Understanding Violence in the Bible: Difficult Old Testament Passages Explained

Reading through the whole Bible means encountering some of the most beautiful passages ever written—and some of the most disturbing. Many Christians are surprised by how much violence appears, especially in the Old Testament. Rather than ignoring it or rushing past it, this is an opportunity for the reader to grow in biblical literacy, theological depth, and trust in God’s character.

1. Why does the Bible describe God commanding Israel to drive out or destroy the Canaanites?

The Bible presents this as an act of divine judgment, not ethnic hatred or conquest for conquest’s sake. God waited hundreds of years (Genesis 15:16) before bringing judgment on a culture marked by violence, exploitation, ritual prostitution, and child sacrifice (Leviticus 18; Deuteronomy 12). Israel was not chosen because they were better; they were simply the instrument God used at that moment (Deuteronomy 9:4–6).

2. Was this genocide?

No. Genocide is the attempt to eliminate a people because of their ethnicity. The Canaanites were judged because of persistent moral corruption, not their race. The Bible repeatedly shows that Canaanites who turned to God—like Rahab and the Gibeonites—were spared and welcomed into Israel. The issue was idolatry and injustice, not ethnicity.

3. Why did God command such severe judgment?

Three key reasons appear in Scripture:

• Judgment on entrenched evil

God is patient, but He does judge evil when it becomes destructive and generational.

• Protection of Israel’s spiritual identity

Israel was called to be a holy people through whom the Messiah would come. Canaanite religion was spiritually corrosive and morally destructive.

• Establishing a place for God’s redemptive plan

The land was the stage on which the story of salvation would unfold.

4. Why does the language in Joshua sound so extreme—“leave alive nothing that breathes”?

This reflects ancient Near Eastern war rhetoric, a common literary style of the time. It emphasized decisive victory, not literal extermination. The Bible itself shows this:

• Joshua says Israel “destroyed all” in some cities

• Judges shows many Canaanites still living in the land

• Joshua 13 lists large areas still unconquered

The rhetoric communicates total defeat, not total annihilation.

5. Did Israel actually wipe out every Canaanite?

No. The narrative makes clear that many Canaanites remained in the land. Some lived among Israel; others resisted; still others joined Israel. The commands were idealized statements of judgment, but the historical outcome was mixed and incomplete.

6. Could Canaanites repent or join Israel?

Yes. The Bible highlights this intentionally:

• Rahab becomes part of Israel and even part of Jesus’ genealogy

• The Gibeonites are spared

• Foreigners could join Israel through covenant loyalty

This shows God’s heart: mercy for anyone who turns to Him.

7. Why didn’t God use a peaceful method instead?

God often does. But in this unique moment:

• The Canaanites’ practices were deeply destructive

• God had waited centuries

• Israel was entering a land filled with violent, idolatrous nations

• The survival of Israel’s covenant identity was at stake

This was a specific, unrepeatable moment in redemptive history—not a model for future behavior.

8. How does this fit with the God revealed in Jesus?

Jesus is the fullest revelation of God’s character. In Him we see:

• God’s mercy    • God’s justice   • God’s willingness to bear violence rather than inflict it

The conquest sets the stage for the coming of Christ, who ultimately absorbs judgment rather than executing it. The story moves from violence to peace, from judgment to redemption.

9. What should we do when these passages still trouble us?

The Bible invites honest wrestling. Lament, questions, and discomfort are faithful responses. We should read these passages:

• with humility

• with trust in God’s character

• with the cross as our interpretive anchor

• with the whole story of Scripture in view

God is big enough for our questions!