Spirituality
28 Dec 21
In 2 Samuel 24, we find that King David decided to take a census of the men of fighting age. The prophet Gad was sent to David to announce God’s displeasure with the taking of the census. The punishment for David’s sin: “The Lord sent a pestilence on Israel from that morning until the appointed time; and seventy thousand of the people died” (2 Samuel 24:15).
David makes a decision that does not please God, and God kills 70,000 Israelites for it? How could this action ever be reconciled with a God of mercy, compassion, justice, and love?
https://www.adamhamilton.com/blog/gods-violence-in-the-old-testament-the-problem/#.YctQVWjP3D4
@ghost-of-a-duke saidDavids sin was not that he counted the Jews, but disobedience. Its a good point for Christians to bear in mind when they claim that they can sin and disobey and all will be forgiven and they still get eternal life. Paul warned Christians not to fall into this trap but many here apparently do not care
In 2 Samuel 24, we find that King David decided to take a census of the men of fighting age. The prophet Gad was sent to David to announce God’s displeasure with the taking of the census. The punishment for David’s sin: “The Lord sent a pestilence on Israel from that morning until the appointed time; and seventy thousand of the people died” (2 Samuel 24:15).
David ...[text shortened]...
https://www.adamhamilton.com/blog/gods-violence-in-the-old-testament-the-problem/#.YctQVWjP3D4
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?(Hebrews 10:26-29 KJV)
The God of Israel is portrayed as a .. God of mercy, compassion, justice, and love?..., but those who are familiar with the bible know that does not tell the whole story.
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28 Dec 21
@rajk999 said<<The God of Israel is portrayed as a .. God of mercy, compassion, justice, and love?..., but those who are familiar with the bible know that does not tell the whole story.>>
Davids sin was not that he counted the Jews, but disobedience. Its a good point for Christians to bear in mind when they claim that they can sin and disobey and all will be forgiven and they still get eternal life. Paul warned Christians not to fall into this trap but many here apparently do not care
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of t ...[text shortened]... and love?..., but those who are familiar with the bible know that does not tell the whole story.
So what’s the rest of the story? Are you saying God punishes unjustly? That His punishments do not fit the crime?
28 Dec 21
@pb1022 saidLook at the passage in the OP. God kills 70,000 Israelites because God is displeased with David.
<<The God of Israel is portrayed as a .. God of mercy, compassion, justice, and love?..., but those who are familiar with the bible know that does not tell the whole story.>>
So what’s the rest of the story? Are you saying God punishes unjustly? That His punishments do not fit the crime?
How is that not a case of God punishing unjustly, of his punishment not fitting the crime?! Like, seriously?
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28 Dec 21
@ghost-of-a-duke saidI was asking rajk999 because he’s not an atheist.
Look at the passage in the OP. God kills 70,000 Israelites because God is displeased with David.
How is that not a case of God punishing unjustly, of his punishment not fitting the crime?! Like, seriously?
I’ll look at the passage more later today
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@kevin-eleven saidI liked it better when you were ignoring me.
The longer it takes, the more contrived it will seem.
Can we go back to that?
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@ghost-of-a-duke saidBTW, Ghosty, you’re aware that King David chose his punishment, right? That he was given three options and chose pestilence.
You have 24 hours...
Thought that should be mentioned upfront since you neglected to mention it.
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@kevin-eleven saidFeel free not to elaborate and to pretend I don’t exist
No, I don't think so. Word gets around.
And even without that, as an independent observer I have noticed some inconsistencies in your presentation.
28 Dec 21
@pb1022 saidI said nothing of the sort. The actions of God cannot be summed up in these cute little one-liners like God is Love and God so loved the world that .... etc etc. These are for people who choose not to read and understand the bible, and live in a delusion that all is well if they believe the lies preached by the church. I cannot say whether God punishes unjustly or where he punishment fits the crime. I do not have all the information I need to made that decision. God is capable of all the flaws that man faces, hatred, jealousy, regret, bad decisions etc etc. There are examples of this throughout the bible.. Here is one about Pharoah, who was raised up and groomed so that God can show his power through him.
<<The God of Israel is portrayed as a .. God of mercy, compassion, justice, and love?..., but those who are familiar with the bible know that does not tell the whole story.>>
So what’s the rest of the story? Are you saying God punishes unjustly? That His punishments do not fit the crime?
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.(Romans 9:15-17 KJV)
People need to be careful of what they assume about God... Christians in particular like to believe that their profession of faith makes them immune from punishment and damnation. They will find out the truth the hard way.
The wise Christian knows what God likes and stays within his boundaries because the consequences of moving out of that can be devastating.