Totally Arad
Numbers 21: 1-3
Short section today that starts out a bit like Little Red Riding Hood. The Israelites are skipping down the road to Atharim when the big bad wolfish king of Arad hears about it, attacks and captures some of them. So Israel makes a deal with God: “If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy their cities” (like, totally).
So God does...and they do. And they named the place "destruction."
This is a weird little story. First, we're miles behind the whole turn the other cheek thing that will come into play much later. But it's troubling that not only do the Israelites think it's a great idea to annihilate these people, God's right on board with it, too. The destruction is the bargaining chip. If you release our people for us, we'll kill these people for you (at least that's how I'm reading it). Why would this be appealing to God? Maybe it's to teach neighboring communities that you don't mess with Israel, maybe it's to prove the devotion of His followers- but it seems like there could have been much less brutal problem solving method to the situation.
Second, The Israelites aren't just following orders- they come up with this master plan- and they sell it. They are able to bargain with God. Millions have tried since, with varied results- but here it's clear that God was willing to work out a deal with them. I'm not sure what the implications are for us, I still think it's dangerous ground, or maybe less than smart. God offers what we need by asking, I'm not sure pledging grand, hard to live up to gestures makes these requests any more likely to come true.
God, please forgive my sins is much better than- God, if You forgive my sins I'll never do it again.... words I may not be able to live up to. God certainly wants our commitment, but we don't need to haggle with Him for His blessings.
Numbers 21: 1-3
Short section today that starts out a bit like Little Red Riding Hood. The Israelites are skipping down the road to Atharim when the big bad wolfish king of Arad hears about it, attacks and captures some of them. So Israel makes a deal with God: “If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy their cities” (like, totally).
So God does...and they do. And they named the place "destruction."
This is a weird little story. First, we're miles behind the whole turn the other cheek thing that will come into play much later. But it's troubling that not only do the Israelites think it's a great idea to annihilate these people, God's right on board with it, too. The destruction is the bargaining chip. If you release our people for us, we'll kill these people for you (at least that's how I'm reading it). Why would this be appealing to God? Maybe it's to teach neighboring communities that you don't mess with Israel, maybe it's to prove the devotion of His followers- but it seems like there could have been much less brutal problem solving method to the situation.
Second, The Israelites aren't just following orders- they come up with this master plan- and they sell it. They are able to bargain with God. Millions have tried since, with varied results- but here it's clear that God was willing to work out a deal with them. I'm not sure what the implications are for us, I still think it's dangerous ground, or maybe less than smart. God offers what we need by asking, I'm not sure pledging grand, hard to live up to gestures makes these requests any more likely to come true.
God, please forgive my sins is much better than- God, if You forgive my sins I'll never do it again.... words I may not be able to live up to. God certainly wants our commitment, but we don't need to haggle with Him for His blessings.
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