In Deuteronomy 20 How Can We Reconcile The Commands To Destroy Certain Nations With The Character Of God As Loving And Merciful?
Understanding the Commands of Deuteronomy 20
Deuteronomy 20 presents a challenging passage for many modern readers. In this chapter, God instructs Israel regarding warfare as they enter the Promised Land. Notably, verses 16-18 command the Israelites to “save alive nothing that breatheth” among the Canaanite nations. This raises profound questions: How can these commands to destroy entire peoples be reconciled with the character of God as loving and merciful?
The Commands in Context
First, let's look at the relevant passage:
But of the cities of these peoples, that Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth; but thou shalt utterly destroy them... that they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so would ye sin against Jehovah your God. - Deuteronomy 20:16-18 ASV
This command applies specifically to the Canaanite nations within the land God was giving to Israel, not to all peoples or cities far away (Deuteronomy 20:10-15 ASV).
The Character of God: Loving and Merciful
The Bible consistently reveals God as loving and merciful:
Jehovah is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness. - Psalm 103:8 ASV
For Jehovah thy God is a merciful God; he will not fail thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers... - Deuteronomy 4:31 ASV
God is love. - 1 John 4:8 ASV
Reconciling Justice and Mercy
How, then, do we put these seemingly contradictory truths together?
- The Canaanite Nations’ Sinfulness: The command is not arbitrary. God waited for generations before judging the Canaanites, giving them opportunity to repent. Their practices included child sacrifice and extreme idolatry (Leviticus 18:21; Genesis 15:16). God’s patience demonstrates His mercy, but persistent, unrepentant evil calls for justice.
- God’s Justice Is an Expression of His Goodness: God’s justice flows from His love and holiness. Sin destroys lives; unchecked evil would corrupt Israel and prevent the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for all nations (Deuteronomy 20:18). God’s goal was to preserve a people through whom the Savior would come (Galatians 4:4).
- God’s Mercy Even in Judgment: God spared those who turned to Him in faith, such as Rahab and her family (Joshua 6:25). The offer of peace to cities outside Canaan (Deuteronomy 20:10) shows God’s desire for mercy and reconciliation.
- Progressive Revelation and the Fulfillment in Christ: The Old Testament reveals God’s holiness and justice through Israel. In Jesus Christ, God’s ultimate mercy is revealed: He bears the penalty for sin Himself, offering forgiveness to all who believe (Romans 3:25-26; John 3:16).
Key Insights
- God’s commands in Deuteronomy 20 reflect both His justice and His patience in the face of persistent evil.
- God’s actions are always consistent with His holy, loving, and merciful character.
- The ultimate solution to the problem of evil is found in the cross, where God’s justice and mercy meet perfectly in Christ (1 Peter 2:24).
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 20 is difficult, but it must be read in the light of God’s full revelation. God’s justice should not be pitted against His love; both are aspects of His perfect character. The commands served a purpose in salvation history, pointing forward to the coming of Christ, who offers mercy and salvation to all who believe.