Why did God command the OT killing of women and children?
Southern Seminary・6 minutes read
God commanded the extermination of the Canaanites due to their extreme moral degradation, as part of His plan to rescue sinful humanity and prevent corruption among His chosen people. The story serves as a warning about repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, exemplified by the inclusion of a Canaanite prostitute, Rahab, in Jesus' genealogy.
Insights
- God's judgment on the Canaanites was a response to their extreme moral degradation and horrific practices, showcasing His role as a righteous judge even when His actions seem troubling or difficult to comprehend.
- The story of the extermination command serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting the transformative power of grace and salvation even in the midst of impending judgment, as exemplified by Rahab's inclusion in Jesus' genealogy.
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Recent questions
Why did God command the extermination of the Canaanites?
God commanded the extermination of the Canaanites as a response to their extreme moral degradation and horrific practices. Despite the difficulty in understanding His actions, the Bible teaches that God alone is a righteous judge. This judgment was not arbitrary but a necessary step to prevent corruption among His chosen people and to fulfill His mission to rescue sinful humanity.
How did God use fallible individuals like Abraham in His plans?
God used fallible individuals like Abraham to carry out His plans of rescuing sinful humanity. The Old Testament reveals that God's mission involved using imperfect people to fulfill His purposes, with the extermination of the Canaanites being a part of His larger plan to bring about redemption and prevent corruption among His chosen people.
Why did God judge His own people, Israel, more harshly than others?
God judged His own people, Israel, more harshly than others due to their sinfulness and idolatry. The Old Testament shows that God used pagan nations to bring judgment upon Israel, highlighting the consequences of turning away from Him. This judgment served as a warning to all, emphasizing the need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and grace.
What was the significance of the story of Rahab in the context of the Canaanite extermination?
The story of Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute who became part of Jesus' genealogy, highlights the theme of salvation and grace amidst impending judgment. Despite the command to exterminate the Canaanites, Rahab's faith and actions led to her inclusion in Jesus' lineage, showcasing God's mercy and redemption even in the midst of judgment.
How does the story of the Canaanite extermination emphasize the need for repentance?
The story of the Canaanite extermination serves as a warning to all, emphasizing the need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It showcases the consequences of moral degradation and idolatry, while also highlighting God's offer of salvation and grace to those who turn to Him in repentance.
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Summary
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God's Judgment on Canaanites: A Biblical Perspective
- The question of God's command to exterminate the Canaanites has troubled Christians for centuries, especially due to the involvement of women and children, and the fact that God commanded His sinful people to carry out the extermination.
- The Bible teaches that God alone is a righteous judge, even if we struggle to understand His actions, and that His judgment on the Canaanites was not arbitrary but a response to their extreme moral degradation and horrific practices.
- God's mission to rescue sinful humanity, starting with Abraham, involved using fallible individuals like Abraham to carry out His plans, with the extermination of the Canaanites being a necessary step to prevent corruption among His chosen people.
- The Old Testament reveals that God judged His own people, Israel, more harshly than others, using pagan nations to bring judgment upon them due to their sinfulness and idolatry.
- The story of the extermination command serves as a warning to all, emphasizing the need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and grace despite impending judgment, as seen in the story of Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute who became part of Jesus' genealogy.
