God’s uncompromising directive for Israel to completely destroy the inhabitants of Canaan seems cruel and unjust to many who see it as just another example of the terrible genocides that have plagued human history in the name of religious or racial purity.

Is this another tragic account of so called ‘ethnic cleansing’ or was it a clear reminder that God does not leave evil to go unchecked forever? This word would be a warning to every future generation of the danger of growing careless of God’s awe and complacent regarding their calling as God’s holy, treasured possession.

Just as Israel could be blind to the corrupting and destructive influence of Canaanite idolatry so we can be blind in our day to the all-pervasive idolatry around us and ignorant of the danger it represents.