Did God Really Demand Genocide? Understanding the Canaanite Conquest

Did God really command genocide? Or was there something deeper going on?

The command to the Israelites to completely annihilate the Canaanites, including men, women, children, and livestock, has often troubled readers of the Bible. However, when examined through the lens of the theory proposed by scholars like Dr. Chuck Missler, Dr. Michael Heiser, and Pastor Chuck Smith, it becomes evident that this command was part of a larger spiritual warfare narrative rooted in the early chapters of Genesis.

The Genesis 6 Paradigm

The foundation of this theory lies in Genesis 6:1-4, where the "sons of God" took human wives, resulting in the birth of the Nephilim, a race of giants. Dr. Missler and Dr. Heiser interpret the "sons of God" as fallen angels who intermingled with human women, producing hybrid offspring. This act of rebellion was a direct assault on God's creation, seeking to corrupt the human gene pool and, by extension, thwart God's plan for redemption through the Messiah.

The phrase "sons of God" in Genesis 6:1-4 has been a topic of considerable debate among scholars and theologians. Understanding its Hebrew roots and the context within which it appears can provide clarity on the interpretation that these "sons of God" were indeed fallen angels who intermingled with human women, producing the Nephilim, the "mighty men of old, men of renown." This phrase may lend some clarity to the question, "Did God really command a genocide in Canaan?"

The Hebrew Phrase: "Bene Ha Elohim"

In Hebrew, the phrase "sons of God" is rendered as "בְּנֵי־הָאֱלֹהִים" (Bene ha Elohim). Let's break down the components of this phrase:

1. Bene (בְּנֵי): This word means "sons." It is the plural form of "ben" (בֵּן), meaning "son."

2. Ha (הָ): This is the definite article in Hebrew, equivalent to "the."

3. Elohim (אֱלֹהִים): A plural noun for "God" or "gods." When used with singular verbs and adjectives, it typically refers to the God of Israel. However, in certain contexts, it can refer to divine beings or heavenly hosts, especially when paired with "Bene."

Biblical Context and Usage

The term "Bene ha Elohim" appears in several Old Testament passages, each providing context for understanding its meaning:

1. Job 1:6 and Job 2:1: "Now there was a day when the sons of God (Bene ha Elohim) came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them." Here, the "sons of God" clearly refer to divine beings or angels presenting themselves before God in the heavenly court.

2. Job 38:7: "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God (Bene ha Elohim) shouted for joy." This passage speaks of the creation of the world, where the "sons of God" are understood to be angelic beings rejoicing at God's creative work.

These instances support the interpretation that "Bene ha Elohim" refers to divine beings or angels rather than human beings.

The Genesis 6 Account

In Genesis 6:1-4, the term "Bene ha Elohim" is used within a narrative that describes their interaction with human women:

"When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God (Bene ha Elohim) saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. Then the Lord said, 'My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.' The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown."

Key points in this passage:

• Intermingling: The "sons of God" took human women as wives, suggesting an unnatural union.

• Nephilim: The offspring of these unions were the Nephilim, described as "mighty men who were of old, men of renown."

Theological and Scholarly Interpretations

Several early Jewish and Christian interpretations affirm the view that "Bene ha Elohim" refers to fallen angels:

1. Ancient Jewish Texts: The Book of Enoch, a non-canonical Jewish text, expands on this narrative, explicitly describing the "sons of God" as Watchers (a class of angels) who descended to earth, took human wives, and begot the Nephilim.

2. Early Church Fathers: Church Fathers like Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Tertullian supported the angelic interpretation of Genesis 6. They argued that fallen angels intermingled with human women, resulting in the birth of giants.

3. Modern Scholars: Scholars like Dr. Michael Heiser and Dr. Chuck Missler argue that the consistent use of "Bene ha Elohim" in the Old Testament supports the angelic interpretation. They contend that the narrative in Genesis 6 describes a rebellion against God's order, where fallen angels sought to corrupt humanity.

The Hebrew phrase "Bene ha Elohim" in Genesis 6, when examined in its broader biblical context and supported by ancient interpretations, strongly indicates that the "sons of God" were fallen angels. Their intermingling with human women led to the birth of the Nephilim, a hybrid race that posed a significant threat to God's creation and His redemptive plan. This understanding aligns with the spiritual warfare narrative and provides a coherent explanation for the drastic measures taken during the Flood and later in the conquest of Canaan to preserve the purity of humanity and ensure the coming of the Messiah.

The Purpose of the Flood

Noah's Ark floats on the surface of the water after God floods the earth.

The pervasive wickedness and genetic corruption brought by the Nephilim necessitated the Flood, a divine reset to preserve humanity's integrity. However, Genesis 6:4 mentions that the Nephilim were on the earth "both before and after" the Flood, implying that this corruption re-emerged in post-diluvian times.

The Re-emergence of Nephilim and the Canaanites

Post-Flood, the descendants of the Nephilim appeared primarily in the land of Canaan. These descendants, often referred to as the Anakim, Rephaim, and other giant clans, were spread throughout Canaanite territories. Deuteronomy 2:10-11 and Numbers 13:32-33 provide accounts of these giant races, which the Israelites encountered as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

The Nephilim, the "men of renown" were scattered among the tribes of Canaan.

The Conquest of Canaan

Understanding the Canaanite conquest in this context reframes the seemingly harsh divine command. Did God really command a genocide on the tribes of Canaan? God’s directive to annihilate the Canaanites was not merely an act of ethnic cleansing but a strategic move to eradicate the corrupted bloodlines and halt the spread of demonic influence. Dr. Heiser and Pastor Chuck Smith emphasize that these commands were part of God's plan to preserve the purity of humanity, ensuring the untainted lineage necessary for the Messiah's birth.

The Theological Implications

1. Protection of the Messianic Lineage: The primary goal of eradicating the Canaanite inhabitants was to protect the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Any corruption in this line could jeopardize the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

2. Spiritual Warfare: The Canaanite conquest was part of a larger spiritual battle between God and Satan. The intermingling of fallen angels with humans was a deliberate attempt by Satan to corrupt humanity and derail God's salvation plan.

3. Divine Justice and Mercy: While the command to annihilate may seem harsh, it must be viewed in the context of divine justice and the necessity of preserving the sanctity of humanity. God's mercy is evident in His long-suffering patience and provision of a means for salvation through Christ.

Conclusion

The command to wipe out the Canaanites, including every man, woman, child, and livestock, was a drastic measure rooted in the spiritual battle that began in Genesis 6. By understanding the presence of Nephilim and the subsequent threat they posed to God's redemptive plan, we gain a clearer perspective on these difficult passages. The eradication of these corrupted bloodlines was essential to safeguard the purity of the human race and ensure the coming of the Messiah, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of salvation.

In studying these narratives, we not only gain insight into the ancient world but also appreciate the depth of God's commitment to His redemptive plan for humanity, thwarting the schemes of Satan to ensure the ultimate victory through Jesus Christ.