Definition: But thou shalt utterly destroy them; [namely], the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 20:17. It’s a pretty serious command, so we need to understand what it's saying. Here's a simple explanation: “But you must utterly destroy them – Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites – as the Lord your God has commanded you.” Let’s unpack that: “But you must utterly destroy…” - This is a strong warning. It's not just about letting them go or ignoring them; it means complete destruction. It’s a very serious instruction. “…them…” – This refers to specific groups of people who were living in the land of Israel at that time. “H Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites” - These are names for different tribes and peoples who lived in the region. They were a mix of Jewish and non-Jewish people, and they were considered to be a threat to Israel’s safety and prosperity. “as the Lord your God hath commanded thee.” – This is the crucial part. It means that this destruction was given to God by Him and is a direct instruction from the divine. It's not up to us to decide when or how this destruction should happen; it’s divinely ordained. In essence, this verse is telling Israel to actively and decisively eliminate these specific groups of people who were considered enemies of their land. It's a call for righteous action and a demonstration of God’s power. Important Context (Briefly): This passage comes after the Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years and were facing increasing challenges. The Israelites were experiencing internal strife, and this verse is part of a larger effort to secure their future and protect them from external threats. It’s often seen as a call to repentance and a shift in focus towards righteousness and obedience to God's law. Do you want me to: Explain why this passage was important at the time? Give you some context about the history of this event? Explore what it means in light of modern-day issues?