Israel descended from Abraham. God told Abraham to leave his ancestral homeland and go to “the land which I shall show you”. (Genesis 12:1).  Abraham did as he was told. However, God also told him that he would NOT own anything in that land, but that his descendants would become a nation and inhabit the land. (Genesis 13:14-18, Ezekiel 33:24, Hebrews 11:8, Galatians 3:18).

The Israelites were actually instructed by God to destroy their enemies with complete destruction. (Also see Numbers 33:52, Deuteronomy 13:15, Joshua 8:26, 9:24, 10:1, 2 Chronicles 20:23,33:9.) 

However, in Genesis 15, God relates His principle before He would command the destruction of any peoples. Genesis 15:16 (NLT), “After four generations your descendants will return here to this land, for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.”

What were the sins of the Amorites and of the other Pagan nations which were destroyed? A few sinful practices include women enslaved as temple prostitutes, babies sacrificed alive by fire, seances, divination, fortune telling, and Satan/demon worship. All of these sins bring sorrow, pain, even death. God ordered the destruction of nations when their practices had reached such a sinful point that it would be better to end those nations’ existences. But remember, none of those people went to a place of eternal torment. Additionally, God’s laws commanded the Israelites to treat prisoners, slaves and those in debt with fairness. See Leviticus 25:23,35,40,47 and Numbers 35:15.

God’s ways are higher than man’s ways. Isaiah 55:9 (NASB), “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

God’s plans for his human creation are not finished yet.  He has appointed a resurrection time when EVERYONE who has died will be brought back to life and given an opportunity to live in peace on Earth forever.  Jesus refers to God’s destruction of life in ancient times as being for their ultimate good. Matthew 11:24 (NASB), “But I (Jesus) say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee…” (Also see Mark 6:11.)

God keeps his promises. John 5:28-29 (NASB), “… a time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and will come out: those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the bad deeds to a resurrection of judgment.”

Israel will be God’s channel to bless the world. Isaiah 2:3 (NASB), “…many peoples will say, ‘Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; So that He may teach us about His ways, and that we may walk in His paths.’ For the law will go out from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Also see Isaiah 45:17, Romans 11:26.)

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1218: “Is God’s Wrath Stronger Than His Love? (Part I)”
Examining God’s harsh Old Testament judgment in light of His plan
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

 Episode #1290: “Is the Jewish Nation Really God’s Chosen People?”
The history and destiny of the nation of Israel and their favor with God
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes