Bible Discussion Thread

Referring to both books of Samuel and to the reports of a whole series of massacres inflicted upon various and many other tribes by Israel who were progressively invading the "Promised Land" with the assistance of GOD - indeed could not possibly have achieved their objective, also GODs objective in keeping his covenant with Israel.

How does this fit with the Ten Commandment that GOD gave to Moses?

I apologize for not looking into the second part of the question as regarding the 10 Commandments. The judgment of pagan nations; was largely for worship of pagan gods; which often involved sacrifice of children; as well as statues of idols; and sexual deviancy of many kinds. When the customs and false gods were integrated through intermarriage (especially with Solomon); then the downfall of the nation eventually resulted. God was already planning BTW at the time Solomon made his prayer before the formal inception of sacrifices at the Temple to have it be a place of "prayer for all nations" and Solomon's prayer involved asking the Lord to reach the stranger with the truth. Isaiah indicates that the Gentiles are going to be reached; and there are cases such as Naaman the Syrian; and Nebuchadnezzar rulers in pagan nations recognizing the God of Israel. There were those who did convert such as the mixed multitude who came up from Egypt; and the stranger who wished to worship the true God. When we look at Jonah; we have an ENTIRE Gentile city whose leader immediately fasts and commands all including animals to abstain; and God relents from immediate judgment. It was delayed; and that being more remarkable when considering their great wickedness toward Israel according to historical account.

The commandment about not committing adultery also was holding marriage as a valid covenant among all; Jew or Gentile. This is clear from Abraham's mistake twice trying to pass his wife as his sister; as well as later on with John the Baptist's confrontation on the subject. So although the TERRITORIAL blessings of following the Commandments were unique to Israel; certain principles of course apply to all men in terms of wisdom. There are; of course further laws for sacrifices related to ceremonial purification; and other regulations in Leviticus to follow. Again; it is God's faithfulness rather than ours which characterizes the life of a true beliver.

Thank you so much for such a detailed and learned response, it is much appreciated and a great help for my better understanding.

Best regards

Roy

I will make an attempt here. First of all; there is no purpose set forth of man that can thwart the plan of God. Ultimately; the One who is to rule and reign over Israel as king also had to fulfill the role of Prophet and Priest. Clearly, according to the N.T. no one can fulfill the law perfectly; so the perfect lamb of God had to be sacrificed. He is the "Ancient of Days" who would come as the "Son of David" from the earthly lineage described on the mother's side but also with references to the father's lineage.

There are clearly failures; as the whole Promised Land was never taken. The Philistines; for instance are where the modern day Palestinians reside; and many other ancient controversies will only be settled at the return of Christ to set up His Millennial Kingdom. We must look back to God's first promises to man; in the garden and Genesis 3:16 to see that the Messiah was always part of the plan. The next covenant of the rainbow was God's promise; not even based on what man did. EVERY prophet had failings; including Moses; the only one said to talk to God as though a friend; and was used to intercede much in the same way Christ did. But he failed when he struck the rock in anger; much as anger led him to the other sin of killing the Egyptian setting back the deliverance perhaps from when it could have begun. As far as I know; Samuel himself didn't have any recorded sin; although clearly all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Much of 1 and 2 Samuel have to do with Saul and God's dealings with David and the Philistines. As part of God's lineage; surely Satan used Saul with his 21 attempts to kill David to attempt to thwart God's plan. David's failings were costly; and there is a reference to him being a man of war keeping him from building the Temple Solomon did. Of course; Solomon in all his riches failed not heeding God's warnings. God remains faithful; as Deuteronomy states even in the last days and Tribulation.

The Jews sometimes violated the instructions given them when warring against the enemies of God but they did not violate the ten commandments by obeying God's instructions in fighting His enemies on earth.

Very clearly explained , thank you for that .