Subject: Why is killing enimies in the OT okay? |
Bible Note: Hi, Mandy; "But one might ask why or how he came up with that idea? It seemed natural." - People come up with all kinds of bad ideas, all on their own; God is not responsible for them. The Crusaders had some really bad ideas of their own and people who don't know any better have been blaming God for them ever since. "And then one might ask, why did God allow the event to happen?" - The same question could be asked about every bad thing that has ever happened. A good question, but too much to answer here. With respect to Jephthah, he suffered a terrible loss as the result of his prideful vow. Did others (his daughter) suffer more? In earthly terms, yes; but no more than the victims of countless drunk drivers who walk away from the carnage they cause. People die as the result of other people's sins every day. It's sad part of living in a fallen world. "Abraham's poised knife was stayed in a previous sacrifice episode. It is an interesting scenario." - The knife was poised by God's command and stayed by God's command, both to serve God's purposes. I don't think this episode is related to Jephthah's self-serving behavior. With regard to opinions, I try very hard to base my opinions on an external, divine standard - the Bible. My comments are based on that standard. Might I get it wrong and go off in the wrong direction sometimes? Of course I do, but study and meditation based on the Bible bring me a few compass points closer to the right direction - much closer than if I just made it up as I went. Do I approve of God's command in Numbers 15:32-36? Not really; but then I often think I have a better idea. Ultimately, however, I trust the loving and just God portrayed in the Bible. Job: "Though he slay me, yet I will trust in him". Peter: "Where would we go? You alone have the words of life". Where else should I turn? To a god of my own or someone else's making? Where does knowledge of the loving and just God in whom you have faith come from? Does it come from your own reason? your emotions? other people? Is he a god of your own making? I assure you that I have read and studied the OT and struggled with the violence. At the end of the day, I had to ask myself if I trusted God, if I was willing to give up my tendency to judge God and just let God judge the world. I have since come to understand that these stories are there because God is honest and wants them there. It's easy to love a cuddly baby lying in a manger. The challenge is to see a loving God in the midst of the carnage. Finally, it becomes a choice - do I let my opinions about these events alter my understanding of the God portrayed in the whole Bible? or do I allow my knowledge of God to alter my opinions about these events? I have chosen the latter. It'll be a sad day when I approach either God or his creation without wonder. And wondering. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |