Bible Students

This is a difficult topic to deal with. It is a twist on the age-old question of evil, regarding why God would allow evil and suffering into the world. This question does not accuse God of evil, but it does accuse God of causing suffering. Usually when one asks this question, it is because they believe a loving God would not allow violent killings. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, the Lord is the one who gave life to all things, so He can rightfully take it back whenever He desires. If God is the one who has given people life and allowed them to live on His earth, then as God He has a right to take that life. However, He does not take that life without giving adequate time for people to respond to His revelation.

Second, the Lord is sovereign over all circumstances and has given everyone adequate opportunity to respond to Him. He has revealed Himself through general and special revelation (in the biblical cases, Israel is a form of special revelation to the nations). Notice throughout the Old Testament, when nations come against Israel (see the story of Rahab in Joshua or the stolen Ark in 1 Samuel), the other nations have heard of the acts of God and continue to oppose Him. All the people who Israel is sent against know the God of Israel’s power.

Third, this killing is for a good reason. The command to kill in the Old Testament was a command to purge the land of those who continued to rebel against God no matter what. These people could not be allowed to corrupt God’s people and cause more people to go against God, thus condemning more people. The condemnation of a few is better than the condemnation of all.

As stated previously, this is a very sensitive topic, as usually people who are wrestling with questions like this need people to come along side them to walk with them and see the judgment and love of God pointed out in their life. They do not need a simple answer, they need a long and drawn out process of really understanding with another person.