Why Would a Good God Command Atrocities in the Old Testament?
- authorkinite
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
This week's Blog and podcast explores a deeply challenging question: Why would a loving and just God command acts of violence in the Old Testament, such as the extermination of the Canaanites? If you've found yourself grappling with this issue, you're far from alone. Many people—both believers and skeptics—struggle with these passages, making it essential to approach them with honesty and a firm grasp of their historical context.
Understanding the Context
The Old Testament emerged from a time marked by ancient cultures and pervasive tribal warfare. Canaanite societies were infamous for their harmful practices, including child sacrifice and ritual prostitution, with around 70% of their religious rites involving violence. These actions not only threatened the Israelites but also posed a risk to the moral fabric of humanity as a whole.
Understanding the historical backdrop is crucial. For instance, the ancient Near East faced continuous conflict, and the survival of the Israelite community was in jeopardy. God's commands were aimed not just at conquest but at preserving a society meant to reflect divine justice and holiness amidst rampant corruption.
God’s Justice and Mercy
It is vital to remember that God's directives were not random or driven by ethnic animosity. The Old Testament illustrates God's patience, offering chances for repentance over years. Genesis 15:16 points out that the Canaanites were given centuries to change their destructive ways. Thus, God’s justice is always entwined with His mercy, and judgment often comes only after extensive warnings.
This theme of combined justice and mercy is woven throughout the Scriptures. God desires repentance and restoration rather than destruction. For example, the story of Jonah illustrates God’s desire to offer mercy to even the most sinful of nations. God is slow to anger and allows time for change, shedding light on the gravity of the commands directed at Israel.
What About Today?
Today's applications of these ancient texts do not advocate for violence. Instead, they point to the seriousness of sin and highlight how far God goes to fulfill His redemptive plan. The overarching storyline of Scripture ultimately leads to Jesus, who perfectly embodies God’s justice and mercy, urging us to love our enemies and pursue peace.
In the New Testament, Jesus presents a profound shift, teaching love even towards oppressors. For instance, in Matthew 5:39, He tells us to turn the other cheek. This contrast emphasizes an evolving understanding of God's character and His desires for humanity to live in harmony.
Wrestling with Hard Questions
It’s perfectly fine if these passages trouble you. Faith is not about evading tough questions; it's about facing them with honesty and openness. God invites each of us to explore our doubts and uncertainties.
Engaging with these challenging issues can enrich our faith. It encourages believers to investigate the complexities of their beliefs and pursue answers that resonate with their understanding of a loving God. This ongoing journey of questioning and seeking can ultimately tighten one’s bond with the divine.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
As we navigate these difficult subjects, open dialogue is paramount. Engaging with those who hold different viewpoints can illuminate our understanding and foster personal growth.
Watch our podcast on this topic on YouTube @whywebelievetv to explore this topic in depth and dissect the complexities of God’s commands in the Old Testament. The discussion continues as we strive to comprehend the nature of God and His relationship with humanity.
Reflecting on Challenging Questions
The inquiry into why a good God commands seemingly atrocious actions in the Old Testament is intricate and layered. By understanding the historical context, balancing justice and mercy, and facing tough questions directly, we start to unravel the meanings behind these challenging readings.
These stories urge us to ponder God's nature and His intentions for humanity. They remind us that faith is about the quest for understanding, not merely having all the answers. As we continue this exploration, we should feel free to engage in discussions and seek insights, knowing that God welcomes our inquiries and doubts.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube: Why We Believe TV - CLICK HERE
Want a deeper dive? Check out my book, I Am A Christian, This Is Why: A Logical Response to the Skeptic—available on Amazon.
Explore more topics: Visit our blog page for additional articles and resources.
How do you process these challenging parts of Scripture? Drop a comment on the blog or join the conversation on YouTube—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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