Dannie's Blog

In all of the discussions of the theological and ethical problems raised by the holy war texts in the Old Testament, there is a glaring assumption.  The question is often raised “what if we were to wage war in God’s name” or in a similar manner.  The dangerous assumption is that we (America) will always be the one fighting for God.  This seems to be the same problem facing Israel in the texts of the latter prophets.  Amos in particular points out the justice flaws of the Northern kingdom, which was smug in it’s prosperity.  The day of the Lord would not be a pleasant experience of divine favor, but a reception of wrath.  I can’t help but think of the United States as being in a similar place.  We often assume that we speak for God or that he is on our side.  It’s easy to get caught up in the deception – some believe that America is simply a Christian nation, case closed.  Others believe they are supporting the poor and doing God’s work by purchasing fair trade coffees and scones that are $6 a piece (when they could be putting that money to better use and actually helping somebody).   In the holy war texts should we place ourselves on the giving or receiving end?

Within one chapter of 1 Samuel we get seemingly contradictory portraits of God’s knowledge:

15:29 – “Moreover the Glory of God of Israel will not recant or change his mind: for his is not a mortal, that he should change his mind.”

15:11 – “I regret that I made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me, and has not carried out my commands.”

It would seem that if one does not change their mind, they couldn’t regret something.  If God’s vision of the future is exhaustive, how can he do something that he would “later” regret?  I have always heard that biblical texts that present aspects of God that seem to give him human attributes are merely examples of the Bible “speaking on our level” since we are not perfect and all knowing individuals and the Bible must accommodate our shortcomings; but if we aren’t all knowing, how could we possibly possess the ability to distinguish which biblical texts to take literally?  What are we to do with such texts?

What is unique about Ehud?

Left-handed

Judges 8:27 – what is the purpose of this story (Israelites worshipping Gideon’s ephod)?  Why does it not follow the “Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the LORD” formula?

1) In Joshua chapter 2, Joshua sends two spies into Jericho.  From where does he send them?

Shittim

The complimentary pictures of the Israelite inhabitation given in Joshua and Judges parallel the dominant mental models many Christians create when thinking about divine providence.  Either God works gradually and little by little or he does so in great and mighty acts.  Often we look for one method while excluding the other.  We may praise God for a sudden and unexpected miracle, while ignoring the “still small voice” that is with us constantly.  I think Gideon fits well into such an impatient model.  When we first meet Gideon, he questions God’s providence – “if the lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?”  The audience can smile or cringe at the dramatic irony, since we know that the “Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.”  Dramatic irony does not get Gideon off the hook, however.  He continues to ask for signs from God (6:17, 39).  It is clear that Gideon can only see the acts of God that are right in front of him at any moment.  He is blind to the big picture; but his ways of thinking and doubting are not so far from our own.  Questions of “where was God” are all too common among believers today because many assume that God only acts in big and mighty ways.  We must constantly be reassured of his presence, because we are insecure and cannot trust the simple and understated ways of God.  Perhaps the question we should be asking is not “where was God,” but rather “where am I looking for God?”

What do we do with all of the meticulous Levitical laws (hair cutting, shellfish) today?  Can they simply be ignored?  Can they be applied in any way?

Q: What restriction does God put on eating animals from the Sea (in Leviticus)?

A: Leviticus 11:10 – But anything in the seas that does not have fins or scales…you shall not eat.

Soul competency and individual autonomy are staples of Baptist life and in the war against fundamentalism they are highly emphasized.  It seems that in an effort to combat legalistic conservatism some have sworn blind allegiance to individual freedom that liberalism can offer.  But what is the liberated Baptist to do with lengthy lists of laws, commands, and punishments as listed in Leviticus 8-20?  Certainly the liberating and fulfilling actions of Christ must be taken into consideration, but OT commands certainly cannot be dismissed without consideration.  How do we as Baptists deal with seemingly black and white/yes or no statements?

Is Pharaoh still responsible for his actions even though God hardened his heart?