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?