Deuteronomy 20:16

But of the cities of these people, which the Lord thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:

Deuteronomy 20:16 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. Moses spoke these words to Israel on the plains of Moab, just before they entered the Promised Land. The verse sits within instructions about warfare and conquest. God commanded the people to destroy completely the inhabitants of the cities He was giving them as an inheritance. This command was not for all nations, but only for those living in Canaan, the land set apart for God’s people.

Meaning

The command “thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth” was absolute. It applied only to the nations living in Canaan, not to distant cities (Deuteronomy 20:15). The following verses name these peoples: Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Their destruction was an act of divine judgment on their gross wickedness, which included idolatry, child sacrifice, and immorality. God used Israel as the instrument of His justice.

The reason for this severity was protective. Deuteronomy 20:18 explains that these nations might teach Israel to imitate their abominable practices, causing Israel to sin against the Lord. The land was to be purified for God’s holy people. This was a specific, time-bound command for the conquest of Canaan, not a general rule for all warfare. It was a measure of judgment on guilty nations and a safeguard to keep Israel from moral corruption.

Biblical connections

The New Testament does not carry forward this command for Christians. Instead, believers are called to spiritual warfare against sin and to be holy as God is holy. The principle of separation from idolatry and moral compromise remains, but the application is spiritual, not physical. The verse also points to the seriousness of sin and the judgment it deserves, and to the mercy found in Christ, who bore God’s judgment for sinners. This command foreshadows the ultimate judgment that sin deserves, and the deliverance available through faith in Jesus.

Application

• Spiritual separation: Believers are called to avoid the world’s sinful practices and to live lives that honour God, without compromising their faith.

• Fighting spiritual battles: Though physical warfare of this kind has passed, Christians still stand against evil, resist temptation, and promote righteousness.

• God’s justice and mercy: The destruction was severe, but it demonstrated God’s righteousness and His desire to preserve His people’s relationship with Him.

Reflection

This verse challenges readers to take sin seriously and to trust God’s wisdom, even when His ways seem harsh. It reminds us that God is holy and just, and that He calls His people to be distinct from the world. At the same time, it points to the cross, where Christ received the judgment we deserved, offering mercy and cleansing to all who believe. God’s holiness demands judgment on sin, but His love provides a way of escape through the Savior.