ScriptureBiblical JudgmentApologeticsDivine Command Theory
Is God Evil?
Biblical accounts of divine judgment, destruction, and the question of God's moral character.
Last updated: 30-11-2025
TL;DR
The Question of God's Character
Critics often accuse God of being evil based on biblical accounts where He commands destruction or directly causes death. They point to the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, the Canaanite conquest, and individual judgments as evidence that the God of the Bible is immoral, violent, or evil.
Note: For broader questions about why evil exists in general, see our page on If God, Why Evil? This page focuses specifically on whether God's actions make Him evil.
The Foundation for Moral Judgment
Before examining specific cases, we must establish the proper foundation for moral judgment. If God exists and is the source of moral law (Divine Command Theory), then His actions must be evaluated by His own perfect nature, not by fallen human standards corrupted by sin[1].
Key Principles for Understanding Divine Justice
When examining cases where God acts as judge, several biblical principles apply:
• Creator's Authority: As the Creator of life, God has the absolute right to determine the length and circumstances of earthly existence[2]
• Perfect Justice: God's judgments are always perfectly righteous, based on complete knowledge of human hearts and actions[3]
• Mercy Within Judgment: Even in acts of judgment, God provides opportunities for repentance and shows mercy to the righteous[4]
• Temporal vs. Eternal: Physical death is not the ultimate evil—separation from God for eternity (spiritual death) is far worse[5]
• Protection of the Innocent: In His perfect knowledge and nature as the Judge of all the earth, God ensures that innocent children who die go to His presence[6]
God's Character Revealed
Rather than showing God to be evil, these biblical accounts reveal His perfect character:
• Perfect Holiness: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty" - God cannot tolerate sin indefinitely (Isaiah 6:3)[7]
• Perfect Justice: "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice" (Deuteronomy 32:4)[8]
• Perfect Love: "God is love" - His judgments flow from love for righteousness and the innocent (1 John 4:8)[9]
• Long-suffering Patience: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9) - God's delay is an act of mercy[10]
The Ultimate Demonstration
The greatest proof that God is not evil is found in the cross. Rather than destroying humanity for sin, God sent His Son to bear the judgment we deserved: "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). The cross is the ultimate intersection where God's perfect justice and boundless love meet[11]. The same God who judges sin also provides salvation from that judgment[12].
The Great Flood
floodnoahgenesisglobal-judgment
Biblical Account: Genesis 6:5-8:22 - God destroys the world with a flood, saving only Noah's family and the animals[13].
Context and Justification:
• Universal corruption: The judgment was necessary because "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5)[14].
• Violence and lawlessness: The earth was completely corrupted not only religiously but socially, being "filled with violence" (Genesis 6:11)[15].
• 120-year warning period: God patiently gave humanity 120 years to repent while Noah built the ark and preached righteousness (2 Peter 2:5), showing reluctance to judge[16].
• Preservation of the righteous: Noah and his family were spared because of their righteousness, demonstrating God's selective mercy amidst judgment[17].
• New covenant promise: Following the flood, God established a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:11-17), emphasizing His desire for cosmic stability[18].
Context and Justification:
• Universal corruption: The judgment was necessary because "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5)[14].
• Violence and lawlessness: The earth was completely corrupted not only religiously but socially, being "filled with violence" (Genesis 6:11)[15].
• 120-year warning period: God patiently gave humanity 120 years to repent while Noah built the ark and preached righteousness (2 Peter 2:5), showing reluctance to judge[16].
• Preservation of the righteous: Noah and his family were spared because of their righteousness, demonstrating God's selective mercy amidst judgment[17].
• New covenant promise: Following the flood, God established a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:11-17), emphasizing His desire for cosmic stability[18].
Sodom and Gomorrah
sodomgomorrahabrahamlot
Biblical Account: Genesis 18:16-19:29 - God destroys Sodom, Gomorrah, and surrounding cities with fire and sulfur[19].
Context and Justification:
• Extreme wickedness: The city's sin included attempted gang rape of angels, but their deeper wickedness was defined as pride, gluttony, laziness, and a failure to help the poor and needy (Ezekiel 16:49)[20].
• Abraham's intercession: God demonstrated His justice by proving His willingness to spare the cities for even ten righteous people, showing the judgment was a last resort due to total corruption (Genesis 18:22-33)[21].
• Warning and escape: Lot and his family were warned and physically removed by angels before judgment fell (Genesis 19:12-16)[22].
