Why so much violence in the Old Testament and why did God seem to condone it?

That’s such an important and honest question, I have been agonising in my heart for some time now, asking this and similar questions. In my research, I reviewed 3 Artificial Intelligence sources: ChatGPT, Meta and Grok

Grok had the most thorough, detailed and diverse responses with relevant citations. It is far superior to the other two. This article contains the article from Grok.

Introduction

The violence in the Old Testament is one of the most difficult issues for many believers and seekers alike. Let’s walk through several perspectives that theologians, apologists, philosophers, and historians have used to approach this challenging topic, always with humility, because it’s heavy stuff.

The Old Testament contains many accounts of violence, often depicting God as the initiator or enforcer of violence, but there are several ways to understand this. Some interpret it as divine justice, a consequence of sin or disobedience. Others see it as a reflection of the violence of the ancient world and the limitations of the historical context. Additionally, some scholars suggest a progressive revelation of God's character, with the Old Testament highlighting justice and the New Testament emphasising love and mercy

Key Points

It seems likely that violence in the Old Testament reflects ancient societal norms, with research suggesting God condoned it for justice, protection, and fulfilling His plan.

The evidence leans toward violence being part of divine judgment against wicked nations, like the Canaanites, and ensuring Israel's purity.

Views vary, with some seeing commands as literal, others as metaphorical, highlighting the complexity and controversy of interpreting these texts.

God's mercy and preference for repentance are also emphasised, balancing the violence with opportunities for redemption.

Direct Answer

The Old Testament contains significant violence, which can be unsettling, but there are several reasons why it appears and why God seems to condone it, based on historical and theological perspectives.

Historical Context
The violence often reflects the norms of ancient societies, where warfare and conquest were common. This context helps explain why such acts are described, sometimes as part of human history rather than divine command.

Divine Justice and Protection
Research suggests God condoned violence as an act of justice against nations like the Canaanites, known for practices like child sacrifice, to protect Israel from corruption and ensure the fulfilment of His plan, including the coming of the Messiah.

Theological Interpretations
Some see these commands as literal judgments, while others interpret them as metaphorical, like driving out enemies rather than slaughter. This debate shows the complexity of understanding these texts.

God's Mercy and Redemption
Despite the violence, God is shown to prefer mercy, offering chances for repentance, and the New Testament connects these acts to a larger plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

This topic is controversial, with views ranging from seeing violence as necessary to viewing it as part of a broader narrative, so interpretations may vary based on one's theological perspective.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Violence in the Old Testament and God's Apparent Condemnation

This note provides a comprehensive exploration of why there is so much violence in the Old Testament and why God appears to condone it, drawing from various Christian theological and historical perspectives. The analysis is informed by a review of reputable sources, including evangelical, scholarly, and biblical scholarship, to ensure a thorough understanding. The discussion aims to address the complexity and depth of the issue, acknowledging the diversity of views and the implications for interpreting these texts.

Background and Context

The question touches on fundamental theological concepts, including God's justice, human sinfulness, the nature of ancient warfare, and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. It assumes a monotheistic framework where God is all-powerful and all-knowing, yet commands or allows violence in certain instances, such as the conquest of Canaan or judgments against wicked nations. Given the framing, the analysis focuses primarily on Christian perspectives, as these directly address the concepts of divine command and violence. However, a brief mention is made of comparative ancient texts to provide context.

Christian Theological Perspectives

The following sections detail the key reasons proposed by Christian theology, supported by scriptural references and theological reasoning from various sources.

1. Historical and Cultural Context

One prominent view is that the violence in the Old Testament reflects the violent nature of ancient societies, where warfare, conquest, and retribution were common practices. This perspective, highlighted in Christianity.org.uk: Why is there so much violence in the Bible?, emphasises that much of the violence is described as part of human history, not necessarily condoned by God. For example, acts like King David's "fixer" Joab watching young men fight to the death are recounted to provide a truthful account of society, showing the consequences of sin.

Details: Ancient society was inherently violent, and the Old Testament, as a historical record, includes these events. This view suggests that not all violence is divinely commanded; some is simply described, leaving room for interpretation.

Implications: This perspective helps explain why violence is prevalent, framing it as a reflection of human behaviour rather than a divine mandate, though it does not fully address instances where God explicitly commands violence.

