Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'devote them to utter destruction' mean in Deuteronomy 7:2?
A: The phrase 'devote them to utter destruction' (הַחֲרֵם תַּחֲרִים) refers to the commandment to completely eliminate the influence of the seven Canaanite nations when entering the Land of Israel. According to Rashi, this was to prevent them from leading the Jewish people astray with idolatry and immoral practices. The Torah emphasizes this strict approach because these nations were deeply entrenched in behaviors contrary to Torah values.
Q: Why does the Torah say not to make a covenant with the Canaanite nations?
A: The Torah prohibits making a covenant with the Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 7:2) because forming alliances or treaties with them would lead to intermarriage and adopting their idolatrous ways. Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Avodat Kochavim that any tolerance of their presence would eventually corrupt Jewish beliefs and practices. The Torah commands complete separation to preserve the spiritual purity of the Jewish people.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 7:2 apply today if the Canaanite nations no longer exist?
A: While the specific commandment to destroy the seven Canaanite nations no longer applies (as they no longer exist as distinct nations), the underlying principle remains relevant. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20a) teaches that we must distance ourselves from negative influences that can lead us away from Torah values. Today, this means being cautious about cultural trends or ideologies that contradict Jewish teachings.
Q: Does 'show no mercy' in Deuteronomy 7:2 mean we should be cruel?
A: No, the commandment 'show no mercy' does not promote cruelty. Rashi explains that this directive was specific to the seven Canaanite nations due to their extreme moral corruption and the danger they posed to Israel's spiritual mission. Jewish tradition emphasizes compassion in general (e.g., 'Love your neighbor as yourself'—Leviticus 19:18), but in this unique historical context, mercy would have allowed destructive influences to persist.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 7:2 about fighting evil?
A: Deuteronomy 7:2 teaches that when confronting destructive influences (whether external or internal), we must act decisively and not compromise. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) compares this to removing a weed before it spreads—hesitation allows the problem to grow. On a personal level, this verse reminds us to completely uproot negative habits or temptations rather than making 'treaties' with them.
Context in Sefer Devarim
This verse (Devarim 7:2) appears in the context of Moshe's instructions to Bnei Yisrael regarding their imminent entry into Eretz Canaan. The Torah commands the complete eradication of the seven Canaanite nations and prohibits making treaties or showing mercy to them.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that the phrase "וְהִכִּיתָם" (and you shall smite them) refers to waging war against these nations. The double language of "הַחֲרֵם תַּחֲרִים" (utter destruction) teaches that even if they offer wealth as ransom, it must be rejected. Rashi emphasizes that showing mercy would be misplaced, as these nations would lead Israel astray to idolatry (based on Devarim 7:4).
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Melachim (6:1-4), Rambam codifies this as halacha, stating that when Israel conquers the land, they must first offer peace to non-Canaanite nations. However, for the seven Canaanite nations and Amalek, no peace offer is made - they must either accept the seven Noahide laws and subjugation or face annihilation. Rambam explains this stringency due to their particularly corrupting influence.
Talmudic Basis
Moral Considerations
The Kli Yakar addresses why such harsh measures were necessary, explaining that the Canaanite nations had reached a state of irredeemable corruption (based on Vayikra 18:27). Their practices of idolatry included human sacrifice and extreme immorality that would contaminate the spiritual environment of Eretz Yisrael.
Contemporary Application
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that while these commands were specific to the conquest period, they teach eternal principles about maintaining spiritual boundaries and not compromising with ideologies antithetical to Torah values. The prohibition against treaties reminds us that some influences cannot be safely accommodated.