Deuteronomy 7:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The law given to the Israelites was stringent: they were to refrain from buying, selling, or marrying among them, living close by but maintaining a distance in conduct. They were instructed to have no fellowship with the Canaanites in any form—be it contracts, trade, or matrimonial unions—so that the allure of kinship would not lead them to sin, lest they become entangled with these corrupt people through mutual exchanges that might foster friendship. Instead, they were commanded to live separately, distinguishing themselves from the Canaanites by their language and lifestyle, as this law served as a protective barrier. Like grapes contained within a vineyard, the Israelites were edged in by the law to prevent any mingling with the Canaanites. The Canaanites practiced illicit unions, violated natural laws, indulged in idolatry, worshipped enduring trees that offended God, committed child sacrifice, and dishonored their parents, living in a most depraved manner. Because of this, the Israelites were to have no dealings with them—no treaties, no commerce—as the law imposed severe penalties against intermarriages or alliances with these nations. It was strictly forbidden to form any connections with the Canaanites, or to offer them gold or any gifts that could foster malevolence. The directive served as a protective barrier for the Israelites; as the Lord said, "The vineyard, I have planted it, and have enclosed it with a hedge" (Isaiah 5:2), referring to commandments that served to delineate and separate them. The Canaanites were deemed contemptible, wicked, and unclean, thus the Israelites were to remain steadfast in their obedience to the law, refusing even to listen to them.

However, they disregarded these noble commands and carelessly pursued what was contrary to His Will, being drawn instead to omens and false prophecies, influenced by idolaters. They sought knowledge of the future and insulted the holy prophets, demanding, ‘Do not prophesy to us, but speak to us smooth things and illusions’ (Isaiah 30:10). They formed alliances with the daughters of surrounding nations, despite the law's prohibition. By inviting into their homes women who were corrupt and hostile to God, raised in idolatry, they fathered children who were educated in their mothers' ways, indicating, in essence, that they were ignorant of the law of Moses.