The historical record reveals that the men, women, children, old and young of the Canaanite cities captured by the Israelites were to be reduced to complete destruction. (Num. 21:1-3, 34, 35; Josh 6:20-21; 8:21-27; 10:26-40; 11:10-14) This has rightly brought about concern from Christians that the Hebrew Old Testament seems to be inundated with a sense of cruelty and senseless slaughter. How would you answer?