The question you're raising touches on complex theological and philosophical issues regarding the nature of God, morality, and the interpretation of scripture. Here are a few perspectives that different religious traditions and thinkers might offer:
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Divine Authority: In many religious beliefs, God is seen as the creator and sustainer of life. Consequently, some theologies argue that God has the ultimate authority over life and death and that divine actions cannot be equated with human morality. What may appear as "killing" from a human perspective is understood as fulfilling divine justice or purpose.
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Interpretation of Scripture: Different religious texts depict God in various ways, and interpretations can vary widely. Some believers may view the accounts of God executing judgment as metaphorical rather than literal, or they may see these narratives within the context of a larger divine plan.
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Moral Framework: Many theologians argue that moral laws apply to humans and that humans are held to different standards than God. In this view, murder is a violation of the moral order that humans are bound to follow, whereas divine actions are acts of justice that fulfill a higher purpose.
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Concept of Justice and Mercy: Some interpretations suggest that what humans perceive as punishment or killing by God can also be understood in the context of divine justice, mercy, and redemption. The belief is that God's actions are part of a larger plan that we may not fully understand.
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The Problem of Evil: This question also connects to the philosophical problem of evil, which grapples with how a good and all-powerful God can coexist with the evil and suffering in the world. Different arguments and solutions have been offered by theologians, philosophers, and scholars throughout history.
The discussions around these themes are often profound and vary significantly between different faith traditions and philosophical outlooks. Ultimately, the perspectives you encounter will depend on individual beliefs, teachings of specific religious organizations, and broader philosophical inquiries into morality and the nature of divinity.