Through Deuteronomyنموونە

God of Mercy 

God warrantied death to the Israelites when they sinned against God. God's intention of death was to purge the evil and keep the Israelites Holy. God’s laws included innocent people who could fall victim to those with evil intentions,

In these chapters, you see the love God has for every human being, giving people the room to repent and change. Death was not allowed without witnesses. Cities of refuge were marked for those who made a mistake. At least two or three witnesses were needed. These were guard rails for capital punishments which were practiced in those days. The central idea in these laws was giving hope and life to those who made a mistake and chance for those young still to enjoy life. This is reiterated in the rules God gives concerning going for war.

God didn't wish for the fainthearted, those who were just married or built houses to join the war. The offer of peace was the first step. When peace was accepted, the captured people were forced laborers. War was only when the peace offer failed. The victory meant the captured men were killed, while the women and children were part of the plunder. This was for nation apart from the promised land. In the promised land, all living being was to be destroyed so that people would not the lead to idolatry. A law to only cut non-fruit bearing trees to build sieges for the cities guarantees God took care of the needs of His children.

It's interesting to see some of the laws like an unresolved murder, rebellious son, marrying a captive woman and rights of a firstborn, seemingly irrelevant in today's world. It only points to the hope, grace and mercy we have when we go to God and choose to live a lifestyle according to the guidelines set by God, He will fight for us and take care of us. Yes, we may have to go through the consequences of our actions, but God is with us through it. Just as a person, who killed someone accidentally, lived in the city of refuge away from his inheritance. These laws show how merciful our God is, in taking care of every area and aspect of my life.

Thought for the day: To whom does God want me to be merciful?

Our just God is merciful and has covered all aspects of life 

Additional reading: Deuteronomy 19-21