Psalm 98:9 promises judgment with equity, but other biblical passages show God permitting destruction and violence—how are these reconciled?

I. Understanding the Context of Psalm 98:9

Psalm 98:9 in the Berean Standard Bible reads, “For He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.” The psalm celebrates the Creator’s rule over the earth and highlights His righteous judgment. This passage evokes assurance that God’s judgment proceeds from His perfect moral standard.

In the broader context of Psalm 98, the psalmist proclaims joy because the One who fashioned humanity offers a just and equitable judgment. This contrasts with human governments, which can be swayed by error or partiality. Scripture consistently points to God’s justice as impeccable (cf. Deuteronomy 32:4).

II. The Meaning of “Judgment with Equity”

The term “equity” underscores balanced, impartial fairness. In the Hebrew underlying this verse, the sense is that God’s justice holds every detail in perfect perspective. No outside influence corrupts His verdict. This ideal of judgment is repeated in other passages, such as Psalm 9:8: “He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity.”

God’s equitable standard also ensures that all circumstances, intentions, and broader contexts are weighed accurately (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7). The justice it describes fits with the biblical portrayal of an all-knowing God who alone can assess every person and every action without error.

III. Biblical Instances of Violence and Destruction

Despite this promise of just and fair judgment, other biblical texts describe God commanding or permitting what appear to be violent events (e.g., the Flood in Genesis 6–8, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, and the conquest narratives in Joshua). In these cases, the text indicates that widespread evil or corruption led to judgment. For example, Genesis 6:5–7 explains that humanity’s wickedness “was great on the earth and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.” The Flood resulted from the depth of human corruption.

Archaeological findings at Tel Hazor and other sites in the land of ancient Canaan, along with textual evidence from the Mari Tablets and the Amarna Letters, have confirmed the existence of these long-ago cities and regions. These discoveries help to illustrate the historical settings in which these biblical events transpired. Furthermore, the preserved manuscripts in the Dead Sea Scrolls align with the account in Genesis, validating the consistent transmission of biblical texts across centuries.

IV. The Role of Holiness and Human Sin

Scripture frames divine judgment—including judgments that appear extreme to modern readers—within God’s holiness. Holiness signifies moral purity and complete separation from sin. Human sin, viewed from such a perspective, is a grave offense necessitating justice. Passages such as 1 Peter 1:16 emphasize the call to be holy as God is holy.

In instances where the Bible describes significant destruction, it presents a scenario in which a just God punishes entrenched wickedness (cf. Deuteronomy 9:4–5). The Righteous Judge, fully aware of every thought and deed, acts from a comprehensive perspective of good and evil.

V. The Purpose and Timing of Divine Judgment

The seeming delay of judgment in some cases (cf. 2 Peter 3:9) indicates the longsuffering character of God, who allows time for repentance. While individuals and nations commit evil acts, the biblical record shows that God’s ultimate justice is neither hasty nor reckless; it reflects mercy and an offer of restoration first, as seen through repeated prophetic calls to repentance (e.g., Jeremiah 18:7–8).

Yet, when evil persists, divine judgment is enacted in measure. The Flood ended depravity on a global scale (Genesis 6–8). The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah removed cities rife with sin (Genesis 19). Israel’s conquest of Canaan followed centuries of rampant evil among the Canaanite nations (cf. Genesis 15:16). These examples display how God’s patience ended only after much wrongdoing.

VI. God’s Redemptive Plan and the Reconciliation of These Themes

Scripture ultimately tells a story of redemption, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Judgment with equity does not mean the absence of punishment; rather, it means God’s justice will be accomplished perfectly. This promise stands at the center of biblical hope: the righteous Judge takes every factor into account.

In addition, the overarching theme of salvation rests on the premise that this same Judge comes in mercy, offering life through Christ. Ephesians 2:4–5 reflects that despite humanity’s sinful state, God, being rich in mercy, made believers alive with Christ. Both His willingness to judge evil and His gracious plan of salvation are woven throughout Scripture.

VII. Bridging Faith and Assurance today

Psalm 98:9 offers a message of hope in God’s unwavering fairness. Historical records, archaeological findings (including excavations at sites like Hazor and Jericho), and preserved biblical manuscripts confirm the credibility of the scriptural narrative. Even modern readers can glean assurance: God’s justice remains consistent, measured, and equitable.

Humanity’s wrongdoing has often necessitated interventions that appear severe; yet those judgments fit into a broader context of a holy God responding to unrepentant corruption. When the full counsel of Scripture is considered, there is no contradiction. The same God who judges the world in righteousness also extends the greatest act of mercy—sacrificing His own Son for the redemption of those who believe (cf. John 3:16). Through this lens, God’s permitting of destruction aligns with His holiness and serves His redemptive plans, ultimately reconciling divine fairness and human sin in a way unique to the One who holds all authority over life and judgment.