Beginning in Genesis 4 with Cain’s murder of his brother Abel, there is much
fighting and cruelty, not only in the Old Testament, but down through history. The
Old Testament gives us an honest record of the wonderful, just, and merciful works
of GOD, but also of the good and evil actions of people during those times. In
Romans 3:15-18 the LORD describes the human race with these words:
“Their feet are swift to shed blood, ruin and misery mark their ways, and the
way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of GOD before their eyes.”
The cause of fighting and cruelty in the Old Testament and in our world
today lies within the depths of the human heart which desires its own selfish and
foolish will, rather than the wise, good, and loving will of GOD.
However, when people ask about the wars and cruelty in the Old Testament
they are often thinking about the accounts of GOD’S judgements. The episodes like
the flood that washed away the world in Noah’s day, the fire that incinerated Sodom
and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns, the wars against the savage tribes that
occupied “the promised land”, and the massacre of the Israelites by the Babylonians
all brought much grief to masses of people. The misconception is that those who
suffered and died in these circumstances were innocent victims whose deaths were
completely unjust. However, nothing could be further from the truth. GOD tells us
clearly in His Word that their deaths were the result of His judgement on them for
all their evil, including such barbarisms as the sacrifice of their children to idols.
The evidence of the Old Testament, of human history and of current events is
overwhelming and condemning. GOD sees and knows that humanity is not nice and
good but has become twisted inwardly by sin and morphed into a race of criminals
who lie, curse, steal, abuse, murder, commit sexual immorality, and worship the
idols of this world and the demons of the spiritual realm. Some people will accuse
GOD of being unfair and cruel in His judgements on people, but all of GOD’S
judgements are right, based on the evidence and on true principles of justice. GOD
is just and the Day of Judgment will reveal all the vile wickedness that our human
race has arrogantly done.
Moreover, GOD goes far beyond the principles of justice and into the realm
of love in His relationship with people. He clearly reveals in His Word, the Old and
New Testaments, that He is gracious and merciful towards all who humble
themselves and repent of their sin and evil (Psalm 32, Ezekiel 18 , etc.) Through His
Son JESUS CHRIST, Who willingly sacrificed His own life on the cross for all
sinners, GOD the FATHER has promised to forgive all who repent and believe in
Him and to save us for eternal life in His Kingdom. GOD’S mercy and patience to us
humans is incredible!
“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life in
CHRIST JESUS our LORD!” Romans 6:23
Amen, come LORD JESUS.