Kirk E. Miller
Did God command genocide in the Old Testament? Join Kirk E. Miller and Tremper Longman as they examine the Canaanite conquest recorded in Deuteronomy and Joshua. Discover how to address the moral and theological concerns raised by these texts, including divine judgment, violence, and the question of religious warfare. Learn how these accounts fit into God’s plan and how to teach these passages effectively today.
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Episode guest: Tremper Longman
Dr. Tremper Longman III (BA, Ohio Wesleyan University; MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary; MPhil and PhD, Yale University) is distinguished scholar and professor emeritus of biblical studies at Westmont College.
He has written over thirty-five books, including commentaries on Genesis, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Daniel, Nahum, and Revelation. His most recent books include Confronting Old Testament Controversies: Pressing Questions About Evolution, Sexuality, History and Violence and Revelation Through Old Testament Eyes. He is also senior translator of the New Living Translation.
He is married to Alice and has three sons and seven granddaughters, and a grandson. He and Alice now live in Alexandria, VA.
Episode synopsis
The problem of the Canaan conquest
This episode discusses God’s command for the Israelites to commit acts of violence in the Old Testament, specifically the Canaanite conquests. Kirk E. Miller begins by introducing sample texts and articulating the ethical difficulties their raise.
Early interpretations
Some premodern interpreters approach the physical warfare in the Old Testament allegorically. Others, stressing much stronger continuity, once viewed Old Testament warfare as a template for contemporary warfare. Both views are now largely discredited.
Advocates of strong discontinuity
Certain modern views emphasize a strong discontinuity between the Old and New Testament depictions of God. Greg Boyd’s Crucifixion of the Warrior God and Peter Enns’, for instance, suggest that the violent depictions of God in the Old Testament are not true representations of the divine character.
Critique of strong discontinuity
Kirk and Tremper Longman, however, point to the lack of consistency, arguing against cherry-picking passages and applying Jesus’s model only through the lens of the cross. Theological concerns also arise, as some interpretations risk compromising the doctrine of Scripture.
Warfare developed across Scripture
Tremper advocates for a view that incorporates both continuity and discontinuity in how God’s warfare is depicted throughout the Bible. He identifies five phases of divine warfare from Genesis to Revelation, illustrating how these phases developed over time.
Devoted to destruction (חרם, herem)
The term חרם (herem), often translated as “devoted to destruction,” has significant theological implications beyond a straightforward command for extermination. Tremper provides insight into how this term should be understood within its biblical and cultural context. The morality of these commands is also explored, considering the ethical dilemma posed by divine instructions for violence.
Comparing hyperbole and historical realities
Ancient Near Eastern battle reports, including those found in the Bible, frequently employ hyperbolic language. Kirk and Tremper discuss the possibility of accounts, such as in Joshua, where victory language may not be intended as a literal, total destruction. Despite statements indicating complete annihilation, the presence of Canaanite descendants after these events may suggest a more nuanced historical reality.
The goodness of divine judgment
Tremper provides Miroslav Volf’s perspective on divine wrath based on his experiences in war-torn Yugoslavia, arguing that God’s judgment is necessary in the face of profound evil. Tremper emphasizes that divine judgment should be understood as an integral aspect of God’s love and justice rather than as an arbitrary act of violence. Tremper also notes that the Old Testament’s accounts of divine warfare can serve as a starting point for deeper discussions about the gospel.
Framing the conquest properly
Kirk and Tremper discuss the Bible’s depiction of divinely commanded violence framed within an ethical context, portraying it as justice rather than arbitrary killing. The Canaanite conquest is compared to other biblical judgments, highlighting the continuities between Old and New Testament narratives.
Practical advice for teaching and applying today
A comprehensive biblical–theological framework, accounting for development across the canon, is essential for teaching about divine warfare. Teachers can emphasize the spiritual nature of Christian warfare today as it consists in resisting evil, not acts of physical violence. It is also crucial to differentiate between historical divine commands and any attempts to apply them to modern situations, ensuring that these texts are not misused.
Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.
Related works from Tremper Longman and others
Confronting Old Testament Controversies: Pressing Questions about Evolution, Sexuality, History, and Violence
Regular price: $19.99
Four Views on God and Canaanite Genocide: Show Them No Mercy (Counterpoints)
Regular price: $17.99
Revelation through Old Testament Eyes: A Background and Application Commentary (Through Old Testament Eyes)
Regular price: $29.99
The Old Testament as Literature: Foundations for Christian Interpretation
Regular price: $34.99
Did God Really Command Genocide?: Coming to Terms with the Justice of God
Regular price: $16.99
The Lost World of the Israelite Conquest: Covenant, Retribution, and the Fate of the Canaanites
Regular price: $12.99
