I always wondered how a just God could order the Hebrews to kill the children of Jericho (Children of Jericho would be a great name for a metal band though).
RE: I always wondered how a just God could order the Hebrews to kill the children of Jericho
A SPECIFIC ( non-repeatable ) example of God using His people as an instrument of judgment.
BTW, God also uses those who are NOT His people to judge His people ( See the Babylonians, Assyrians and Romans ).
Next question — Why Women and Children?
My answer would be — better leave this to God’s infinite wisdom.
Sometimes, it is better for a child to die and be with God than to grow up to be a violent, cruel warrior.
Not only does He judge by groups, he also gave life to all humanity.
In His brilliant Plan, every human (except Jesus Christ) was condemned before they are saved. Every human being is initially imputed with a sin nature.
We are given an opportunity to simply accept Him by faith. If we reject Him, we remain condemned.
By His grace, if we accept Him, He is then free, by His grace, to save us.
His Perfect Integrity doesn't have to endure sin in His presence throughout all eternity. The return to perfect righteousness after sin, though is always a violent action. By His grace, He has even provided His suffering so that we might still have life.
The simplest answer would conclude God's total war tactics involved killing everyone and everything in order to prevent revenge or retribution. God was trying to lead His chosen people to victory and peace, just as He promised. Unfortunately His chosen people became stubborn and gave into their sensations.