The various pagan tribes that occupied the land signify the different aspects of our natural life. The gods (idols) of the pagan tribes (v. 24), with the demons behind them (cf. 1 Cor. 10:20), represent the spiritual forces of evil (Eph. 6:12). Behind our natural life are the forces of evil (cf. Matt. 16:23 and note Matt. 16:231a), who utilize, manipulate, and direct the aspects of our natural life to frustrate us from taking possession of the all-inclusive Christ and enjoying His riches.
History shows that the pagan tribes in the land were the source of Israel’s sin against God (cf. v. 33). This indicates that our natural life is the source of our sins. In the sight of God, those who live according to the natural life are sinning continually, whether they do good or evil. Because the natural life frustrates us from possessing Christ and enjoying Him, we must hate it (Luke 14:26) and, as we grow in Christ, be willing to drive it out. See note Exo. 23:291 and note Exo. 23:313.