So Far, So Good... - Josh. 11:15

"Joshua slaughtered all the other kings and their people, completely destroying them, just as Moses, the servant of the Lord, had commanded." Josh. 11:15

This was just an absolutely brutal slaughter. The Israelites left NOTHING living, not man, woman, child or livestock. This had to be one of the first instances of genocide, the complete extermination of a people--and it was authorized by God! This has always been hard to accept, but I've come to try to understand it based on few points:

1. This WAS the land that had always been promised to Israel by the God who created it in the first place.
2. Leaving anyone alive risked bringing foreign religious practices to God's chosen people, thus contaminating something he considered pure.
3. Descendants of Anak occupied this region, who are thought to be Nephalim. If so, it can be understood that God wanted them erased from existence.

So far, Joshua is executing God's plan to near perfection, and Israel is being blessed. It would be great if the story could end here.

God, it is clear to me that Israel was blessed as long as she was obedient. You did not ask us to ask why, though you might choose to answer if we did. And you certainly did not suggest that we attempt to determine through our own wisdom whether something you are asking us to do should, or should not, be done. You asked for our obedience, and in exchange we would be your people. End of story. I am sure that as Joshua and his men were killing women and children there had to come a point of real difficulty. Somehow they persevered. Help my questions and lack of understanding NEVER stand in the way of what you have called me to do.

Today's reading: Josh. 9-11; 1Cor. 6