The Old Testament portrayal of God often evokes images of wrath, judgment, and fear. Many people in the modern Western world—where people actually respect social boundaries and rules—find it difficult to reconcile this image with the God of love and grace presented in the New Testament. However, understanding the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament can help clarify why God’s actions were perceived as harsh and why they were necessary for that time.
The Moral Landscape of the Ancient World
To appreciate God’s actions in the Old Testament, it’s crucial to understand the moral level of the people during that era. The ancient world was a place of rampant violence, idolatry, and moral depravity. Practices such as child sacrifice, slavery, and brutal warfare were commonplace. The moral code was drastically different from what we understand today. It was a world where the strong literally survived at the expense of the weak. Much like today, in order to protect the weak, active violence is sometimes needed. Even the most liberal judges agree murder should be judged very harshly.
- Necessity of Severe Measures: Just as modern societies sometimes use severe punishments to deter crime, God used stern warnings and actions to guide His people. The threats of death and destruction instilled a sense of order and morality among people accustomed to a world without moral restraints.
- Comparative Context: The severity of the Old Testament must be compared to the surrounding cultures of the time. Many of the laws given to Israel were actually more humane and just than those of their neighbors. For instance, the law of “an eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:24) was a way to limit retribution and prevent excessive punishment.
Fear as a Temporary Measure
Fear can act as a deterrent to prevent harmful actions. In societies where moral values are low, the threat of severe punishment is often the only way to curb destructive behaviors.
- Fear as a Guardrail: Fear served as a guardrail to keep people from descending into chaos and immorality. It was not the ultimate standard but a temporary measure to lead people toward a higher moral ground.
- Historical Comparisons: Even today, in places where lawlessness prevails, such as certain areas in Africa and the Middle East, severe measures are sometimes necessary to maintain order. The ancient Israelites were no different in needing strict laws to guide their immoral behavior.
The Ultimate Standard: Love
While fear was necessary in the ancient context, it was never meant to be the ultimate standard. The goal was always to lead people towards love, which is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10). Jesus emphasized that love is the greatest commandment and the fulfillment of the law. In Matthew 22:37-40, He says,
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Paul reiterates the idea that love fulfills the Law in Romans 13:10,
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
When we love, we naturally keep the commandments because true love does not inflict harm on others. However, not all people or religions hold to the same definition of love or hold to it at all. This is what’s so unique about The Kingdom of Yeshua!
Conclusion
The God of the Old Testament may seem fearsome, but this perception is often due to a lack of understanding of the historical and cultural context. God’s actions were tailored to guide morally depraved people towards righteousness, using fear as a necessary tool in a world that understood little else. However, the ultimate goal was always to lead humanity towards love, which is the true fulfillment of the law. Understanding this journey from fear to love helps reconcile the seemingly harsh actions of God in the Old Testament with His ultimate nature as a God of love.
This article is a copy-paste from my book, ‘The “Gospel” of Divine Abuse,’ available on this Amazon page.
A free sample is available here.
[i] Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker, “Proverbs of Ashes: Violence,
