Understanding the Conquest of Canaan

The conquest of Canaan is primarily found in the book of Joshua, detailing how the Israelites, after 40 years of wandering, invaded the land under strict divine orders. According to the texts, they were commanded to obliterate all inhabitants of cities, reflecting a doctrine of total destruction, known as harem warfare. This reflects the belief that the land was polluted by its former residents, necessitating complete annihilation for it to be made acceptable for Yahweh's presence. Importantly, this narrative serves as a significant tradition within the biblical corpus, emphasizing not only the religious motivations behind the conquest but also the harsh realities associated with it.