Worldliness and Earthly Focus: This tribe is less commonly mentioned, but Girgashites are thought to represent dwelling in earthly things or focusing on temporary, worldly matters. Overcoming the Girgashite spirit spiritually symbolises rising above the material world and focusing on higher, eternal purposes. Colossians 3:2 (NIV) “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”. John writes this in 1 John 2:15-17 (ESV) “Do not love the world or the things in the world… The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever”.

*3. Amorites—Pride and Self-Glorification:* Known for pride and arrogance, the Amorites lived in high places and were often associated with boasting and self-glorification. Spiritually, overcoming the Amorite spirit involves conquering personal pride and humility and aligning oneself with God’s will rather than personal ambition. James 4:6 (NIV) “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.” Confirmed by King Solomon in Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall”.

*4. Canaanites—Materialism and Greed:* Canaanites: This group was associated with trade and commerce and was often seen as morally corrupt due to their economic practices. Spiritually, the Canaanite spirit represents materialism, greed, and moral compromise for financial gain. Overcoming this spirit means valuing integrity and faith over wealth. Matthew 6:24 (ESV) “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money”. Confirmed by Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil… But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness”

*5. Perizzites—Vulnerability and Lack of Discipline:* Perizzites were known to live in open or unfortified villages, making them vulnerable. Spiritually, the Perizzite spirit represents a vulnerability to external influences or a lack of discipline and boundaries. Conquering this spirit involves establishing spiritual "walls" of faith and personal discipline. Proverbs 25:28 (NIV) “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control”.

*6. Hivites—Sensuality and Fleshly Desires:* Often connected to sensuality and worldly pleasure, the Hivites were known for their hedonistic practices. Spiritually, the Hivite spirit represents indulgence in fleshly desires. Overcoming this means pursuing purity and focusing on the things of the Spirit over bodily desires. Galatians 5:16 (NIV) “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh”. Again confirmed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (NLT) “Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does… For God bought you with a high price. So you must honour God with your body”.

*7. Jebusites—Oppression and Injustice:* This tribe occupied Jerusalem and was associated with oppression or the “treading down” of others. The Jebusite spirit symbolises injustice or spiritual pride that crushes others. Conquering this spirit involves seeking justice, humility, and kindness in relationships. Micah 6:8 (NIV) “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Confirmed by the Psalmist in Psalm 82:3-4 (ESV) “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked”.

The conquest of these tribes in the Old Testament represents the spiritual battles believers must face, emphasising the need to trust God to overcome various forms of sin, oppression, and worldly influence to live fully in God's promises.

In conclusion, Israel's journey into the Promised Land and their mandate to drive out the seven nations of Canaan serve as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual journey we each undertake. Just as the Israelites had to overcome literal nations that were larger and stronger, we faced internal battles and spiritual challenges that may seem daunting. Yet, God equips us with His promises and power to face fear, worldly distractions, pride, greed, undisciplined lives, fleshly desires, and injustices.

Through reliance on His Word and Spirit, we gain victory over these challenges, allowing us to fully occupy the “promised land” of spiritual peace, growth, and purpose. Like Israel, we are called to separate from influences that would draw us away from God and to live as His chosen people, set apart and dedicated to Him. By overcoming these “nations” in our lives, we not only fulfil God’s call for holiness but also live as His treasured possession, bringing glory to His name and embodying His values in a world that desperately needs them.