Was the Conquest of Canaan a Genocide?

The conquest of Canaan in the book of Joshua is one of the most controversial parts of the Bible. And for many Christians, it’s one of the toughest things to explain. Skeptics often call this story a genocide—and from what the Bible itself says, that may seem accurate. But in this episode, I’m going to explain why this wasn’t a genocide. And we’ll look at the context and the historical data to bring more clarity and understanding to what actually happened.Hey! I’m David Cipriano, and I’m a youth pastor who wants to help others follow Jesus.Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads: @itsdavidciprianoFollow me on X: @itsdavidcip0:00 Intro2:11 The Canaanites were an extremely wicked people.8:17 The conquest of Canaan was about divine judgment, not human violence.15:31 The Israelites weren’t nearly as powerful as they’re often made out to be. 19:06 Ancient warfare rhetoric & herem warfare explained23:18 The language about killing all the Canaanites wasn’t always literal.31:01 The Israelites primarily attacked military bases, rather than civilian areas.33:58 Many of Israel’s battles were defensive, not offensive.36:02 All the Canaanites had a chance to repent and be saved.39:36 The conquest of Canaan doesn’t fit the definition of a genocide.42:14 What implications does this have for today?Bible passages used in this episode:Leviticus 18:3, Leviticus 18:24-25, Genesis 15:16, Deuteronomy 9:5, Joshua 2:9-11, Joshua 5:13-14, Joshua 8:1, Joshua 10:10-11, Joshua 23:3, Psalm 24:1, Genesis 18:25, Numbers 13:31-33, Joshua 10:11, Joshua 11:4, Joshua 6:21, Joshua 8:24-26, Joshua 10:20, Joshua 10:28, Joshua 10:40, Deuteronomy 7:2-3, Joshua 10:36-37, Judges 1:10, Joshua 10:38-39, Judges 1:11, 1 Samuel 15:8-9, 1 Samuel 27:8, 1 Samuel 30:1, 1 Chronicles 4:43, Numbers 13:33, Joshua 11:4, Joshua 13:13, Joshua 15:63, Joshua 16:10, Joshua 17:12-13, Joshua 7:2, Joshua 8:17, Joshua 10:20, Joshua 10:28, Joshua 10:40, Joshua 10:5, Joshua 11:4-5, Joshua 2:18-19, Joshua 6:25, Genesis 15:16, Ezekiel 18:32, Joshua 20:9All verses are in the King James Version (KJV).I’m a brand ambassador for Elevated Faith! Buy clothing that helps you share the gospel, and save 15% with my ambassador link!https://elevatedfaith.com/discount/DCipriano1555