THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
Justice is characterized by its unwavering nature, as it applies consistently across all places, peoples, and times, extending even to adversaries. For instance, when a truce is established with an enemy regarding the location and timing of a confrontation, it is deemed unjust to alter these agreed-upon terms. The circumstances surrounding a capture hold significant weight; being taken in battle is distinctly different from becoming a victim due to some prior wrongdoing or other unexpected events. However, it should be noted that a harsher penalty is warranted for adversaries who display profound cruelty and treachery, similar to the fate of the Midianites.
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Moses executed divine justice upon them after they led many of the Israelites astray through their deceitful tactics, demonstrating God's wrath against their betrayal by ensuring none of them survived.
On the other hand, the Gibeonites, who sought to avoid conflict with the Israelites and instead used cunning to engage them as allies, were not obliterated. Instead, they were assigned a particular task as a form of punishment. Likewise, Elisha advised against the king of Israel’s intentions to slay the Syrians who had been blinded and brought into the city under false pretenses, instructing instead to provide them with sustenance and send them back to their master. His intention was to evoke gratitude from them, which was indeed achieved, as these marauding Syrians ceased their raids on Israel thereafter. Thus, if justice retains its significance in the heat of battle, it should be even more diligently upheld during peacetime.