Conquest

“Make no treaties with them or their gods. They must not live in your land, or they will cause you to sin against me. If you serve their gods, you will be caught in the trap of idolatry.” [Exodus 23.32-33]

This is specific instruction from God in dealing with the resident people of the land (Canaan) that Israel was promised by God. One word comes to mind: conquest.

This is very interesting in contrast to a few verses back regarding foreigners...

“You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. [Exodus 22.21]

And...

“You must not oppress foreigners. You know what it’s like to be a foreigner, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. [Exodus 23.9]

What does this mean? It means that God's people and God's ways are to be preserved.

While as humans, we have certain Civil Rights that we live by, God is not bound to our mandates! This is especially true where our mandates depart from God's instructions!

While God's law shows particular sympathy for foreigners (because Israel existed in that condition in Egypt and in Canaan), God left no room for foreigners (or otherwise) to depart from His laws.

Before Israel's occupation of it, the Promised Land (Canaan) was godless and grossly immoral. God's laws against those conditions was (and is) clear. God promised the land to Israel, but in all fairness, made provision for 'foreigners' going forward because God gives everyone the chance to obey Him and His ways.

It is important to understand however, regardless of the modern popular culture of tolerance and inclusion, that God does not follow such tolerance and inclusion. Basically, it is God's way, or destruction. And, this all makes sense to one who concedes that God created the earth. However, to those who do not believe the earth is God's, then God's rules matter not (at least, not to them).

So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!” [Ezekiel 22.31]

But God's obedient people need not fear. God will fight His own battles and uphold His own holiness. Ours is simply to obey God, reject and overcome false religion and idolatry, and enjoy His provision in every facet of life.

Our God is a consuming fire...

Father, help Your people to genuinely follow You and Your ways.