What shall we do with the Canaanites? An ethical perspective on Genesis 12:6

Abstract

Colonial biblical interpretation - such as for example Moritz Merker’s study of the Maasai (1904/1910), where he claims that they are historically related to the ancient Israelites—tend to see both “Israelites” and their counterparts, the “Canaanites,” in the colonial, interpretive contexts. On this background, the present essay discusses a textual case, the reference to the Canaanites in Genesis 12:6. It is suggested that the reference is part of a multi-voiced discourse on the role of the Canaanites, and it is concluded that the guild of biblical studies can use this discourse in relation to contemporary ethical and interpretive challenges.