Divine command

Definition

Divine command refers to the belief that moral principles and laws are established by God and must be followed as a reflection of divine will. This concept emphasizes that certain actions are morally obligatory because they are commanded by God, making adherence to these commands a crucial aspect of faith. In the context of the conquest and settlement of Canaan, divine command underlines the Israelites' justification for their actions as they believed they were fulfilling God's will to possess the land.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The notion of divine command served as a theological basis for the Israelites' military actions during the conquest of Canaan.
2. According to biblical narratives, God explicitly commanded the Israelites to conquer Canaan, promising them the land as part of their covenant relationship.
3. Divine command emphasizes obedience to God's laws, which were believed to be directly communicated through leaders like Moses and Joshua.
4. The fulfillment of divine commands during the settlement involved not only military conquests but also rituals and laws governing life in the new land.
5. This belief in divine command raised complex ethical questions about warfare, violence, and the treatment of indigenous populations in biblical narratives.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of divine command influence the moral framework within which the Israelites operated during their conquest of Canaan?
  • Divine command influenced the moral framework by establishing that actions taken during the conquest were not merely military strategies but were seen as fulfilling God's will. This perspective provided a sense of legitimacy and justification for their actions, suggesting that they were acting on direct orders from God. Consequently, it shaped their understanding of right and wrong, embedding religious duty into their conquest activities.
• Discuss how the belief in divine command affected the Israelites' treatment of the inhabitants of Canaan during their settlement.
  • The belief in divine command significantly affected how the Israelites viewed and treated the inhabitants of Canaan. Since they believed that God commanded them to conquer and possess the land, many felt justified in displacing or destroying local populations. This led to actions such as herem, where certain cities and peoples were deemed 'devoted to destruction' as an expression of obedience to God's directives. Such beliefs created a complex dynamic between faith-driven motivations and the ethical implications of their conquests.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of divine command on Jewish identity and ethics as shaped by their historical experiences during the conquest and settlement of Canaan.
  • The long-term implications of divine command on Jewish identity and ethics are profound, as this concept became foundational in shaping how future generations interpreted their covenant with God. The historical experiences during the conquest fostered a strong sense of national identity tied to religious obedience and divine favor. Additionally, it led to ongoing discussions within Jewish thought about morality, justice, and divine will, influencing how later communities viewed ethical behavior in relation to their faith. This legacy remains evident in modern interpretations of Jewish law and ethics, where adherence to divine commandments continues to be a pivotal aspect of Jewish life.

Related terms

Covenant: A solemn agreement between God and His people, which often includes promises and obligations that must be upheld by both parties.

Joshua: The leader of the Israelites who succeeded Moses and played a key role in the conquest of Canaan, often perceived as executing divine commands.

Herem: A Hebrew term meaning 'devoted to destruction,' referring to the practice of annihilating certain peoples or things as an act of obedience to divine command during the conquest.