Questioning Biblical Violence: Discerning Divine Will or Human Manipulation?

The Bible, a sacred text for billions, has inspired countless individuals and communities with its teachings of love, compassion, and faith. Yet, there are also numerous passages—particularly in the Old Testament—that depict violence, oppression, and actions that seem out of place with the idea of a just and loving God. From commands to kill women, children, and animals to disturbing instructions about rape and slavery, these verses raise difficult questions: What kind of God would condone such acts? And how do we reconcile these violent commands with the image of an all-loving, omniscient Creator?

Contextualizing Violence in the Bible

One of the key challenges in understanding these violent passages is the historical and cultural context in which they were written. Ancient societies were often brutal, and the Bible reflects the harsh realities of life in the ancient Near East, where war, conquest, and survival were often paramount. In this context, some scholars argue that the violent commands attributed to God may reflect the norms of the time, rather than the direct will of the Divine.

For example, in the book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 20:16-18), God commands the Israelites to destroy entire cities, leaving no survivors, including women and children. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 15:3, Saul is instructed to kill the Amalekites and take no prisoners, wiping out even the animals. These acts of “herem” (total destruction) seem cruel and unjust by today’s moral standards.

Divine Will or Human Manipulation?

It’s crucial to consider whether all passages in the Bible truly represent the will of God or if they reflect the influence of human authorship. The Bible, after all, was written over centuries by different authors, each living in specific cultural, political, and historical contexts. While many passages are undoubtedly inspired by divine wisdom, it is possible that some of the more violent or morally questionable verses reflect the interests of human rulers or religious leaders seeking to justify their actions through divine authority.

In this light, some of the more disturbing commands, like those involving violence, rape, or slavery, may have been inserted or emphasized to consolidate power, justify territorial expansion, or control certain groups within society. If ancient leaders could claim divine backing for their actions, they could exert greater control over their people and enemies.

For example, the verse in Deuteronomy 21:10-14 that seemingly condones the abduction and rape of women during war raises deep moral concerns. It’s hard to imagine a loving Creator endorsing such behavior. Instead, it may reflect the norms of a patriarchal society where women were often viewed as property, and war was a brutal reality. Could it be that these instructions were shaped by the needs and power dynamics of the time, rather than by divine will?

Jesus and the New Testament: A Different Message?

In the New Testament, there are verses that also raise questions about morality, such as instructions to “honor your slave master” (Ephesians 6:5). Again, this seems at odds with the image of a compassionate and just God. Why would Jesus or the early Christian leaders encourage submission to an unjust system like slavery?

The answer may lie in understanding the early Christian community’s context. Slavery was a widespread institution in the Roman Empire, and Christians were often a persecuted minority. Early Christian leaders may have urged compliance with existing social structures, including slavery, to avoid further persecution and survive within a harsh political system. However, this does not mean that slavery was endorsed as morally right. Instead, it may reflect a pragmatic approach to survival in a hostile environment.

The Role of Interpretation and Discernment

One of the most critical aspects of reading the Bible is understanding that not all passages carry equal weight or reflect the highest divine truth. Some texts may be meant as historical accounts or descriptions of human behavior, rather than prescriptive commands from God. To navigate these complexities, it’s essential to apply discernment and critical thinking when interpreting Scripture.

Jesus himself emphasized love, mercy, and compassion, often challenging the rigid laws of his time. His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) offer a radically different vision of the divine will—one rooted in forgiveness, non-violence, and love for one’s enemies. For Christians, this provides a framework for interpreting the more difficult passages in the Old Testament. Where there is a conflict between violence and the teachings of Jesus, many argue that Christ’s message should take precedence.

Manipulation for Power: The Use of God’s Name

Another important consideration is how Scripture may have been used by individuals or institutions to justify their own power. Throughout history, religious texts have been invoked to legitimize oppression, warfare, and exploitation. In this view, certain violent commands in the Bible may have been used to assert dominance over others, whether by kings, priests, or conquering armies. The idea that “God wills it” has been a powerful tool to unite people behind a cause—whether just or unjust.

The Crusades, slavery, colonialism, and many other historical atrocities were justified in part through selective interpretations of Scripture. This raises the question: Are some passages reflective of a higher divine message, or were they manipulated to serve human interests?

Reexamining the Divine

Ultimately, questioning biblical violence does not undermine faith but encourages a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the text. It invites believers to seek the core message of the Bible—one that points to justice, love, and compassion. By acknowledging that some passages may reflect human influences rather than divine commands, we can engage more thoughtfully with the text and challenge interpretations that have been used to justify oppression.

When facing these difficult questions, we must ask ourselves: What kind of God are we worshiping? Is it a God of love, justice, and mercy, or a God manipulated to serve human interests? By applying discernment and focusing on the highest principles of love and compassion, we can reconcile these contradictions and better understand the true message of the Bible.