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Violence & Genocide

The Herem: God Commands Total Annihilation of Canaanites

God commands Israel to "save alive nothing that breatheth" among the Canaanites — how can a God described as compassionate order the extermination of entire peoples including children?

The Herem: God Commands Total Annihilation of Canaanites illustration
The Herem: God Commands Total Annihilation of Canaanites

Full Analysis Coming Soon

Detailed perspectives, original language notes, and historical context for Deuteronomy 20:16-18 are being prepared by our editorial team. In the meantime, explore this passage in the Bible reader.

Sources: Published scholarship View all →

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