2. Divine Justice and Judgment

Another perspective, detailed in GotQuestions.org: Why did God condone such terrible violence in the Old Testament?, posits that many instances of violence are acts of divine judgment against nations or individuals who committed grave sins. For example, the Canaanites were judged for practices like child sacrifice, bestiality, and incest, which were considered repugnant (Leviticus 18:25).

Details: The Canaanites' sin was so severe that the land "vomited out its inhabitants," and God's judgment was more against their religion and practices than their ethnicity (Deuteronomy 7:3–5; 12:2–3). Individuals like Rahab, who turned to God, were spared (Joshua 2). The article also notes that non-combatants, including women and children, were not considered innocent, as all are born in sin (Psalm 51:5; 58:3), and God, being sovereign, can take life (Romans 11:22).

Implications: This view suggests that the violence was necessary to uphold divine justice, with the eternal state of infants potentially better off in heaven than growing up in a corrupt culture. It addresses criticisms of God as a "moral monster" by emphasising moral culpability.

3. Protection of Israel

The ERLC article, 4 reasons God commands violence in the Old Testament, argues that violence was often commanded to protect the Israelites from being corrupted by the idolatrous and morally corrupt practices of surrounding nations. This was crucial for maintaining the purity of God's chosen people and ensuring the fulfilment of His promises.

Details: The violence prevented surrounding nations from leading Israel into idolatry and sin, ensuring purity. God fought for the faithful (victory) and against the unfaithful (defeat, exile), culminating in Christ's perfect life. For example, the command to completely destroy the Canaanites was to prevent spiritual harm through worship of other gods.

Implications: This view sees the violence as a protective measure, necessary for the survival and spiritual integrity of Israel, aligning with God's covenantal relationship with His people.

4. Fulfilment of God's Plan

Many sources, including GotQuestions.org: Why did God condone such terrible violence in the Old Testament?, argue that the violence in the Old Testament is part of a larger narrative that leads to the redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ. The conquest of Canaan created a religious and historical context for the Messiah's arrival.

Details: The article cites passages like Psalm 87:4–6 and Mark 7:25–30, suggesting that the conquest led to salvation for Israel and even some enemies, including Canaanites. The violence is seen as part of God's sovereign plan, with the cross as the ultimate resolution (Acts 2:23).

Implications: This view contextualises the violence within the broader biblical storyline, with the ultimate hope of redemption mitigating the immediate pain and destruction.

5. Moral Lessons and Warnings

Christianity.com: Did God Condone Violence Found in the Old Testament? highlights that the depiction of violence serves as a moral lesson about the consequences of sin and disobedience. Specific examples include the flood that wiped out nearly every living thing (Genesis 6-7) and the mauling of 42 boys by bears for taunting Elisha (2 Kings 2:23-25).

Details: These events underscore the seriousness of moral choices and the importance of following God's commands. The violence is a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God.

Implications: This perspective suggests that the violence is instructional, teaching future generations about the gravity of sin and the need for obedience.

6. Theological Interpretations

Some scholars, as noted in Christianity.com: Did God Condone Violence Found in the Old Testament?, interpret commands for violence as hyperbolic language or metaphors. For example, "destroy" or "put to the sword" might mean driving out enemies rather than literal slaughter.

Details: Others argue that God, being holy and all-knowing, commanded the destruction of evil nations like the Canaanites as a necessary act of holy war against intolerable evil (Deuteronomy 9:4; 12:31). This view sees the violence as part of God's sovereign plan, with terms like "herem warfare" involving complete annihilation to protect His people.

Implications: This debate highlights the complexity of interpreting these texts, with some seeing literal commands and others metaphorical, affecting how we understand God's role in violence.

7. God's Mercy and Preference for Repentance

Despite commanding violence, God is often shown to prefer mercy, as seen in Christianity.com: Did God Condone Violence Found in the Old Testament?. Examples include sparing Nineveh after they repented (Jonah 3:10) and delaying disaster for King Ahab's repentance (1 Kings 21:29).

Details: Ezekiel 18:21, 23 emphasises that God does not delight in wrath, preferring repentance. This balance shows God's character as both just and merciful, with violence as a last resort.

Implications: This view suggests that the violence is not arbitrary but a response to persistent rebellion, with opportunities for mercy always available.

8. Connection to the New Testament

Reading the Old Testament with the New Testament in mind, as in Christianity.com: Did God Condone Violence Found in the Old Testament?, shows that the violence is part of God's overarching plan to deal with sin and evil, ultimately culminating in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 16:33).