• Example for future: The destruction is used throughout Scripture as a physical and moral warning against rampant sexual immorality and social rebellion (Jude 7, 2 Peter 2:6)[23].
Context and Justification:
• Extreme wickedness: The city's sin included attempted gang rape of angels, but their deeper wickedness was defined as pride, gluttony, laziness, and a failure to help the poor and needy (Ezekiel 16:49)[20].
• Abraham's intercession: God demonstrated His justice by proving His willingness to spare the cities for even ten righteous people, showing the judgment was a last resort due to total corruption (Genesis 18:22-33)[21].
• Warning and escape: Lot and his family were warned and physically removed by angels before judgment fell (Genesis 19:12-16)[22].
• Example for future: The destruction is used throughout Scripture as a physical and moral warning against rampant sexual immorality and social rebellion (Jude 7, 2 Peter 2:6)[23].
The Egyptian Plagues and Firstborn Deaths
egyptplaguespharaohexodus
Biblical Account: Exodus 7:14-12:30 - Ten plagues culminating in the death of all Egyptian firstborn[24].
Context and Justification:
• Centuries of oppression: The plagues were a righteous response to the centuries of slavery, forced labor, and state-sanctioned infanticide of Israelite male children (Exodus 1:8-22)[25].
• Progressive warnings: Nine increasingly severe plagues gave Pharaoh multiple opportunities to repent, demonstrating God's patience[26].
• Judgment on false gods: Each plague targeted specific Egyptian deities (e.g., the Nile god Hapi, the frog goddess Heqet), proving their powerlessness and demonstrating Yahweh’s supremacy to both Egyptians and Israelites[27].
• Protection available: Israelites and believing Egyptians who applied the Passover blood were protected (Exodus 12:13), making the judgment conditional based on faith[28].
• Liberation purpose: The entire process was aimed at freeing an enslaved people from genocidal oppression, making it an act of justice for the oppressed[29].
• Mixed multitude: A "mixed multitude" of non-Israelites joined the exodus, indicating that God’s mercy and salvation were available to any who believed[30].
Context and Justification:
• Centuries of oppression: The plagues were a righteous response to the centuries of slavery, forced labor, and state-sanctioned infanticide of Israelite male children (Exodus 1:8-22)[25].
• Progressive warnings: Nine increasingly severe plagues gave Pharaoh multiple opportunities to repent, demonstrating God's patience[26].
• Judgment on false gods: Each plague targeted specific Egyptian deities (e.g., the Nile god Hapi, the frog goddess Heqet), proving their powerlessness and demonstrating Yahweh’s supremacy to both Egyptians and Israelites[27].
• Protection available: Israelites and believing Egyptians who applied the Passover blood were protected (Exodus 12:13), making the judgment conditional based on faith[28].
• Liberation purpose: The entire process was aimed at freeing an enslaved people from genocidal oppression, making it an act of justice for the oppressed[29].
• Mixed multitude: A "mixed multitude" of non-Israelites joined the exodus, indicating that God’s mercy and salvation were available to any who believed[30].
The Canaanite Conquest
canaanitesjoshuajerichoconquestholy-war
Biblical Account: Joshua 6:1-11:23 - Israel conquers Canaan under divine command (known as herem) to destroy certain peoples[31].
Context and Justification:
• 400 years of patience: God waited 400 years (from Abraham to Moses) for Canaanite repentance before their judgment was carried out, showing profound forbearance (Genesis 15:16)[32].
• Extreme abominations: The judgment was delivered due to rampant, entrenched wickedness, specifically cited as child sacrifice, temple prostitution, and bestiality (Leviticus 18:21-30)[33].
• Hyperbolic language: The command to "destroy completely" (herem) is understood in ancient Near Eastern military context as rhetorical language signifying a decisive, complete victory and removal, rather than literal biological genocide[34].
• Archaeological Context: Archaeological evidence suggests key cities like Jericho were small, heavily fortified garrisons at the time, not vast, highly populated metropolitan centers, limiting the scope of destruction to military targets[35].
• Survivors evidence: The repeated reappearance of Canaanites throughout the book of Judges and later history confirms the conquest was territorial and political, not total ethnic extermination[36].
• Examples of mercy: Rahab, a Canaanite woman, and her family were spared and integrated into Israel due to her faith, demonstrating that repentance allowed for salvation regardless of ethnic origin (Joshua 6:25)[37].
Treatment of Captives and Women:
• Law of the Captive Wife: In non-herem wars, the Law explicitly allowed taking non-Canaanite women as wives, but required a mandatory month-long waiting period for mourning, ritual cleansing (shaving head, paring nails), and the removal of her captive clothes before marriage. This process legally protected the woman from immediate sexual exploitation and forced the man to treat her as a wife, not a mere sex object (Deuteronomy 20:14)[38].
• Jesus's Moral Standard: This regulation should be viewed in light of Jesus's moral teaching, which condemned the internal sin of lust itself, stating that to look at a woman with lustful intent is already adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28). Jesus affirmed an ultimate standard of holiness that transcended the legal minimums of the Old Testament[39].
Context and Justification:
• 400 years of patience: God waited 400 years (from Abraham to Moses) for Canaanite repentance before their judgment was carried out, showing profound forbearance (Genesis 15:16)[32].
• Extreme abominations: The judgment was delivered due to rampant, entrenched wickedness, specifically cited as child sacrifice, temple prostitution, and bestiality (Leviticus 18:21-30)[33].
• Hyperbolic language: The command to "destroy completely" (herem) is understood in ancient Near Eastern military context as rhetorical language signifying a decisive, complete victory and removal, rather than literal biological genocide[34].
• Archaeological Context: Archaeological evidence suggests key cities like Jericho were small, heavily fortified garrisons at the time, not vast, highly populated metropolitan centers, limiting the scope of destruction to military targets[35].
• Survivors evidence: The repeated reappearance of Canaanites throughout the book of Judges and later history confirms the conquest was territorial and political, not total ethnic extermination[36].
• Examples of mercy: Rahab, a Canaanite woman, and her family were spared and integrated into Israel due to her faith, demonstrating that repentance allowed for salvation regardless of ethnic origin (Joshua 6:25)[37].
Treatment of Captives and Women:
• Law of the Captive Wife: In non-herem wars, the Law explicitly allowed taking non-Canaanite women as wives, but required a mandatory month-long waiting period for mourning, ritual cleansing (shaving head, paring nails), and the removal of her captive clothes before marriage. This process legally protected the woman from immediate sexual exploitation and forced the man to treat her as a wife, not a mere sex object (Deuteronomy 20:14)[38].
• Jesus's Moral Standard: This regulation should be viewed in light of Jesus's moral teaching, which condemned the internal sin of lust itself, stating that to look at a woman with lustful intent is already adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28). Jesus affirmed an ultimate standard of holiness that transcended the legal minimums of the Old Testament[39].
The Amalekite Destruction
amalekitessaulsamuelagag
Biblical Account: 1 Samuel 15:1-33 - God commands Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites including King Agag[40].
Context and Justification:
• Centuries of hostility: This command was a final act of justice following 200-400 years of persistent aggression against Israel, long after God had initially promised judgment[41].
• Unprovoked aggression: The Amalekites were judged for their treacherous act of attacking the Israelites at Rephidim when they were weak and weary, specifically targeting the vulnerable at the rear of the camp (Exodus 17:8-16, Deuteronomy 25:17-18)[42].
• Genocidal intent: The Amalekites were not merely military opponents but were dedicated to the complete annihilation of Israel as a whole, making God's command an act of national defense for His chosen people[43].
• Proportional judgment: King Agag was singled out by Samuel for his cruelty, being judged because his "sword has made women childless" (1 Samuel 15:33), showing the judgment was a just retribution for their wickedness[44].
• Future consequences: Saul's failure to completely execute the judgment led to the rise of Haman the Agagite, who later attempted to carry out a true genocide against the Jewish people in the book of Esther (Esther 3:1)[45].
Context and Justification:
• Centuries of hostility: This command was a final act of justice following 200-400 years of persistent aggression against Israel, long after God had initially promised judgment[41].
• Unprovoked aggression: The Amalekites were judged for their treacherous act of attacking the Israelites at Rephidim when they were weak and weary, specifically targeting the vulnerable at the rear of the camp (Exodus 17:8-16, Deuteronomy 25:17-18)[42].
• Genocidal intent: The Amalekites were not merely military opponents but were dedicated to the complete annihilation of Israel as a whole, making God's command an act of national defense for His chosen people[43].
• Proportional judgment: King Agag was singled out by Samuel for his cruelty, being judged because his "sword has made women childless" (1 Samuel 15:33), showing the judgment was a just retribution for their wickedness[44].
• Future consequences: Saul's failure to completely execute the judgment led to the rise of Haman the Agagite, who later attempted to carry out a true genocide against the Jewish people in the book of Esther (Esther 3:1)[45].
