Covenant, judgment, and the armies of ancient Israel are topics, today. Also, there is more on anointing for sacred service. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Elvis” (Level 7 with 73,529 points, a member since August 29, 2013) posted the following:
Why did God order Joshua to smite (kill) everyone in Al?
JS 8:22-25 "With the Lord's approval, Joshua utterly smites the people of Ai, killing 12,000 men and women, so that there were none who escaped".
God don't seem very nice to me.
THE BATTLE AXE: Anointed? (04/28/2014)—(5.) The formula for compounding a holy anointing oil is recorded within the Scriptures. However, those who would create supplies of the sacred oil for secular use, or selfish pleasure were to be excommunicated, and put out of the congregation of Israel. Like the prescription for incense to be burned within the tabernacle (later the temple), the formula for anointing oil included a number of spices mixed together in specific proportions by weight. Along with blood (the device used to distribute life essence—we say, breath, spirit, word—throughout flesh), holy ointment was applied to the ark of the testimony, the altars, the utensils, vessels, and those who would minister as priests. Moses received a peculiar anointing as prophet by abiding within the presence of GOD for forty days and nights in Mount Sinai. When he returned among the people, his face appeared to shine, and continued to emit glory from GOD. When Jesus completed a similar act abiding in the mountains for forty days and nights, the Savior was challenged and tested by Satan; and did not return among mankind displaying glory. It was at his transfiguration, when Moses and Elijah appeared with him, that he was first seen and witnessed manifesting divine glory. At his appearing to harvest the earth, and remove all those who will continue as joint-heirs having eternal life, Jesus will appear in three-fold glory: his own, the Father’s, and that of the holy angels. See Exodus 30: 22-38, Exodus 34: 27-35, Matthew 17: 1-9, Mark 9: 2-10 and Luke 9: 26, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away. (Hosea 4: 1-3, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Sacrificial Relationships? (10/23/2013); Of War and Judgment (10/08/2013); Heart, Brain or Spirit? (10/09/2013); Jericho Justified? (07/02/2013); Theoretical Forgiveness? (07/03/2013); Why Did The Judges Fight? (10/19/2012); The Spirit is Willing (10/20/2012)
“Elvis”, here are a few points you have missed that are necessary for correct understanding of the accounts of Joshua, and the armies of GOD:
(1.) The primary purpose for “invasion” of the Promised Land was not conquest and a “land grab.” The tribes of Jacob were herders and a people who used land for grazing and pastoral living. GOD is to be acknowledged as the creator of the armies of Israel, for the Holy One counseled their generals (first Moses, then Joshua); determined who would serve; equipped all those who would go to combat; and provided strategy and tactics.
(2.) The people of Canaan had prospered for many years, because they were nations in sacred covenant with GOD. However, they gradually embraced idolatry and the worship of false gods, and repeatedly violated their sacred contracts. All the details of their betrayal of GOD and sin against divinity are not recorded. However, we may use “common sense” and a “child’s imagination” to figure out exactly what they might have done enough to upset GOD to the point of demanding their extinction.
(3.) The armies of Israel were to be an instrument of divine judgment that would utterly destroy the arrogance, pride, and wickedness of the false covenant partners. Sin is not very nice, and opposes the continued existence of divine law, of the divine Law Giver, of divine order established for the universe through divine law, and of men and women like me and you.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) GOD is being revealed to created beings and living creatures as a God of Judgment. The wrath of GOD against sin is a permanent aspect of divinity (like faith, forgiveness, holiness, joy, longsuffering, love, righteousness, and wisdom). Divine love and wrath are in balance with all the other features of sprit matter within the makeup of GOD, and is not simply emotions or feelings that come and go.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your standing as a genuine believer.
For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant. Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. (Ezekiel 16: 59-60, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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