As a general rule, God says that it is a sin to take a human life, but He also says there are certain situations in which taking a life is acceptable. For example, when Yahweh commanded Joshua to murder all of the men, women and children who were currently residing in the Promised Land, He did not count Joshua’s actions against him because Joshua was obeying a Divine command. It was when the Jews refused to obey Yahweh’s command to slaughter all of the original inhabitants of the Promised Land that they ended up in trouble with Him. When God gives us a direct order, He demands obedience, regardless of whether or not His current order aligns with principles we find written down in the Bible (see Present Convictions vs. Past Commands).