Table of Contents
Canaanite Nations and Their Spiritual Characteristics #
God commanded Israel to drive out seven nations greater and mightier than them (Deut. 7:1). Each represents a spiritual stronghold we face today.
| Tribe/Nation | Scripture Reference | Name Meaning / Traits | Spiritual Parallel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canaanites | Genesis 10:15–19; Deut. 7:1 | “Merchant,” trafficker, lowland dwellers | Spirit of greed, compromise, lust for gain |
| Hittites | Genesis 23:3–20; Deut. 7:1 | “Terror,” fear, torment | Spirit of fear, intimidation, paralysis |
| Amorites | Genesis 14:7; Deut. 7:1 | “Boasters,” arrogant talkers | Pride, self-exaltation, rebellion |
| Perizzites | Genesis 13:7; Deut. 7:1 | “Villagers,” undisciplined | Lack of boundaries, lawlessness, carelessness |
| Hivites | Genesis 34:2; Deut. 7:1 | “Lifers,” dwellers in deception | Spirit of deception, compromise, false peace |
| Jebusites | Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:21 | “Threshers,” treads down | Spirit of oppression, discouragement, humiliation |
| Girgashites | Deut. 7:1 only | “Clay dwellers,” earthy, carnal | Materialism, intellectualism, lack of faith |
Key Verses #
- Deuteronomy 7:1 (AMP)
“When the Lord your God brings you into the land which you are entering to possess, and has cleared away many nations before you—the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites—seven nations greater and mightier than you,” - Exodus 23:23-24 (AMP)
“For My angel will go before you and bring you to the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I will completely destroy them. You shall not bow down to their gods…” - Joshua 3:10 (AMP)
“By this you will know that the living God is among you, and that He will most certainly dispossess from before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite.”
Spiritual Warfare Implications #
Each nation represents a territorial spirit or inner stronghold believers must conquer today:
- Canaanites (greed, worldliness) – Must be cast down through contentment and holiness (Hebrews 13:5).
- Hittites (fear) – Overcome by perfect love and trust in God (2 Timothy 1:7).
- Amorites (pride) – Brought low by humility and submission (James 4:6–7).
- Perizzites (lack of discipline) – Conquered through order and obedience (1 Corinthians 14:40).
- Hivites (deception) – Exposed through truth and discernment (1 John 4:1).
- Jebusites (oppression) – Defeated through joy and spiritual authority (Luke 10:19).
- Girgashites (carnality) – Crucified through Spirit-led living (Galatians 5:24).