Individual Death Judgments
uzzahnadababihukorah
Multiple Cases: These immediate judgments emphasize the severity of sin against a holy God and are meant to teach reverence to the entire community[46].
Uzzah and the Ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7):
• Clear violation: Uzzah touched the Ark, an explicit violation of Mosaic Law, which mandated that only Kohathites could handle it, and then only by poles, never by hand (Numbers 4:15)[47].
• Irreverence toward holiness: The use of an oxcart (a non-Israelite method) to transport the Ark demonstrated a casual approach and lack of respect for God's sacred dwelling place, necessitating a severe public example[48].
Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2):
• Unauthorized worship: They offered "strange fire" contrary to God's specific instructions immediately following the Tabernacle's dedication, demonstrating both carelessness and overstepping of their priestly role[49].
• Holiness standard: Their immediate death established the non-negotiable principle that those who draw near to God in worship, especially priests, must treat Him as holy and follow divine protocol exactly (Leviticus 10:3)[50].
Korah's Rebellion (Numbers 16:1-35):
• Challenging divine authority: Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron was interpreted as a challenge to God's divinely appointed leadership and the order of the newly established nation[51].
• Community preservation: The dramatic judgment (the earth swallowing the rebels) was a decisive action to prevent the spread of self-seeking ambition and anarchy that could have destroyed the entire community[52].
Uzzah and the Ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7):
• Clear violation: Uzzah touched the Ark, an explicit violation of Mosaic Law, which mandated that only Kohathites could handle it, and then only by poles, never by hand (Numbers 4:15)[47].
• Irreverence toward holiness: The use of an oxcart (a non-Israelite method) to transport the Ark demonstrated a casual approach and lack of respect for God's sacred dwelling place, necessitating a severe public example[48].
Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2):
• Unauthorized worship: They offered "strange fire" contrary to God's specific instructions immediately following the Tabernacle's dedication, demonstrating both carelessness and overstepping of their priestly role[49].
• Holiness standard: Their immediate death established the non-negotiable principle that those who draw near to God in worship, especially priests, must treat Him as holy and follow divine protocol exactly (Leviticus 10:3)[50].
Korah's Rebellion (Numbers 16:1-35):
• Challenging divine authority: Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron was interpreted as a challenge to God's divinely appointed leadership and the order of the newly established nation[51].
• Community preservation: The dramatic judgment (the earth swallowing the rebels) was a decisive action to prevent the spread of self-seeking ambition and anarchy that could have destroyed the entire community[52].
New Testament Divine Judgments
ananiassapphiraherodnew-testament
Divine Judgment Continues: God's righteousness and justice are eternal attributes that continued to be demonstrated within the foundational period of the New Testament Church[53].
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11):
• Deliberate deception: Their sin was not withholding money (which they had a right to do) but lying to the apostles and the Holy Spirit about their gift, showing deception and hypocrisy at the foundation of the church[54].
• Early church purity: This swift, visible judgment protected the spiritual integrity and purity of the nascent Christian community from internal corruption and set a sober precedent for accountability[55].
• Fear restored: "Great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things" (Acts 5:11)[56].
Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:20-23):
• Accepting worship: Herod allowed people to call him a god and failed to give glory to God, which is the sin of blasphemous pride[57].
• Persecution of church: This judgment followed his active persecution of the church, including executing James and planning to execute Peter (Acts 12:1-4), demonstrating God's defense of His people[58].
• Eaten by worms: Struck down immediately by an angel, his gruesome death emphasized the seriousness of divine punishment for pride and blasphemy[59].
Elymas the Sorcerer (Acts 13:8-12):
• Opposing the gospel: Elymas actively opposed the Apostle Paul, trying to prevent the Roman proconsul from converting to faith[60].
• Temporary blindness: Paul pronounced a judgment of temporary blindness, which served as a sign to authenticate Paul's ministry to the proconsul[61].
• Merciful purpose: The blindness was temporary, mirroring Paul’s own conversion experience, and was intended to provide Elymas the opportunity for future repentance[62].
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11):
• Deliberate deception: Their sin was not withholding money (which they had a right to do) but lying to the apostles and the Holy Spirit about their gift, showing deception and hypocrisy at the foundation of the church[54].
• Early church purity: This swift, visible judgment protected the spiritual integrity and purity of the nascent Christian community from internal corruption and set a sober precedent for accountability[55].
• Fear restored: "Great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things" (Acts 5:11)[56].
Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:20-23):
• Accepting worship: Herod allowed people to call him a god and failed to give glory to God, which is the sin of blasphemous pride[57].
• Persecution of church: This judgment followed his active persecution of the church, including executing James and planning to execute Peter (Acts 12:1-4), demonstrating God's defense of His people[58].
• Eaten by worms: Struck down immediately by an angel, his gruesome death emphasized the seriousness of divine punishment for pride and blasphemy[59].
Elymas the Sorcerer (Acts 13:8-12):
• Opposing the gospel: Elymas actively opposed the Apostle Paul, trying to prevent the Roman proconsul from converting to faith[60].
• Temporary blindness: Paul pronounced a judgment of temporary blindness, which served as a sign to authenticate Paul's ministry to the proconsul[61].
• Merciful purpose: The blindness was temporary, mirroring Paul’s own conversion experience, and was intended to provide Elymas the opportunity for future repentance[62].
God's Judgment on His Own People
israelexileassyriababylon
Impartial Justice: God judged Israel when they sinned just as He judged the nations around them, proving His justice applies universally and is not biased toward His chosen people[63].
Northern Kingdom Exile (722 BC):
• Persistent rebellion: The Northern Kingdom suffered exile primarily for centuries of persistent idol worship (golden calves, Baals, Asherah) and walking in the customs of the surrounding nations despite prophetic warnings (2 Kings 17:7-18)[64].
• Social injustice: The prophets condemned the oppression of the poor and vulnerable while the wealthy maintained religious rituals, emphasizing that justice was a core part of the covenant (Amos 5:21-24)[65].
• Covenant warnings fulfilled: The exile was the predetermined covenant consequence for national disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:64)[66].
Babylonian Captivity (586 BC):
• Extreme patience: God waited patiently, sending prophet after prophet for at least 23 years (Jeremiah’s ministry) before the final judgment was decreed, demonstrating long-suffering love (Jeremiah 25)[67].
• Persistent warnings: Jeremiah's prophetic ministry lasted approximately 40 years, characterized by constant warnings and calls to repentance that were consistently ignored by the people and leaders[68].
• Adopted Canaanite practices: Judah was judged severely for adopting the same abominations the Canaanites were punished for, including child sacrifice and temple prostitution, demonstrating God's impartiality in matters of holiness[69].
• Mercy within judgment: The exile was strictly limited to a 70-year period, accompanied by the promise of national restoration and return (Jeremiah 29:10)[70].
Wilderness Wandering (Numbers 14:26-35):
• Faithless rebellion: The forty-year sentence was a direct judicial decree resulting from the nation's collective unbelief and refusal to enter the Promised Land after the spies' negative report, showing a failure to trust God's power (Numbers 14:26-35)[71].
• Generational consequences: The judgment ensured the generation tainted by a slave mentality and unbelief would not corrupt the covenant promise, allowing the next generation to inherit the land with faith and discipline[72].
• Children preserved: Despite the death of the adult rebels, God sustained the nation by providing manna, water, and clothes that did not wear out, demonstrating continuous mercy and provision for the children who would inherit the promises[73].
Northern Kingdom Exile (722 BC):
• Persistent rebellion: The Northern Kingdom suffered exile primarily for centuries of persistent idol worship (golden calves, Baals, Asherah) and walking in the customs of the surrounding nations despite prophetic warnings (2 Kings 17:7-18)[64].
• Social injustice: The prophets condemned the oppression of the poor and vulnerable while the wealthy maintained religious rituals, emphasizing that justice was a core part of the covenant (Amos 5:21-24)[65].
• Covenant warnings fulfilled: The exile was the predetermined covenant consequence for national disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:64)[66].
Babylonian Captivity (586 BC):
• Extreme patience: God waited patiently, sending prophet after prophet for at least 23 years (Jeremiah’s ministry) before the final judgment was decreed, demonstrating long-suffering love (Jeremiah 25)[67].
• Persistent warnings: Jeremiah's prophetic ministry lasted approximately 40 years, characterized by constant warnings and calls to repentance that were consistently ignored by the people and leaders[68].
• Adopted Canaanite practices: Judah was judged severely for adopting the same abominations the Canaanites were punished for, including child sacrifice and temple prostitution, demonstrating God's impartiality in matters of holiness[69].
• Mercy within judgment: The exile was strictly limited to a 70-year period, accompanied by the promise of national restoration and return (Jeremiah 29:10)[70].
