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.