Why did God do ethnic cleansing among the Israelites?
God had to do ethnic cleansing among the Israelites because they lost their separated position, and thousands died as a result. Yet the nation remained intact, and the Moabites could not prevent Israel from eventually crossing Jordan and occupying the promised land.
Les explains that after the Israelites lost their separated position, God had to do what is called today ethnic cleansing, and quite a few thousand Israelites lost their lives as a result. Nevertheless, the nation of Israel remained intact, and the Moabites could do nothing about it. They would have to put up with Israel until Israel finally crossed Jordan to occupy the promised land. Les points out that Israel could have entered the land from Kadesh without losing a single young son or lifting a sword, but because of unbelief—they did not believe God meant what He said—God in His wrath turned them back into the wilderness for 40 years of wandering. Now, nearly 40 years later, as they are about to cross the Jordan, they will stop for Passover, which will be exactly 40 years from the Passover in Egypt, showing how meticulous God is with His timing. Deuteronomy is written in the final month or two while they sit opposite the Jordan, and Moses reflects back, reviewing everything from the exodus, so Deuteronomy is a lot of recap.