The concept of "holy war" in the book of Deuteronomy

Description of the conquest of Canaan by Israel, accompanied by the destruction of the indigenous population, raises numerous questions and even shudder while reading of the Old Testament. In this regard it is necessary to analyze the origins of this course of action in the teachings of the Book of Deuteronomy about the “holy war”. The article discusses the features of this teaching as well as the critical views of contemporary biblical scholars about the reality and historicity of the relevant provisions of Deuteronomy.