Exodus 22:24

Here's the final installment of the conversation Izmud and I started in February.

Izmud worte, in response to our conversation regarding “Going Michael” versus turning the other cheek:

Exodus 22:24 (New International Version):

"My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.”

Well, it isn't Michael speaking but close enough. My response to radical muslim verbosity.

This is a perfect segue into the theme, “always read for context—especially the Bible.” You’re right, MudMan, it isn’t Michael talking, it’s God Himself. And to whom is he talking? Yep—the Israelites themselves, telling them that this is what He will do to them if they are abusive of those to whom they’re supposed to extend charity. Here’s the whole context:

22 "Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. 23 If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. 24 My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless."

[This is in His elaboration of the social requirements attending the Ten Commandments, of course.]

Can’t say I disagree in principle with going Joshua Chapter 10 on radical muslims. They’re a people who have chosen war with God’s people specifically over the issue of which God is true—the Lord prescribes, shall we say, rather…harsh…treatment for such people(s). If anyone has earned “kill them all, let God sort them out” treatment, they have—and God was not chary about having His people accomplish this when called for. Still, He commands us to act in love and justice first and, interestingly, threatens to go Old Testament on us if necessary when we disobey. I say we let Him decide when Jo10 is warranted and pray for our leaders, so they’ll know when that call is made. (Of course, this means electing leaders who believe in the first place, but that’s a different topic…)

(And, having said that, I'll be loading up the B-52 with B-53s should they need me... Just hafta say the word... "Would you like a little Cobalt salt with those fries, Akhmed?")

Monk