Details: The violence is seen as addressing evil, with God's love and hatred for sin leading to punishment when necessary. The cross provides atonement, offering victory over sin and aligning with the New Testament's message of peace.

Implications: This perspective frames the Old Testament violence as preparatory, leading to the ultimate resolution through Christ, mitigating the moral concerns with a redemptive narrative.

9. Described Violence vs. Condoned Violence

Christianity.org.uk: Why is there so much violence in the Bible? categorizes violence into different types, noting that not all is condoned by God. Some violence is simply described as part of human history, such as Joab's violent entertainment, without divine approval.

Details: This distinction is important, as it separates violence commanded by God (e.g., conquest of Canaan) from violence described as human acts, leaving room for moral interpretation.

Implications: This view helps clarify that not all violence is divinely sanctioned, reducing the perception of God as condoning indiscriminate violence.

10. Contrast with Other Ancient Texts

Wikipedia: The Bible and violence mentions that the Old Testament's portrayal of God creating without violence in Genesis contrasts with other ancient Near Eastern creation myths, like the Enuma Elish, which involve violent acts.

Details: Kenneth A. Mathews notes that Genesis 1:1–2:4a shows God creating through speech, not conflict, dramatically relativising other cosmologies that use terms like "tore open" and "smashed." This non-violent creation serves as an overture to the entire Bible.

Implications: This perspective highlights a unique aspect of the biblical God, suggesting that while violence appears later, the initial act of creation is peaceful, framing subsequent violence as exceptional.

11. Preservation of the Messianic Bloodline

The ERLC article, 4 reasons God commands violence in the Old Testament, includes preserving the messianic bloodline as a reason for violence. The commands ensured the survival of the lineage that leads to Jesus Christ, preventing the promise of salvation from being cut off.

Details: If Israel were defeated, the line of Jesus would be lost, thwarting God's plan for redemption. This is seen as a necessary measure to maintain the covenantal promise.

Implications: This view connects the violence directly to the Christian narrative, justifying it as essential for the fulfillment of salvation history.

12. Direct vs. Indirect Involvement

Christianity.com: Did God Condone Violence Found in the Old Testament? notes that some violence was directly commanded by God (e.g., the conquest of Ai, Joshua 8), while other instances were allowed as part of human free will, with God using even those situations for His purposes.

Details: Examples include God striking Uzzah dead for touching the ark (2 Samuel 6:7) as a direct act, versus allowing human violence like Cain's murder of Abel (Genesis 4) as part of human choice, with God using it for His plan.

Implications: This distinction clarifies God's role, showing He sometimes intervenes directly and sometimes permits human actions, aligning with His sovereignty and human responsibility.

Comparative Analysis: Table of Key Reasons and Details

To organise the above perspectives, the following table summarises the reasons, details, and implications:

Other Religious and Comparative Perspectives

While the focus is on Christian views, other contexts offer different frameworks:

Ancient Near Eastern Myths: Creation stories like the Enuma Elish involve violent acts, contrasting with the non-violent Genesis account, as noted in Wikipedia: The Bible and violence.

Judaism: Focuses on God's covenant and justice, with violence seen as part of divine judgment, similar to Christian views but emphasising Torah law.

Islam: Violence in scripture is often tied to jihad, with God's commands seen as protective and just, aligning with some Old Testament themes.

Given the question's framing, Christian perspectives are most relevant, but these alternatives highlight the diversity of thought.

Conclusion

The question of why there is so much violence in the Old Testament and why God seems to condone it is addressed through various Christian theological lenses, each emphasising different aspects of God's nature and plan. The views converge on the importance of justice, protection, and redemption, with the violence seen as part of a larger divine narrative. The complexity reflects ongoing debates, with no single answer fully resolving the tension between divine command and moral concerns. This analysis, informed by sources like GotQuestions.org: Why did God condone such terrible violence in the Old Testament?, ERLC: 4 reasons God commands violence in the Old Testament, and others, provides a comprehensive overview for further reflection.

A related topic is in my article: Why is there suffering in the world?

Key Citations

Why did God condone such terrible violence in the Old Testament GotQuestions

4 reasons God commands violence in the Old Testament ERLC

Did God Condone Violence Found in the Old Testament Christianity

Why is there so much violence in the Bible Christianity

The Bible and violence Wikipedia

 Why is there suffering in the world? 

Peter W. Guess B.Soc.Sc.(SW)

20 April 2025

Source: I have curated most of this article with the help of Grok AI, integrating some information from Google Gemini.