Read Numbers 33 – 34
But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them. Numbers 33:55-56 KJV
There were strong reasons God wanted the inhabitants of the land of Canaan removed by the people of Israel. First, it was a judgment against them for their sins, such as the sacrifice of children to their idols. Second, it was necessary for them to be removed before Israel could be established. And third, it was for the protection of the Israelites. To leave the enemies of God in the land would have meant a constant irritation for Israel, just as leaving pockets of sin in our own lives continue to be a source of irritation for us. The irritation has a spiritually detrimental effect. Rather than causing us to hate the sin, we become accustomed to it and eventually embrace it. This was God’s concern for Israel, they had already shown their appetite for idolatry; if the inhabitants of the land were not removed then Israel would become just like them, and stand in need of judgment as well.
Lord, like the Israelites of old I understand You want sin removed from my life that I might not be vexed by it and eventually succumb to it. Help me to remain strong and vigilant in the fight against sin in all areas of my life. May no pockets of sin be allowed to coexist as I seek to walk approvingly with You.