Wilderness Wandering (Numbers 14:26-35):
• Faithless rebellion: The forty-year sentence was a direct judicial decree resulting from the nation's collective unbelief and refusal to enter the Promised Land after the spies' negative report, showing a failure to trust God's power (Numbers 14:26-35)[71].
• Generational consequences: The judgment ensured the generation tainted by a slave mentality and unbelief would not corrupt the covenant promise, allowing the next generation to inherit the land with faith and discipline[72].
• Children preserved: Despite the death of the adult rebels, God sustained the nation by providing manna, water, and clothes that did not wear out, demonstrating continuous mercy and provision for the children who would inherit the promises[73].
Key Bible Verses
Genesis 6:5
Genesis 6:11
Genesis 9:11-17
2 Peter 2:5
Genesis 18:16-19:29
Genesis 19:4-11
Genesis 18:22-33
Genesis 19:12-16
Ezekiel 16:49
Jude 7
2 Peter 2:6
Exodus 7:14-12:30
Exodus 1:8-22
Exodus 12:13
Exodus 12:38
Joshua 6:1-11:23
Genesis 15:16
Leviticus 18:21-30
Joshua 6:25
Deuteronomy 20:14
Matthew 5:28
1 Samuel 15:1-33
Exodus 17:8-16
Deuteronomy 25:17-18
Esther 3:1
2 Samuel 6:6-7
Numbers 4:15
Leviticus 10:1-2
Leviticus 10:3
Numbers 16:1-35
Acts 5:1-11
Acts 5:11
Acts 12:20-23
Acts 12:1-4
Acts 13:8-12
2 Kings 17:7-18
Amos 5:21-24
Deuteronomy 28:64
Jeremiah 29:10
Numbers 14:26-35
Isaiah 6:3
Deuteronomy 32:4
1 John 4:8
2 Peter 3:9
Romans 5:8
Sources & Further Reading
- 1. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 'Divine Command Theory' - Philosophical foundation of morality.https://iep.utm.edu/divine-command-theory/
- 2. Paul Copan - Denver Seminary Journal. 'Is God a Moral Monster?' - Defense of God's authority.https://denverjournal.denverseminary.edu/the-denver-journal-article/is-god-a-moral-monster-making-sense-of-the-old-testament-god/
- 3. Scholars Crossing - 'God is Omniscient' - Divine knowledge and perfection.https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=three_one
- 4. Ligonier Ministries. 'The Patience of God' - Mercy in judgment.https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/patience-god
- 5. GotQuestions.org - 'Physical vs. Spiritual Death' - Temporal vs eternal perspective.https://www.gotquestions.org/physical-death.html
- 6. Bible Hub - 'Protection of the Innocent' - Fate of innocent children.https://biblehub.com/topical/p/protection_of_the_innocent.htm
- 7. Monergism - 'The Holiness of God' - God's intolerance of sin.https://www.monergism.com/topics/attributes-god/holiness-god
- 8. Bible Hub - 'Deut 32:4 Commentaries' - The Rock, His work is perfect.https://biblehub.com/commentaries/deuteronomy/32-4.htm
- 9. Ligonier Ministries - 'God is Love' - Paradox of love and judgment.https://learn.ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/god-is-love
- 10. Bible Hub - '2 Peter 3:9 Commentary' - God's long-suffering nature.https://biblehub.com/commentaries/2_peter/3-9.htm
- 11. The Called Nation - 'The Cross: Where Love and Justice Meet' - The cross as the ultimate demonstration.https://thecallednation.net/the-cross-where-love-and-justice-meet/
- 12. Reasonable Faith - 'The Problem of Evil' - God provides salvation from judgment.https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/popular-writings/existence-nature-of-god/the-problem-of-evil/
- 13. David Guzik - 'Genesis 7 Commentary' - The flood account.https://biblehub.com/commentaries/genesis/7-11.htm
- 14. GotQuestions.org - 'Purpose of the Flood' - Universal corruption.https://www.gotquestions.org/Noah-Flood.html
- 15. Bible Hub - 'Genesis 6:11 Commentary' - Violence and lawlessness.https://biblehub.com/commentaries/genesis/6-11.htm
- 16. Knowing Scripture - '120 Years of Grace' - Warning period.https://knowingscripture.com/articles/why-do-human-lifespans-not-reach-120-years-genesis-63
- 17. Megiddo Church - 'Why was Noah's family preserved?' - Preservation of the righteous.https://www.megiddo.com/q-and-a/noah-the-flood/335
