The conclusion is that once Adam and any one of us started in the course of sin; then the mind was permanently ingrained with that memory; and all the desires to repeat such actions were the default mode against which there was no effective resistance apart from the Spirit of God. God would "wink" at certain things ( Acts 17:30) as specifically referring to idol worship. There were some such as Rachel in the O.T. who would be with God's people but secretly carrying family idols with her. There are other things such as "concubines" which no matter how culturally defined basically were "politically correct" versions of harlots. The situation of multiple wives and such brings out the unique situation when at first there was only a sister for instance; for Cain to marry.
We can look at the ancient conquests and widespread carnage; and go through much angst with the tough verses where God Himself commanded widespread slaughter. That is a subject which I may have touched on and could some more in the future.
What IS certain; however is that much of these things were due to sins that Israel specifically committed and of course the book of James states that people war because they lust after things they cannot have. ( James 4:2). We also had a national political and religious state where the law of the land was to be enforced directly from God's commandments. Again; there is a level of responsibility that His Covenant people had above any other nations; but the same principles are involved.
In general; there has to be a submission to God's authority involving a trust relationship which is based on His Covenant(s); namely today in the New Covenant that Christ has brought into effect. ( Heb. 9:15). All good gifts come from God above ( James 1:17). That is referring specifically to spiritual gifts; but certainly all blessings in life have Him as the source.
Let us follow Romans 12:2 and be transformed by renewal of mind.
Dear Richard, Thank you for your faithfulness in putting forth your comments on Scripture. I so appreciate you doing so.
In reading the Bible there certainly are many practices that we find not very acceptable today in Western civilization, as you mentioned many.
I just wanted to comment on the subject of concubines. These women did seek to be harlots. They were sold or traded by their parents to people of wealth and position or they were taken as spoil from war and added to the harem that way. These women were often very young when they were added to the harem. they had very little power to avoid this entrapment. Esther was such a member of the king's harem. Although these women were kept ready for the call of the master, groomed and taught how to behave, this was no different than what we call today, sex slavery. These women were made captives of the ruler of the house. So, whether a king or a chief, as Abraham is often called, or in the case of Jacob. These women were expected to do as asked and many became mothers of their master's children and were considered part of his family but not equal to his chosen wife or queen.
We are not really told how this practice began again after the flood. But perhaps there was a large unbalance of men to women due to war and so many daughters were given as multiple wives because the women outnumbered the men. This was one way to build up a nation making use of as many women to bring forth children as possible.
As ever I appreciate your input. My friend in Pittsburgh took a gander at Psalm 32 where I somehow neglected to mention how David sought forgiveness so quickly. So I gave analysis of individual verses and missed the whole theme; which is of course hardly isolated as a characteristic of David. Since you seem to have the most feedback; any other suggestions are appreciated. Clearly your knowledge is good in regard to scripture.
I normally don't name names here; at least when I am criticizing certain bad fruit that many preachers have today. I do recommend Paul Washer..if I'm allowed to say that here as the most convicting and truthful preacher (as far as I'm concerned) exisiting today. He happens to agree with me on the subject of divorce and remarriage as well; and is able to preach convictingly about God's Holiness as well as His forgiveness. He also has recently stated that pastors are the biggest problem in churches today and how God is going to judge the House of God first. Highly recommended.
I have been quite blessed with the latitude I have been given writing things; it is possible a few things were flagged. We don't know how long a site like this can exist where truth can be proclaimed without it being considered "hate speech."
I guess I have done a lot of thinking; hopefully if I get too redundant I can "cease and desist" somewhat. I happen to have a unique situation with time available with my current situation living with my aged parents. I may get a nursing home ministry soon; and should get to lead a study in my small group at church on prophecy in January as well so may be a bit busier.
This has helped me to look up scripture that I know is somewhere as to it's exact reference so is helpful to me as well.
My family doesn't believe so I get cut down to size at times trying to be an Apologist; as though I am some kind of "know it all."
I have to make sure anything I say is corroborated so normally I stick to scriptures as references.
The conclusion is that once Adam and any one of us started in the course of sin; then the mind was permanently ingrained with that memory; and all the desires to repeat such actions were the default mode against which there was no effective resistance apart from the Spirit of God. God would "wink" at certain things ( Acts 17:30) as specifically referring to idol worship. There were some such as Rachel in the O.T. who would be with God's people but secretly carrying family idols with her. There are other things such as "concubines" which no matter how culturally defined basically were "politically correct" versions of harlots. The situation of multiple wives and such brings out the unique situation when at first there was only a sister for instance; for Cain to marry.
We can look at the ancient conquests and widespread carnage; and go through much angst with the tough verses where God Himself commanded widespread slaughter. That is a subject which I may have touched on and could some more in the future.
What IS certain; however is that much of these things were due to sins that Israel specifically committed and of course the book of James states that people war because they lust after things they cannot have. ( James 4:2). We also had a national political and religious state where the law of the land was to be enforced directly from God's commandments. Again; there is a level of responsibility that His Covenant people had above any other nations; but the same principles are involved.
In general; there has to be a submission to God's authority involving a trust relationship which is based on His Covenant(s); namely today in the New Covenant that Christ has brought into effect. ( Heb. 9:15). All good gifts come from God above ( James 1:17). That is referring specifically to spiritual gifts; but certainly all blessings in life have Him as the source.
Let us follow Romans 12:2 and be transformed by renewal of mind.
In reading the Bible there certainly are many practices that we find not very acceptable today in Western civilization, as you mentioned many.
I just wanted to comment on the subject of concubines. These women did seek to be harlots. They were sold or traded by their parents to people of wealth and position or they were taken as spoil from war and added to the harem that way. These women were often very young when they were added to the harem. they had very little power to avoid this entrapment. Esther was such a member of the king's harem. Although these women were kept ready for the call of the master, groomed and taught how to behave, this was no different than what we call today, sex slavery. These women were made captives of the ruler of the house. So, whether a king or a chief, as Abraham is often called, or in the case of Jacob. These women were expected to do as asked and many became mothers of their master's children and were considered part of his family but not equal to his chosen wife or queen.
We are not really told how this practice began again after the flood. But perhaps there was a large unbalance of men to women due to war and so many daughters were given as multiple wives because the women outnumbered the men. This was one way to build up a nation making use of as many women to bring forth children as possible.
I normally don't name names here; at least when I am criticizing certain bad fruit that many preachers have today. I do recommend Paul Washer..if I'm allowed to say that here as the most convicting and truthful preacher (as far as I'm concerned) exisiting today. He happens to agree with me on the subject of divorce and remarriage as well; and is able to preach convictingly about God's Holiness as well as His forgiveness. He also has recently stated that pastors are the biggest problem in churches today and how God is going to judge the House of God first. Highly recommended.
I have been quite blessed with the latitude I have been given writing things; it is possible a few things were flagged. We don't know how long a site like this can exist where truth can be proclaimed without it being considered "hate speech."
I guess I have done a lot of thinking; hopefully if I get too redundant I can "cease and desist" somewhat. I happen to have a unique situation with time available with my current situation living with my aged parents. I may get a nursing home ministry soon; and should get to lead a study in my small group at church on prophecy in January as well so may be a bit busier.
This has helped me to look up scripture that I know is somewhere as to it's exact reference so is helpful to me as well.
My family doesn't believe so I get cut down to size at times trying to be an Apologist; as though I am some kind of "know it all."
I have to make sure anything I say is corroborated so normally I stick to scriptures as references.
Keep bringing us your good words.
Good night for today. Talk tomorrow.
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