Deuteronomy 19-21

“When you go out to battle against your enemies … do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God … is with you” (20:1).  The nation of Israel received laws from God which promoted righteousness and punished sin in an imperfect society; there was no illusion that the nation would be heaven on earth. They had cities of refuge for accidental murderers, the death penalty, and fines to keep human behavior in check. 

However, Israel was supposed to shine brightly in the world due to their trust in the Creator.  “For the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, is with you.”