God of Love and Justice?

There is an overarching perception of God in Christian circles today that sees God as a God of love. This does not contradict the statements made in Scripture and is proven in Scripture across the Old and New Testaments alike. However, this perception is usually met with antagonism when even the casual reader surveys the Old Testament, specifically the books of Joshua and Judges. The Israelites are described as taking part in a form of worship that Christians have found hard to accept due to the nature of the worship, the act of holy war. So how is it that this God, who is called “love” (1st John 4:8), can also call His chosen people to warfare against, as some have perceived, innocent and weak people for His glory? Is this God not wrong in allowing his creation the choice to turn aside from there way of life and seek after Him?

In answering these questions, it is necessary to point out some key understandings of Scripture and the scope of Scripture that aid in assessing these issues. When considering this question, we should remember that it is God who has authority at all times. The psalmist sings praises for the glory of God’s name in saying that God is a living God and does what he pleases (Psalm 115:3). Also, the pagan king, Nebuchadnezzar, sings the praises of the God who no man can stay the hand of and of whom no man can say “What have you done?” after God restores him (Daniel 4:35). It would be easy in some situations to forget that these situations must be understood with humility as the God who ordained them is indeed a sovereign God, even over those who are not his chosen people. In addition, we can never assume that Scripture was written to provide a clear picture of every event that was unfolding in the historical narrative of the world. The Old Testament was written concerning a specific people and also for a specific purpose to those people, so to try and assume where Scripture is silent concerning anything would be unwise because interpretation rest solely in that moment on the interpretation of the opinion of the reading the text. So Scripture, though clear in the manner that it was intended to be clear and silent in the areas in which the author (the Divine inspiration) had no intention of speaking, should be understood in light of what is says, through prayer and much study.

Concerning the question of why this massacre of the Canaanites would occur and how that speaks of a God, who is called Love, it is best to look to Scripture in determining the question. In Genesis 9, the Noahic covenant is set forth and statement is made concerning the treatment of those who shed the blood of men. In instances where man sheds the blood of another (it can be supposed that this speaks not to warfare but to murder), it says that man shall shed his blood (Gen 9:6). At this point, a look into the history of the people who lived in Canaan reveals not a people who were well mannered and God-fearing, but very much a brutal and idolatrous people. Even the gods that these people served were those depicted as tyrants and those who lusted for gore. On this evidence, there would be enough to condemn this people before a holy God. God would be just in allowing these people to feel his wrath, but we see that God did not destroy these people immediately.

In Genesis 15: 16, God speaks to Abraham concerning the land in which his descendants would later receive and how those who currently were inhabiting the land had not yet “complet[ed]” their “iniquity.” God is shown here to pour out His grace to a people who did not deserve it (for no one can deserve it, for it then is an obligation and not a gift). But even at the time of Joshua, these people are shown to be in no way inclined toward God and not even all the people are commanded to be killed. God is shown to forebear a great deal more than what He is credited to and should be praised for showing grace toward any who would hate him and not show Him the glory due His name. So God is not only loving toward even his enemies, but He is just, and sure, in carrying out His judgment against them.

Though this is a very meager treatment of what many scholars have poured much more time and research into, I have come away with some understandings concerning God that have helped me appreciate Him more. First, that as a sovereign and holy God, who is worthy of every ounce of who I am. Second, it is only by God’s grace that I am not struck down the instant I sin against His glory. For it would seem that God has given a portion of grace, according to His long-suffering and forbearance, to mankind, that when God determines, will be removed. Third, just as Israel was not exempt from the punishment that would come against them for their hard hearts and arrogance toward God, I should by no means presume upon the grace of God and sin knowing that forgiveness will always be available. It seems to speak a much greater truth that my heart may very much indeed to be away from (or worse, taking no part in) God if I should choose not to obey God in the way I am commanded. Fourth, that on issues concerning things that seems outside of the character of God, it is necessary for me to invest the time and the prayer in seeking out God’s glory in those moments. Should I ever suppose that the God of the Bible has contradicted His character, then perhaps (and more often than not) I have understood something wrong (or perhaps even incomplete) concerning the nature and character of God.