Reconciling Skeptical Claims About God in the Old Testament

Skeptics frequently cite challenging Old Testament passages—such as the conquest of Canaan (Deuteronomy 20:16–18), the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22), or divine judgments like the Flood (Genesis 6–9)—as evidence that the God of Israel is harsh, unjust, or malevolent. While these critiques raise important questions, they often fail to engage with the broader context of these texts. A robust examination of the historical, cultural, and theological backdrop reveals that Yahweh is not capricious or cruel but uniquely just, gracious, and consistent. By contrasting Yahweh with the gods of Israel’s neighbors, analyzing the perspective of the ancient Israelites, and addressing common modern objections, this article aims to present a comprehensive case for the goodness of God as revealed in the Old Testament.

1. The Ancient Near Eastern Context: A Unique God

In the ancient Near East, deities were often depicted as fickle, morally inconsistent, and primarily concerned with their own honor and power. The Epic of Gilgamesh, for example, portrays the gods as petty and vindictive, sending a flood to destroy humanity simply because humans were too noisy. Similarly, Canaanite deities such as Molech demanded child sacrifice to secure their favor, a practice condemned in no uncertain terms by Yahweh: “You shall not give any of your seed to pass them through the fire to Molech” (Leviticus 18:21).

By contrast, Yahweh’s commands consistently uphold moral integrity and justice. He is described as “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth” (Exodus 34:6). Unlike the pagan gods, Yahweh does not act out of self-interest but works to restore justice and holiness to a fallen world. John Currid notes, “The destruction of Canaanite nations was not arbitrary but judicial, rooted in Yahweh’s holiness and justice.”¹ This concept of divine justice is foreign to the capricious nature of pagan gods and reflects Yahweh’s unique character.

2. How the Israelites Saw God

The Israelites, who experienced both God’s justice and mercy firsthand, repeatedly praised Him as good and gracious. The Psalms, for instance, are filled with declarations of Yahweh’s kindness and faithfulness:

• “Yahweh is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. Yahweh is good to all, and His compassions are over all His works” (Psalm 145:8–9).

• “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities” (Psalm 103:10).

Even during periods of divine discipline, such as the Babylonian exile, the Israelites affirmed Yahweh’s goodness and faithfulness. Lamentations declares, “The lovingkindnesses of Yahweh indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23).

Critics often misinterpret passages like the conquest of Canaan as examples of divine cruelty. However, the Israelites saw these events as acts of divine justice, carried out against nations whose practices included child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and other atrocities (Genesis 15:16). As Paul Copan explains, “Israel was an instrument of God’s justice, much like a surgeon removing a cancerous tumor to preserve the health of the body.”² Furthermore, God’s commands to Israel included strict moral laws emphasizing care for the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and sojourners (Exodus 22:21–22).

3. Addressing Modern Misconceptions

Modern critiques of the Old Testament often project contemporary ethical assumptions onto ancient texts. For example, commands concerning warfare in Canaan are frequently equated with genocide. However, such interpretations ignore both the literary conventions of the time and the specific context of these commands. John Walton notes, “Ancient Near Eastern texts often used hyperbolic language to describe victories, and the biblical texts reflect this cultural norm without necessarily implying total annihilation.”³

Moreover, these critiques neglect the redemptive arc of Scripture. Yahweh is not merely a God of judgment; He is also a God of mercy and restoration. The story of Jonah illustrates this beautifully. God sends Jonah to warn Nineveh—a city notorious for its violence and immorality—of impending judgment. When the people of Nineveh repent, God relents, demonstrating His desire for repentance rather than destruction (Jonah 3:10). This theme runs throughout the Old Testament and culminates in the New Testament, where God provides ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.

4. Yahweh vs. Pagan Deities: The Contrast

The relational nature of Yahweh sets Him apart from the gods of the ancient Near East. While pagan deities demanded servitude and sacrifice, Yahweh sought a covenantal relationship with His people, calling them His “treasured possession” (Exodus 19:5). His laws were not arbitrary but designed to reflect His character and promote justice, compassion, and holiness.

This distinction is especially evident in Yahweh’s treatment of human life. Unlike the gods of surrounding nations, who often devalued human life, Yahweh emphasizes its sanctity. His law repeatedly calls for the protection of the vulnerable, commands fair treatment of enemies, and establishes systems to ensure justice and mercy (Deuteronomy 10:18–19; Leviticus 25). Christopher J. H. Wright explains, “The God of Israel is unique in His demand for moral behavior and His commitment to the well-being of His people.”⁴

5. A Consistent Character: Old and New Testaments

Critics often attempt to contrast the “harsh” God of the Old Testament with the “loving” God of the New Testament, but this dichotomy is false. The God of the Old Testament is consistently portrayed as both just and merciful. His judgments serve a redemptive purpose, preparing the way for the ultimate expression of His love: the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

In Christ, we see the same God who called Abraham, judged Canaan, and spared Nineveh. As Paul writes, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their transgressions against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). This continuity demonstrates that Yahweh’s actions in the Old Testament were always part of His plan to redeem a broken world.

Critiques of God’s character in the Old Testament often fail to consider the broader historical, cultural, and theological context. When viewed through the lens of the ancient Israelites—who consistently affirmed Yahweh’s goodness—and compared with the gods of surrounding nations, the God of the Bible emerges as utterly unique. Far from being cruel or capricious, Yahweh is revealed as a God of justice, mercy, and steadfast love.

By addressing the misconceptions surrounding challenging texts and emphasizing the redemptive arc of Scripture, this argument demonstrates that the God of the Old Testament is not only just but also gracious and kind. His actions, even when involving judgment, are always directed toward the ultimate goal of restoring creation and redeeming humanity through Jesus Christ. This holistic understanding offers a compelling response to skeptics and a deeper appreciation of the consistent character of God.

Resources

1. John D. Currid, Against the Gods: The Polemical Theology of the Old Testament (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013)

2. Paul Copan, Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2011)

3. John H. Walton, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2018)

4. Christopher J. H. Wright, The God I Don’t Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009)

5. Tremper Longman III and John H. Walton, The Lost World of the Flood: Mythology, Theology, and the Deluge Debate (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2018)

6. Gordon J. Wenham, The Book of Leviticus, NICOT (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979)