Q: Would God ever order a killing (like the Canaanites)? Yes. God has the moral right to give and take life as Creator. The death penalty in the OT shows justified killing. When God commands killing, it's on his authority — normally it would be murder, but divine command transforms the moral status. The burden is on those who claim God could never do this under any circumstances.

God has the right to give life and take it. The death penalty (e.g., for a slaveholder who kills a slave) shows scripture recognizes justified killing. When God commands Israel to execute judgment on the Canaanites, it's his sovereign authority delegated to them. Without divine command (like 9/11), the same action is murder. The burden of proof falls on those claiming God could never order a killing.