For the last twenty years, the term “holy war” has taken on a life of its own. Whether it’s the idea that Islam is engaged in a jihad or that America is spreading the gospel of capitalism all over the world, “holy war” indicates a fight not only for land, but for hearts and minds.
And if we’re not careful, that’s an assumption we can make about Israel’s conquest of Canaan, as well.
To be fair, all the pieces are there. When Israel goes into battle with her enemies (the process of which is laid out starting here in Deuteronomy 20), they are to utterly destroy all the idols. Every religious practice is annihilated, and the people are put to death.
Moreover, throughout the Old Testament, there are references to gentiles looking to Israel as a beacon of sorts. They will see Jerusalem, see the Israelites, and worship Jehovah as a result (Isaiah 60:1-3; Psalm 22:27-28).
This seems to imply that what Israel is doing in Canaan is part conquest, part evangelism. While they take their promised land, they will also spread the word about who God is. People will turn to Him voluntarily; even if they never actually become Jews, they can still become God-worshippers.
That doesn’t seem to be the case here. In fact, the focus is completely on Israel and reminding them of God’s presence. If anyone needed to be “evangelized” during this period, it was Israel.
According to later verses, the entirety of Canaan was to be destroyed. Only the neighboring countries were spared under the understanding that they would become Israel’s servant. A true campaign that was designed to spread an idea needs bodies that will turn to God. A nation that is annihilated can’t do that.
On the other hand, there are several elements that do contribute to this idea of a holy war. The entire campaign was done at the command of Jehovah (Joshua 5:13-15), the spoils of war belong to God (Joshua 6:17), and the destruction is done as a judgment on the nations and their wickedness (Genesis 15:16).
Is it a holy war from that perspective? Absolutely.
So, I guess I’m not sure where I technically stand on this issue. What do you think? Holy war or not?