THE ATHEIST'S COMPLAINT:
Does God want children to die? Matthew 18:14 states that it is not God's will that children should die, but numerous passages either have God killing children or commanding that they be killed (Genesis 7:21-22; 19:24; 22:2; Exodus 12:30; 21:15; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 20:16; 21:18-21; Joshua 10:40; 1 Samuel 15:2-3; 2 Samuel 12:15, 18; 2 Kings 2:23-24; Psalm 135:8; 136:10; 137:9; Jeremiah 13:13-14; 19:9; Ezekiel 5:10; Hosea 9:16; 13:16; Zechariah 13:3. Is there a contradiction?

RESPONSE:
The questioner would do well to read the context of Matthew 18 before attempting to make an application of verse 14. The "little ones" specified are not children in general, but a reference to the children of God (see v 3, 6). His misapplication of this text is the basis upon which the supposed contradiction arises.

That being said, Peter writes that God is not willing than any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). However, that is not speaking of physical life, rather spiritual life – eternal life. All will die in the flesh at some point, but those who have served the Lord faithfully will be raised to life eternal.

But what of all the texts listed? In several cases, children died physically due to the wickedness of their parents and forefathers. The consequences of sin do not just touch those who have committed the sin, but often fall upon their descendants.

Regarding Isaac (Genesis 22), God was confirming Abraham's faith. Isaac was the son of promise, and as such, if killed, God would have raised him (Hebrews 11:17). In the law of Moses, rebellious children were to be stoned, keeping the nature pure from their sinful attitude.

Much more could be said about the specific instances cited above, where God in some fashion was responsible for the death of various children, but what has been given by way of explanation will suffice. If any reader desires to hear more concerning any specific event, please feel free to contact me (thestewarts@canada.com).

Before closing off this topic, it must be said, God's focus is so greater than our's is. He sees the big picture (eternity), while we so often focus on the here and now. In the cases where judgment was passed upon a nation; and it's children were killed, these, being without sin before the Lord (indeed, all children are such), He no doubt has received into His eternal reward for the righteous. Had they continued in this life, they very likely would have followed the wickedness of their forefathers. Their death, though to man's eyes is evidence of a cruel God is in fact a manifestation of His love for souls.

There is no contradiction.

This article is a response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible, but original article is no longer listed

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