- 18. Ligonier Ministries - 'The Noahic Covenant' - Promise of stability.https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/noahic-covenant
- 19. GotQuestions.org - 'Sodom and Gomorrah' - Account of destruction.https://www.gotquestions.org/Sodom-and-Gomorrah.html
- 20. Bible.com - 'Ezekiel 16:49' - Sins of Sodom (pride, neglect of poor).https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/EZK.16.49-50,56
- 21. GotQuestions.org - 'Abraham's Intercession' - Bargaining for the righteous.https://www.gotquestions.org/Abraham-Sodom-Gomorrah.html
- 22. UCB - 'Don't Get Stuck in the Past' - Lot's warning and escape.https://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today/145456
- 23. BibleRef - 'Jude 1:7 Commentary' - Sodom as an example of eternal fire.https://www.bibleref.com/Jude/1/Jude-1-7.html
- 24. GotQuestions.org - 'The Ten Plagues' - Account of the plagues.https://www.gotquestions.org/ten-plagues-Egypt.html
- 25. Logos Sermons - 'Exodus 1: Oppression' - Context of slavery and infanticide.https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/780524-exodus-1-the-israelites-multiply-and-the-hebrew-midwives-thwart-pharaoh
- 26. Sefaria - 'Warnings about the Ten Plagues' - Progressive warnings and patience.https://www.sefaria.org/topics/warnings-about-the-ten-plagues
- 27. United Church of God - 'Judgment on Egypt's Gods' - Targeting specific deities.https://www.ucg.org/learn/beyond-today-magazine/beyond-today-magazine-march-april-2019/exodus-plagues-judgment-egypts-gods
- 28. GotQuestions.org - 'The Passover Lamb' - Protection through faith.https://www.gotquestions.org/Passover-lamb.html
- 29. The Gospel Coalition - 'Why Kill the Firstborn?' - Justice and liberation.https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/why-did-god-kill-the-firstborn-of-egypt/
- 30. SciSpace - 'The Mixed Multitude' - Non-Israelites saved.https://scispace.com/pdf/the-mixed-multitude-in-exodus-12-38-glorification-creation-2lq9wme191.pdf
- 31. Apologetics Press - 'Destruction of Canaanites' - Punishing evildoers.https://apologeticspress.org/gods-just-destruction-of-the-canaanites-1630/
- 32. Answers in Genesis - 'Promise to Exodus' - 400 years of patience.https://answersingenesis.org/archaeology/ancient-egypt/from-the-promise-to-the-exodus/
- 33. ASOR - 'Child Sacrifice in Ancient Israel' - Extreme abominations.https://www.asor.org/anetoday/2017/12/child-sacrifice-ancient-israel
- 34. The Gospel Coalition - 'Is God OK with Genocide?' - Hyperbolic language (herem).https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/god-genocide/
- 35. Britannica - 'Walls of Jericho' - Archaeological military context.https://www.britannica.com/place/walls-of-Jericho
- 36. Cambridge University Press - 'Genocide in Ancient Israelite Sources' - Survivors and territorial nature.https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-world-history-of-genocide/genocide-in-ancient-israelite-and-early-jewish-sources/5317C0634BA3EB0EFBE4D597B1C4EE94
- 37. GotQuestions.org - 'Rahab' - Mercy to foreigners.https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Rahab.html
- 38. TheTorah.com - 'Captive Woman Laws' - War and family law intersection.https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-captive-woman-at-the-intersection-of-war-and-family-laws
- 39. Ligonier Ministries - 'Lustful Intent' - Jesus's higher moral standard.https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/lustful-intent
- 40. GotQuestions.org - 'The Amalekites' - Biblical account.https://www.gotquestions.org/Amalekites.html
- 41. ICEJ - 'The Spirit of Amalek' - Centuries of hostility.https://www.icej.org/blog/the-spirit-of-amalek-and-the-war-on-israel/
- 42. BiblicalTraining - 'Amalek at Rephidim' - Unprovoked aggression.https://www.biblicaltraining.org/library/amalek
- 43. Mercy Hill Church - 'Saul and Amalekites' - Divine judgment context.https://mercyhillchurch.com/why-did-god-command-saul-to-eliminate-the-amalekites/
- 44. Bible Hub - 'Gill's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:33' - Proportional justice for Agag's cruelty.https://biblehub.com/commentaries/1_samuel/15-33.htm
