DOCTRINE OF CHEREM

Dr. Grant C. Richison

DEFINITION

Cherem is an act of banning.

It always suggests separation or devoting to God.

As “holy” kadosh=consecrated to the service of Jehovah

 –not used for secular purposes

 So

-devoting to Jehovah anything which would, if spared, corrupt Israel from God’s norms

-It also has the further idea of destroying or exterminating as the surest way of avoid­ing such contamination.

 EVERY THING THAT MIGHT PAGANIZED ISRAEL WAS BANNED:

Idols – Deuteronomy 7:26

Idolatrous persons – Exodus 22:20

Idolatrous cities – Deuteronomy 13:13 – 18

All Canaanite towns – Deuteronomy 20:16-18

PRINCIPLES:

Not personal revenge.

Not to gain plunder for all plunder was regarded as cherem.

Not done for military glory for they were a small nation and could not have done it on their own.

No reward for merit, a rebellious people.

Extermination was a security against idolatry.

Genesis 15:18: they filled the measure of their iniquity.