Decision Two: Joshua: The Ban

God has instructed you that when you return to the Promised Land, you are to kill everything there that breathes (Deuteronomy 20:16).

DECISION: Do you do it? women, children, infants, elderly, animals, handicapped, etc.

Considerations: What are the potential benefits of annihilating your enemy? What are the problems with this approach to war?

DISCUSS: What is the place of civilians in warfare?

Jump ahead to Shaka Zulu, the Alamo, Sherman's scorched earth approach to Georgia, and the holocaust. How do these relate?

"I always thought we ought to meet the Federal invaders on the outer verge of just right and defence, and raise at once the black flag, viz., No quarter to the violators of our homes and firesides! It would in the end have proved true humanity and mercy. The Bible is full of such wars, and it is the only policy that would bring the North to its senses."

Stonewall Jackson

RESULT

Hebrew soldiers who violated the ban were severely punished. Achan and his family were burned alive for hoarding booty. King Saul was dethroned for sparing women and children, and for attempting to ransom the Amalekite king.