- 45. Bible Study Tools - '1 Samuel 15:3 Commentary' - Future consequences (Haman).https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/1-samuel-15-3.html
- 46. IPHC - 'God's Justice in the NT' - Intro to individual judgments.https://iphc.org/gso/2019/04/15/understanding-gods-justice-and-the-new-testament/
- 47. GotQuestions.org - 'Why did God kill Uzzah?' - Violation of law.https://www.gotquestions.org/Uzzah.html
- 48. Crossway - 'Touching the Ark' - Irreverence and holiness.https://www.crossway.org/articles/why-was-a-man-killed-for-touching-the-ark-of-the-covenant-2-samuel-6/
- 49. The Gospel Coalition - 'Strange Fire' - Nadab and Abihu unauthorized worship.https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/two-priests-strange-fire-holy-god/
- 50. Pastors.ai - 'Understanding God's Holiness' - Holiness standard.https://pastors.ai/sermon/understanding-gods-holiness-justice-and-mercy-explored
- 51. ACBC - 'Lessons from Korah' - Challenging authority.https://biblicalcounseling.com/resource-library/articles/lessons-from-the-life-of-korah/
- 52. GotQuestions.org - 'Rebellion of Korah' - Consequences of usurping authority.https://www.gotquestions.org/rebellion-of-Korah.html
- 53. Biblical Research Institute - 'Theology of Divine Judgment' - Judgment continues in NT.https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/articles/the-theology-of-divine-judgment-in-the-bible
- 54. BibleGateway - 'Acts 5' - Ananias deception.https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205&version=NIV
- 55. GotQuestions.org - 'Ananias and Sapphira' - Early church purity.https://www.gotquestions.org/Ananias-and-Sapphira.html
- 56. Servants of Grace - 'Ananias and Sapphira' - Fear restored.https://servantsofgrace.org/ananias-and-sapphira-and-new-age-deception/
- 57. Bible Hub - 'Acts 12:23 Study' - Herod's pride.https://biblehub.com/study/acts/12-23.htm
- 58. BibleRef - 'Acts 12:23 Commentary' - Persecution context.https://www.bibleref.com/Acts/12/Acts-12-23.html
- 59. Bible Hub - 'Acts 12:23 Commentaries' - Herod eaten by worms.https://biblehub.com/commentaries/acts/12-23.htm
- 60. Berean Bible Society - 'Sorcerer of Israel' - Elymas opposing gospel.https://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/the-sorcerer-of-israel/
- 61. Reading Acts - 'Acts 13 Blindness' - Temporary judgment.https://readingacts.com/2019/02/23/acts-138-12-symbolic-blindness/
- 62. ReKnew - 'Paul's Blinding of Elymas' - Merciful purpose.https://reknew.org/2017/12/pauls-blinding-elymas-response-paul-copan-5/
- 63. The Berean - 'God's Judgment on Nations' - Impartial justice.https://www.theberean.org/index.cfm/main/default/id/3510/judges-2-11-15.htm
- 64. STEP Bible - '2 Kings 17' - Northern rebellion.https://www.stepbible.org/?q=version=KingComments|reference=2Kgs.17.5-2Kgs.17.7
- 65. Bible Hub - 'Amos 5 Study' - Social injustice.https://biblehub.com/study/amos/5-11.htm
- 66. Bible Hub - 'Deut 28:36 Parallels' - Covenant warnings fulfilled.https://biblehub.com/q/Deut_28_36_parallels_Israel_s_exile.htm
- 67. BibleGateway - 'Jeremiah 25' - Patience (23 years).https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2025&version=NRSVUE
- 68. Bible Hub - 'Lessons from Jeremiah' - Steadfast obedience over time.https://biblehub.com/q/Lessons_from_Jeremiah_s_persistence.htm
- 69. GotQuestions.org - 'King Manasseh' - Account of his apostasy and repentance.https://www.gotquestions.org/King-Manasseh.html
- 70. Bible Hub - 'Jeremiah 29:10' - 70-year limit.https://biblehub.com/study/jeremiah/29-10.htm
- 71. Bible Hub - 'Wilderness Wandering' - Faithless rebellion.https://biblehub.com/q/Why_40_years_of_wandering.htm
- 72. GotQuestions.org - 'Wilderness Generation' - Generational consequences.https://www.gotquestions.org/wilderness-wandering.html
- 73. Harold Herring - 'Provisions in Wilderness' - Preservation of children.https://haroldherring.com/blogs/harolds-blogs/richthoughts/266-7-provisions-for-your-trip-through-the-wilderness