What About Violence in the Old Testament?

If you're following our 2023-2024 Two-Year Bible Reading Plan (which available is on this page), right now you're in the thick of the conquest narratives:  God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites to enter the land of the Canaanites and slaughter its inhabitants.  The destruction of the city of Jericho may be the best known example of this (ch. 6).

It is sobering and disturbing to read such passages.  What are we to make of this part of the biblical storyline?  What does the Book of Joshua teach us about the nature of God?  And how are God's instructions for us, for his church, different than the commands he gave to Old Testament Israel?

These are good questions.  Let me recommend a couple of helpful concise articles that take up the key issues, drawing attention to the justice of God and highlighting the beauty of his undeserved mercy.

• "How Could God Command Genocide in the Old Testament?" by Justin Taylor.
• "Is God Guilty of Genocide?" by Michael J. Kruger.

As you read Joshua, and as you reflect on articles such as these, ask the Lord to humble your heart.  And ask God to help you see and revere him in the fullness of his holy attributes.