If you believe that God was serious when He said "Thou shalt not murder", and does not break His own law, then consider the possibility that the gore stories are poetic illustrations of how to do the exact opposite. Used to focus on the intensity in which we are to perform, and to make the instructions excitingly memorable.
They also serve as a filter for the intent and morals of the reader.
No matter who you are and what others tell you, you will always see what you want to see.
So what is the "effect of every vision?"
Not saying some of those stories didn't actually happen, but history does not record
literal stoning until a good while after the instructions were given, and archeological and secular historical evidence does not support any group of Israelites actually overthrowing various cities with
physical warfare.
They fixed those cities from within with brotherly love, and used the literal violence of other peoples that they observed as examples toillustrate the intensity of God's way of love and peace.
You may not believe it. (probably not) but you can't have it both ways.
If baal is god, worship him, if YHWH is God, worship Him.
And let the true one answer with FIRE.
You probably know that the "field" is where you work on the harvest. And that the wilderness is a place of hardship and uncertainty. And haven't you heard that the "sword" is the
word of God that comes from Jesus mouth?
"And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword."
Do you believe that when you are judged according to your works,
all the books will be "opened" ?
Can you smell what the "rock" is "cooking" ?