A Deep Dive into Tribalism: Faithfulness in a Divided World

What is tribalism?

Tribalism in Scripture reflects the tension between group loyalty and divine ethics, particularly evident in God’s commands to Israel.

Deuteronomy 7:1–2 commands Israel to 'drive out the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites,' prohibiting peace or intermarriage with these groups. This passage reflects a tribalistic framework, positioning Israel’s obedience to God as tied to their separation from surrounding peoples. Scholars note that such directives may reflect ancient Near Eastern conquest narratives rather than universal ethical principles.

While Deuteronomy highlights tribal boundaries, the broader biblical narrative explores themes of inclusion and covenantal faithfulness that complicate simplistic readings. This tension invites readers to consider how Scripture addresses identity, conflict, and divine purpose in complex human relationships.

Tribalism in Deuteronomy 7:1-2

Deuteronomy 7:1-2 explicitly frames tribalism as a divine mandate for Israel’s covenantal identity.

The passage commands Israel to ‘drive out’ the Canaanite tribes (Deuteronomy 7:1-2), prohibiting covenants or intermarriage with them to preserve their distinctiveness. This directive positions tribal separation as essential to Israel’s obedience, linking their purity to God’s promises. Scholars often note that such language reflects ancient Near Eastern conquest narratives rather than universal ethical principles.

The divine command in Deuteronomy underscores tribalism as a tool for maintaining covenantal boundaries, framing Israel’s identity in opposition to surrounding cultures. While this reflects a specific historical context of religious exclusivity, modern interpretations often critique such tribalism as incompatible with broader biblical themes of inclusion. This tension invites reflection on how ancient tribal frameworks both shaped and limited divine relationships in Scripture.

Tribalism in the Old Testament

The Old Testament further illustrates tribalism’s dual role as both a unifying force and a source of division through narratives in Judges and Ruth.

In Judges 5:23, the Kenites and others who failed to aid Israel in battle are cursed, highlighting how tribal loyalty could be leveraged to enforce collective responsibility. Conversely, Ruth 1:16-17 portrays Ruth’s devotion to her Moabite-in-law Naomi, transcending tribal boundaries and challenging narrow definitions of loyalty.

These examples reveal tensions between tribal solidarity and God’s broader purposes. While tribalism could foster unity in crisis (Judges 5:23), it also risked fostering exclusion or conflict (e.g., tribal rivalries in Judges). Ruth’s story, however, foreshadows a vision of inclusion where God’s grace extends beyond ethnic or tribal lines, setting the stage for later biblical themes of universal redemption.

Why tribalism matters today

Modern tribalism, seen in nationalism and cultural exclusion, echoes ancient divisions the Bible both reflects and ultimately challenges.

Nationalism, racism, and ethnic rivalry today often mirror the tribalistic frameworks of Scripture, where group identity shaped relationships with God and others. The New Testament, however, redefines belonging through Christ, declaring in Galatians 3:28, 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' This verse dismantles hierarchical divisions, urging believers to prioritize spiritual unity over cultural or ethnic bonds.

By rejecting tribalistic exclusivity, the Bible calls followers to embody a radical inclusivity that transcends modern divisions, setting the stage for a broader exploration of unity in Christ.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of tribalism in Scripture, consider exploring related themes that highlight God's evolving vision for community and unity.

Exploring covenantal theology reveals how God’s promises to Israel shaped tribal identity, while examining biblical accounts of war (e.g., Joshua’s conquests) raises complex questions about justice and violence. The New Testament’s emphasis on the church as a diverse, unified body—embodied in Galatians 3:28—challenges tribal divisions and redefines belonging through faith in Christ.