Selective destruction refers to the deliberate and purposeful act of destroying specific objects, people, or places while sparing others. This concept is evident in various biblical narratives where God exercises judgment or commands His people to carry out His will, often with precision and discernment.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Flood (Genesis 6-9): In the account of Noah's Ark, God decides to destroy all life on earth due to the wickedness of humanity, sparing only Noah, his family, and pairs of every kind of animal. Genesis 7:23 states, "Every living thing on the face of the earth was destroyed—man and livestock, crawling creatures and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth, and only Noah and those with him in the ark remained."

2. The Plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12): The ten plagues that God sends upon Egypt demonstrate selective destruction. For instance, during the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, God instructs the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that the angel of death would pass over their homes. Exodus 12:23 explains, "When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; He will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down."

3. The Conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6): The fall of Jericho is another instance where selective destruction is evident. God commands the Israelites to destroy the city completely but spares Rahab and her family because of her faith and assistance to the Israelite spies. Joshua 6:17 states, "Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to destruction for the LORD. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the spies we sent."

New Testament Examples

1. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11): In the early church, Ananias and Sapphira are struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit about the proceeds from the sale of their property. This act of selective destruction serves as a warning to the early Christian community about the seriousness of sin and deceit. Acts 5:5 records, "On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened."

2. The Destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24, Luke 21): Jesus prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurs in A.D. 70. This event is seen as a selective judgment upon the city for its rejection of the Messiah. In Luke 21:20-22 , Jesus warns, "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that has been written."

Theological Implications

Selective destruction in the Bible underscores God's sovereignty, justice, and mercy. It highlights His ability to discern and judge righteously, sparing those who are faithful and obedient while executing judgment on the wicked. This concept also serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in the preservation of Noah, Rahab, and the Israelites during the Passover.