Devoted to Destruction Explained
Why Did God Command the Destruction of Entire Nations?
Have you ever read the Book of Joshua and wondered why God commanded the Israelites to completely destroy certain nations? Why were entire cities, including men, women, and even children, devoted to destruction (herem)? To modern readers, these commands seem harsh and even troubling. But what if there was more going on beneath the surface—something far bigger than mere conquest?
The answer lies in an ancient conflict that began long before Joshua’s time. It stretches back to Genesis 6:1-4, where the sons of God took human women and produced offspring known as the Nephilim—a race of giants and mighty warriors. These beings were not merely human; they were a corrupt and unnatural hybrid, a perversion of God’s creation. The flood wiped them out, but they reappeared after the flood (Genesis 6:4), particularly in Canaan. By the time Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, these Nephilim descendants—such as the sons of Anak—were deeply entrenched in the region.
The conquest of Canaan was not just about claiming land—it was about eradicating a supernatural threat. The Nephilim and their influence posed a direct challenge to God’s plan of redemption, representing the seed of the serpent in opposition to the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15). This conflict would ultimately find its resolution in Jesus Christ, who, as the true and greater Joshua, came to defeat the works of the enemy and bring redemption to mankind. By understanding this, we can see why God's command to destroy these nations was not only justified but necessary.
The Nephilim: Corrupting the Land of Canaan
Before the Israelites entered Canaan, they encountered terrifying reports from the spies who had scouted the land. The spies described seeing men of great stature, specifically mentioning the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim (Numbers 13:32-33). Their presence instilled fear, but it also revealed something deeper: these were not ordinary people. They were descendants of the pre-flood Nephilim, carrying the same genetic and spiritual corruption that led to God’s judgment in Noah’s time.
Canaan was not just occupied by sinful nations—it was infested with the offspring of fallen angels, which explains why God commanded their total destruction. The war against these beings was not merely a territorial conflict; it was divine warfare against the forces of darkness. God’s command was not just about physical purity but about preserving Israel’s holiness and covenant identity. He had chosen Israel to be a nation set apart, and the continued presence of the Canaanites would have led them into idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:6). History confirms this—when Israel failed to fully drive out these nations, they fell into sin, adopting pagan practices and turning away from God.
As the Israelites advanced, they were carrying out God’s judgment on the wickedness of the Canaanites. These nations were notorious for their depravity, engaging in child sacrifice, occult rituals, and gross idolatry (Leviticus 18:24-25). They had been given centuries to repent (Genesis 15:16), but instead, they deepened their rebellion. Just as the flood had been necessary to cleanse the earth, the conquest was necessary to cleanse the land of Canaan.
This battle did not end with Joshua. Even after the conquest, some Nephilim remained in places like Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod (Joshua 11:22). This meant the mission was incomplete, setting the stage for David’s encounters with the giants.
David and the Completion of the Battle
When David faced Goliath of Gath, he was not just battling a large warrior—he was finishing the work Joshua had left undone. Goliath and his kin (2 Samuel 21:15-22) were descendants of the Nephilim, proving that Israel’s incomplete obedience led to future battles. Ultimately, David and his mighty men eliminated the last of these giants, securing the land in a way Joshua’s generation had failed to do.
Through David’s victory, we see a foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate triumph over the forces of darkness. Just as David struck down the last of the Nephilim, Jesus came to crush the head of the serpent once and for all. His victory on the cross ensures that the final battle against evil will result in complete and total defeat for Satan and his forces.
The Meaning of Herem and the Final Judgment
The Hebrew word herem, meaning “devoted to destruction,” carries deep theological weight. It signifies something set apart for total annihilation under divine decree. In Joshua’s time, this applied to the Canaanites and Nephilim-influenced nations, but the concept extends to God’s ultimate judgment on all rebellion.
The conquest of Canaan was a foreshadowing of the final battle between God and the forces of evil. Just as Joshua led Israel in battle, Jesus (Yeshua, the true and greater Joshua) will return to lead the final conquest against all wickedness. Revelation 19:11-21 describes Christ’s return as a warrior, executing judgment on the rebellious nations and defeating the ultimate enemies of God.
The war between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent has been ongoing since Genesis. The Nephilim represented a perversion of God’s order, attempting to corrupt humanity and derail His redemptive plan. Their destruction was a necessary step in preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
The story of the Nephilim and the conquest of Canaan is not just ancient history—it holds spiritual significance for us today. The battle against corruption and rebellion continues, not in physical wars but in the spiritual war for our souls. Just as Israel was called to remove wickedness from their land, we are called to remove sin from our lives and stand firm against spiritual deception.
One day, Jesus will return to complete the work that began in Genesis, bringing final judgment on evil and restoring righteousness. Until then, we must remain faithful, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to Christ.
The question is—when that day comes, will you be found standing with Him?