Subject: Why is killing enimies in the OT okay? |
Bible Note: Greetings, Mandy; First of all, I certainly wouldn't agree that the conquest of Canaan described in Joshua is "wanton killing". I agree that it is an appalling account. Perhaps anticipating that, God explained to Moses: 'After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, "The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness." No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is going to drive them out before you. It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.' (Deuteronomy 9:4-6) Would you care to cite a specific passage for your favorite story? Who was "the leader"? What were the circumstances? More importantly, who defines "wanton"? You? What is your standard? Is it just killing that you personally disapprove of? Most of us around here consider the Bible to be authoritative, the standard by which we measure our opinions and our ideas. By what do you measure yours? As for "borderline insanity", let me provide two passages that guide me when I think I have a better idea than God: (1) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6) and (2) "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18) Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |