Post by iris89 on Nov 17, 2008 10:55:24 GMT -5
Ignorance of The Bible Leads Some To Make Foolish Charges
INTRODUCTION:
One individual who is ignorant with respect understanding the Bible made the following foolish comment:
“Everyone hahahaha... Look at this deceitful Christian for the last few days i have been posting him verses from the old testament which is part of Gods words and a part of the Bible today, and the verses i posted was in regards to God ordering killing women and children(Numbers 31 and (I Samuel 15:2-3) and #### the Christian simply said thats the old law. Again regardless if its the old law God is still ordering the killing of innocent people, and by the way like i said"
jesus said he did not come to destroy the law: (mathew5:17-20)
Also the Bible says the LAW IS PERFECT: PSALM: 19:7”
Now this individual is totally ignorant of the following realities:
[1] The Old Law covenant was a contract made specifically with only ONE ancient nation, the Hebrews or Isralites, that inhabited and owned Palestine since Almighty God (YHWH) had given them title to it per Numbers the 34 chapter. It applied to no one else. It had a special purpose, to point the way for the need for a savior who would fulfill it and make it of no effect as a fulfilled contract is no longer in force. Jesus (Yeshua) was this savior as will be later shown.
[2] That divine judgment by Almighty God (YHWH) is a loving act and is required for perfect love to exist. This will be later shown in its own chapter.
[3] That there are two definitions for Christian and that the two taxonomies are very different from each other, but the above mentioned ignorant of the Bible individual is totally unaware of this reality or fact.
[4] A definition of what is hyperbole and how the poster reached the WRONG conclusion due to a lack of knowledge (ignorance) of hyperbole.
Now let’s look at the Old Law Covenant in several chapters:
OLD LAW COVENANT:
God (YHWH) made a covenant with natural Israel that remained in force until his son, Jesus (Yeshua) gave his life as a ransom sacrifice as the fulfillment as shown in Matthew 5:17, "Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil." (American Standard Version; ASV). So Jesus (Yeshua) fulfilled the law and it is NO longer in effect, but the principles embodied in the Law Covenant are beneficial for true Christians today. Now let's look at the details with respect the Law Covenant God (YHWH) made with Israel in ancient times and its fulfillment.
MADE WITH ISRAEL ONLY:
The Law Covenant was NOT made with all tribes and nations, but only with the nation of Israel as shown at Exodus 24:3-8, "And Moses came and told the people all the words of Jehovah, and all the ordinances: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which Jehovah hath spoken will we do. 4 And Moses wrote all the words of Jehovah, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the mount, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt-offerings, and sacrificed peace-offerings of oxen unto Jehovah. 6 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that Jehovah hath spoken will we do, and be obedient. 8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which Jehovah hath made with you concerning all these words." (American Standard Version; ASV). God's (YHWH's) specific words with respect the covenant are, Exodus 34:27-29, "And Jehovah said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel. 28 And he was there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. 29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of the testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone by reason of his speaking with him." (ASV). And God (YHWH) by means of his Holy Spirit, his active force or power spoke to the people of Israel out of a fire as recorded at Deuternonmy 4:12-13, "And Jehovah spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of words, but ye saw no form; only `ye heard' a voice. 13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone." (ASV).
This Law Covenant was given to the nation of Israel under awe-inspiring circumstances as clearly testified to at Exodus 19:18-20, "And mount Sinai, the whole of it, smoked, because Jehovah descended upon it in fire; and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. 19 And when the voice of the trumpet waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. 20 And Jehovah came down upon mount Sinai, to the top of the mount: and Jehovah called Moses to the top of the mount; and Moses went up." (ASV). And this was mentioned in the New Testament at Hebrews 12:18-21, "For ye are not come unto `a mount' that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which `voice' they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them; 20 for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; 21 and so fearful was the appearance, `that' Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:" (ASV). Thus, we see here the harmony between the Old and the New Testament which shows God's (YHWH's) authorship of the entire Bible.
LAW COVENANT MADE ONLY WITH THE NATION OF ISRAEL:
The Law Covenant was NOT made with any nation, but Israel. This fact is testified to at many places in the Bible such as at Psalms 147:19-20, "He showeth his word to Jacob, his statutes and his judgments to Israel. 20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD." (the Webster Bible; WB); And at Deuteronomy 4:7-8, "`For which `is' the great nation that hath God near unto it, as Jehovah our God, in all we have called unto him? 8 and which `is' the great nation which hath righteous statutes and judgments according to all this law which I am setting before you to-day?" (Young's Literal Translation; YLT); And at Exodus 31:15-17, "Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed."; And at Deuteronomy 5:2-3, "Jehovah our God made with us a covenant in Horeb; 3 not with our fathers hath Jehovah made this covenant, but with us; we -- these -- here to-day -- all of us alive." (YLT).
GOD'S (YHWH'S) STATED PURPOSE FOR THE LAW COVENANT:
At Exodus 19:4-6 God (YHWH) stated his purpose for the Law Covenant, "Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine: 6 and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel." (ASV); And this is testified to in the New Testament at Galatians 3:19 showing the harmony once more of the entire Bible, "Why, then, the law? on account of the transgressions it was added, till the seed might come to which the promise hath been made, having been set in order through messengers in the hand of a mediator -" (YLT). The Law Covenant was intended to produce righteousness, but due to the hard heartedness of many of the nation of Israel, it did not.
DID NOT PRODUCE RIGHTEOUSNESS AS INTENDED:
The Law Covenant with the nation of Israel did NOT produce righteousness as it was intended. Why? Let's look at what the Bible says with respect this in the New Testament at Romans 8:3-4, "for what the law was not able to do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, His own Son having sent in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, did condemn the sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (YLT); And at Acts 13:38-39 showing, "`Let it therefore be known to you, men, brethren, that through this one to you is the forgiveness of sins declared, 39 and from all things from which ye were not able in the law of Moses to be declared righteous, in this one every one who is believing is declared righteous;" (YLT).
Why did the nation of Israel not obtain righteousness under the Law Covenant is addressed at Romans 9:30-32, "What, then, shall we say? that nations who are not pursuing righteousness did attain to righteousness, and righteousness that `is' of faith, 31 and Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, at a law of righteousness did not arrive 32 wherefore? because -- not by faith, but as by works of law; for they did stumble at the stone of stumbling," (YLT); And at Galatians 3:21-22, "the law, then, `is' against the promises of God? -- let it not be! for if a law was given that was able to make alive, truly by law there would have been the righteousness, 22 but the Writing did shut up the whole under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ may be given to those believing." (YLT).
LAW COVENANT LED THOSE OF FAITH TO CHRIST:
The Law Covenant became our tutor that leads to Christ as testified to at Galatians 3:24, "so that the law became our child-conductor -- to Christ, that by faith we may be declared righteous," (YLT); And at Romans 10:4, "For Christ is an end of law for righteousness to every one who is believing," (YLT).
But, as indicated above, the Law Covenant embodied prophetic pattern or shadow of things to come as shown at Hebrews 10:1, "For the law having a shadow of the good `things' to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect them that draw nigh." (ASV); And at Colossians 2:16-17, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day: 17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's." (ASV); And at Hebrews 8:4-5, "for if, indeed, he were upon earth, he would not be a priest -- (there being the priests who are offering according to the law, the gifts, 5 who unto an example and shadow do serve of the heavenly things, as Moses hath been divinely warned, being about to construct the tabernacle, for `See (saith He) thou mayest make all things according to the pattern that was shewn to thee in the mount;') -" (YLT); And at, Hebrews 9:7-9 and 23-24, "and into the second, once in the year, only the chief priest, not apart from blood, which he doth offer for himself and the errors of the people, 8 the Holy Spirit this evidencing that not yet hath been manifested the way of the holy `places', the first tabernacle having yet a standing; 9 which `is' a simile in regard to the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which are not able, in regard to conscience, to make perfect him who is serving," and "`It is' necessary, therefore, the pattern indeed of the things in the heavens to be purified with these, and the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these; 24 for not into holy places made with hands did the Christ enter -- figures of the true -- but into the heaven itself, now to be manifested in the presence of God for us;" (YLT).
JESUS (YESHUA) FULFILLED THE LAW AND GOD (YHWH) TERMINATED IT:
Jesus (Yeshua) came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it as testified to at Matthew 5:17-19, "Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (ASV); And at Colossians 2:13-14, "And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, `I say', did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses; 14 having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out that way, nailing it to the cross;" (ASV); And at Ephesians 2:13-15, "But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, 15 having abolished in the flesh the enmity, `even' the law of commandments `contained' in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, `so' making peace;" (ASV).
This was further shown by world renown Bible scholars as follows:
Matthew Henry said,
<<<” Ver. 17. There are so many adversaries, Jews, papists, Socinians, Anabaptists, Antinomians, &c., that make their advantages of this text, for the establishing their several errors, that it would require a volume to vindicate it from their several exceptions; those who desire satisfaction may read Spanhemius Dub. Evang. 12.3. The plain sense of the text is this: It would have been a great cavil, with the Jews especially, (who had a great reverence for the law), if either our Saviour’s enemies amongst them could have persuaded people that Christ came to destroy the law and the prophets, or his own hearers had entertained from his discourse any such apprehensions. Our Saviour designing, in his following discourse, to give a more full and strict interpretation of the law than had been given by the Pharisees and other Jewish doctors, prefaces that discourse with a protestation against his coming
to destroy the law, and averring that he came
to fulfil it. It is manifest, by his following discourse, that he principally spake of the moral law, though he also fulfilled the ceremonial law, he being the Antitype in whom all the types of that had their complement, and real fulfilling and accomplishment. Saith he, I am not come to destroy and put an end to the moral law. I am come to fulfil it: not to fill it up, as papists and Socinians contend, adding any new precept to it; but by yielding myself a personal obedience to it, by giving a fuller and stricter interpretation of it than you have formerly had, and by taking the curse of it (so far as concerneth my disciples) upon myself, and giving a just satisfaction to Divine justice for it. The greatest objection urged against Christ destroying part of the law, and adding new precepts to the moral law, is that about the change of the sabbath; but this is none, if we consider that the moral law required no more than one day of seven to be kept as a day of holy rest, not this or that particular day; for the particular day, the Jews learned it from the ceremonial law, as Christians learn theirs from Christ’s and the apostles’ practice. Nor is it any objection against this, that the seventh day from the creation is mentioned in the law, to those who know how to distinguish between the precept and the argument; the seventh from the creation is not in the precept, but in the argument, For in six days, &c. Now there is nothing more ordinary than to have arguments of a particular temporary concernment used to enforce precepts of an eternal obligation, where the precepts were first given to that particular people, as to whom those arguments were of force, an instance of which is in the first commandment, as well as in this: as, on the other side, arguments of universal force are oft annexed to precepts, which had but a particular obligation upon a particular people for a time. Thus in the ceremonial law, we often find it is an argument to enforce many ceremonial precepts, For I am the Lord thy God. [source – Matthew Poole’s Commentary]>>>.
A Midrash on Torah Observance, said,
<<<.Matthew 5:17-20
A Midrash on Torah Observance
Last Updated 6/14/00
NOTE: This section of Scripture, Matthew 5:17-20, is pivotal to understanding the relationship of Messiah to the Torah, and therefore of the believer to the Torah. Thus, we have given it a section of its own.
CHAPTER 5:17-20 TEXT:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
5:17 the "Law"
Christian Bibles consistently refer to "the Law," meaning the Law of Moses, as given in the first five books of the Bible. The Hebrew term for this is the Torah. However, the correct translation of "Torah," is not "law" (not in the western legal sense of the word). Rather, Torah is correctly translated as revelation or instruction from God.
When understood in its proper Hebrew context, here is some of what the "New Testament" says about Torah:
· Faith does not abolish any part of the Torah as a whole (Matthew 5:17-20, James 2:10)
· Keeping the Torah is part of the faith that gets you to heaven (Matthew 19:17; Revelation 12:17; 14:12; 22:14)
· You will abide in Yeshua's love, if you keep Torah (John 14:15-23) as He abided in the Father's love by keeping Torah (John 15:10; Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:15)
· Faith in Yeshua does not cancel out what the Torah says, it establishes it (Romans 3:31)
· Torah is itself "liberty" and the standard we are to judge ourselves by (James 1:22-25)
· It is those of the flesh who are not subject to the Torah (Romans 8:5-8)
· If you say you know Him, and ignore His Torah, you are a liar (1 John 2:3-7)
· It does not matter if you are a Jew or a gentile, what matters is keeping God's Torah (1 Cor. 7:19)
· The "law of love" is that we keep his Torah - which is by no means a "burden" (1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6; Matt. 11:29,30)
These "New Testament" references to Torah might at first confuse people, as they aren't used to thinking in these terms. However, when the Hebrew New Testament authors, and Yeshua Himself, spoke of law/commandments in their first century Jewish religious context, it must be interpreted as "Torah," unless there is a clear reason to do otherwise, as this was what it meant to them.
5:17 Destroy ... Fulfill
First, a brief look at two of the Greek words behind the King James text in verse 17:
Destroy = kataluo, meaning "to overthrow completely" or "abolish"
Fulfill = plerosai, meaning "to fill" or "to complete."
The second half of verse 17 is used by some people to support a doctrine that says the believer in Messiah is now "not under the Law." Some claim that by "fulfilling the Law," Messiah did away with it, and the believer no longer has a relationship to it.
Although we will address this in detail thoughout this and our other online studies, one need not look further than this verse itself to see that such an interpretation is incorrect, as:
1. The word plerosai (fulfill) DOES NOT mean to "do away with" or to "overthrow."
2. The word kataluo (destroy) DOES mean to "do away with" or to "overthrow," and Yeshua said He did NOT come to do that. (1)
Furthermore, Yeshua then goes on to emphasize in verse 18, that not even the tiniest part of the Torah (the "Law") is done away with, and won't be until the heavens and the earth are no more.
He then takes it even further, and issues a warning to anyone who "breaks" any of the Torah, or teaches anyone to do the same. The Greek word for "break" is luo, meaning; "to infringe upon, loosen the force of, or render not binding." (1) Hence, Yeshua is teaching that His work in no way diminishes the authority or continuation of the Torah.
Verses 17-20 set the theme and agenda for the entire "Sermon on the Mount." Yeshua the Messiah makes fuller the understanding of his disciples concerning the Torah and Prophets, so they can more fully express what being God’s people is all about. This is consistent with Judaism, as one of the Messiah's main functions would be to complete our understanding of the Torah & Prophets. The "evidence" for Yeshua being the true Messiah is that He meet the criteria set forth in the Tenakh (Old Testament), which in turn says the Torah is eternal.
Much of the remainder of chapters 5-7 give specific cases where Yeshua explains the fuller meaning of the Torah -- teaching the people to not only keep the Law, but to go beyond the "letter of the Law - understanding the Godly principles behind the commandments, as this is how we come to know God, which is His desire for us all.
The Talmud agrees with this and even states that Jerusalem was destroyed for not following what Yeshua taught:
Babylonian Talmud - Bava Mezia 30b - "...R. Yohanan said: 'Yerushalayim would not have been destroyed, save that they judged Din Torah (by the Law of the Torah).' Should they have judged by the brutal laws?--rather, they insisted upon the law, and did not practice Lifnim miShurat haDin (beyond the letter of the law).
5:20 - the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees
Yeshua never criticized the scribes and Pharisees for carrying out the Torah. In fact he told the people to follow their example (Matthew 23:1-3 ).[source – Book of Matthew Study, retrieved at www.yashanet.com/studies/matstudy/mat6b.htm on 11/17/2008]>>>. And interestingly even the false prophet, Muhammad, recognized the validity of the Torah in his Bible takeoff the Qur’an.
Barnes said,
<<<” Verse 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, {l} or the prophets: {m} I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Ver. 17. Think not that I am come, etc. Our Saviour was just entering on his work. It was important for him to state what he came to do. By his setting up to be a teacher in opposition to the Scribes and Pharisees, some might charge him with an intention to destroy their law, and abolish the customs of the nation. He therefore told them that he did not come for that end, but really to fulfil or accomplish what was in the law and the prophets.
To destroy. To abrogate; to deny their Divine authority; to set men free from the obligation to obey them.
The law. The five books of Moses, called the law. See Barnes "Lu 24:44".
The prophets. The books which the prophets wrote. These two divisions here seem to comprehend the Old Testament; and Jesus says that he came not to do away or destroy the authority of the Old Testament.
But to fulfil. To complete the design; to fill up what was predicted; to accomplish what was intended in them. The word fulfil, also, means sometimes to teach or inculcate, #Col 1:25. The law of Moses contained many sacrifices and rites which were designed to shadow forth the Messiah, #Heb 9:1-28. These were fulfilled when he came and offered himself a sacrifice to God—
A sacrifice of nobler name,
And richer blood than they.
The prophets contained many predictions respecting his coming and death. These were all to be fulfilled and fully accomplished by his life and his sufferings.
{l} "the law" #Mt 3:15
{m} "the prophets" #Isa 42:21 [source – Barnes New Testament Notes]>>>.
Scofield said,
<<<” [1] (I am not come to destroy)
Christ’s relation to the law of Moses may be thus summarized:
(1) He was made under the law #Ga 4:4.
(2) He lived in perfect obedience to the law #Joh 8:46 Mt 17:5 #1Pe 2:21-23.
(3) he was a minister of the law to the Jews, clearing it from rabbinical sophistries, enforcing it in all its pitiless severity upon those who professed to obey it (e.g.) #Lu 10:25-37 but confirming the promises made to the fathers under the Mosaic Covenant #Ro 15:8.
(4) He fulfilled the types of the law by His holy life and sacrificial death #Heb 9:11-26.
(5) He bore, vicariously, the curse of the law that the Abrahamic Covenant might avail all who believe #Ga 3:13,14.
(6) He brought out by His redemption all who believe from the place of servants under the law into the place of sons #Ga 4:1-7.
(7) He mediated by His blood the New Covenant of assurance and grace in which all believers stand #Ro 5:2 Heb 8:6-13 so establishing the "law of Christ" #Ga 6:2 with its precepts of higher exaltation made possible by the indwelling Spirit. [source – Scofield Notes on The Bible]>>>.
Peoples said,
<<<” Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets. The preceding verses were so opposed to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees that some might assert that he was a destroyer of the law. He replies that he has not come to destroy it, but to fulfil. He does not say that he has come to perpetuate it.
To fulfil. To complete its purpose. He was the end of the law. It was a "schoolmaster to bring us to Christ" (#Ga 3:24), but "after faith is come we are no longer under the schoolmaster" [#Ga 3:25].[source – Peoples New Testament Notes]>>>.
So as can be seen, the poster clearly was ignorant of his subject matter.
However, the principles embodied in the Law Covenant are beneficial for true Christians as clearly testified to at Romans 13:8-10, "Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law." (ASV); And at Romans 12:18-19, "If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. 19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath `of God': for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord." (ASV); And at Ephesians 6:1-3, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (ASV). So we can clearly see Jesus (Yeshua) Christ fulfilled the Law Covenant and it was done away with, but its principles still apply. Also, we see the New Testament is not separate from the Old Testament, but its fulfillment.
Now divine judgment and the need for same will be dealt with.
DIVINE JUDGMENT A REQUIRED LOVING ACT:
Now the poster wrongly said innocent people were being killed which of course is just a whopper lie. But first, let’s look at the scriptures he referred to in two different Bible translations:
1 Samuel 15:2-3, “2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. 3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” (Authorized King James Bible, AV)
(1 Samuel 15:2-3) This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘I must call to account what Am´a·lek did to Israel when he set himself against him in the way while he was coming up out of Egypt. 3 Now go, and you must strike down Am´a·lek and devote him to destruction with all that he has, and you must not have compassion upon him, and you must put them to death, man as well as woman, child as well as suckling, bull as well as sheep, camel as well as ass.’” (New World Translation; NWT)
And now let’s consider what two world renown Bible scholars had to say with regard these two scriptures:
Matthew Henry said,
<<<”#1-9 The sentence of condemnation against the Amalekites had gone forth long before, #Ex 17:14; De 25:19, but they had been spared till they filled up the measure of their sins. We are sure that the righteous Lord does no injustice to any. The remembering the kindness of the ancestors of the Kenites, in favour to them, at the time God was punishing the injuries done by the ancestors of the Amalekites, tended to clear the righteousness of God in this dispensation. It is dangerous to be found in the company of God’s enemies, and it is our duty and interest to come out from among them, lest we share in their sins and plagues, #Re 18:4. As the commandment had been express, and a test of Saul’s obedience, his conduct evidently was the effect of a proud, rebellious spirit. He destroyed only the refuse, that was good for little. That which was now destroyed was sacrificed to the justice of God. [source – Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary]>>>.
Matthew Poole said,
<<<”Ver. 3. All that they have, both persons and goods; kill all that live, and consume all things without life; for I will have no name nor remnant of that people, whom long since I have cursed and devoted to utter destruction.
Spare them not; show no compassion or favour to any of them. The same thing repeated to prevent mistake, and oblige Saul to the exact performance hereof; or, to leave him without excuse, in case of neglect.
Infant and suckling; for their parents’ crime and punishment; which was not unjust, because God is the supreme Lord and giver of life, and can require his own when he pleaseth; infants also are born in sin, #Ps 51:5, and therefore liable to God’s wrath, #Eph 2:3, and to death, #Ro 5:12,14. Their death also was rather a mercy than a curse to them, as being the occasion of preventing the vast increase of their sin and punishment.
Ox and sheep, camel and ass; which being all made for man’s benefit, it is not strange nor unjust if they suffer with him, and for him and for the instruction of mankind.[source – Matthew Poole’s Commentary]>>>.
CONNECTION BETWEEN LOVE AND JUSTICE:
Some can not see the connection between love and justice, but Karen Lebacqz in her book, "Six Theories of Justice," published in 1986, said, "Indeed, perfect justice would be love. But since love cannot be fully ... Love requires justice for the complex realities of the sinful social world. ..." Yes, Almighty God (YHWH) believes in love, but he also believes in perfect justice. This fact has been clearly shown in the past with the judgment flood of Noah's day, sent to punish an ungodly world recorded in Genesis 6:4-13,
"The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them: the same were the mighty men that were of old, the men of renown. 5 And Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented Jehovah that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And Jehovah said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the ground; both man, and beast, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah. 9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, and perfect in his generations: Noah walked with God.
10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 And the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth. 13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth." (American Standard Version; ASV).
It would be unjust for a loving God not to pass judgment on the ungodly as it would not be showing love to let people become ever more evil and inflict injury on their neighbors who are just; therefore, he must exercise perfect justice in order to show perfect love. Righteous ones have a right to expect that someday they will love in a world free from crime, violence, and the threat of war; and this is indeed promised at Isaiah 2:4, "And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (ASV). In fact, Almighty God (YHWH) Son, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ taught us to pray for such at Matthew 6:9-10, "After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth." (ASV).
But many do not recognize this simple reality or truth and forget John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Authorized King James Bible; AV). They are the followers of false god(s) and egotistical self-centered worldly philosophers. They show adoration of these false gods and worldly philosophers and prefer what they say over what the Creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), says.
One of these put forth the sayings of one philosopher as gospel truth and replied showing what the worldly philosopher said was nothing but written dung as follows:
<<<"[[Item of worldly philosopher quoted by one showing him adoration]]"The belief that one's faith is the only true religion too often leads to a disturbing level of intolerance, and this intolerance includes the assumption that nonbelievers cannot be as moral as believers.
[source - Michael Shermer, The Science of Good and Evil, Chapter 8, Rise Above: Tolerance, Freedom, and the Prospects for Humanity, p. 233]
Not only is there no evidence that a lack of religiosity leads to less moral behavior, a number of studies actually support the opposite conclusion.
--Ibid, p. 235"
[[My Answer]]" Michael Shermer hypothesis is both correct and incorrect as it does NOT universally hold, but is only accurate as applied to individuals who accept a belief because it is the belief of their family and/or of their friends and/or because it fits their fancy such as your belief in egotistical worldly philosophers or in those believing in false beliefs. It does NOT apply to those who have done extensive research without preconceived hypothesis of what the results will be and actually find the genuine (true) followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ as I did; to wit, in a scientific manner by an extensive process of elimination over many years. The last part of the quote of his writing clearly shows that his hypothesis is of only limited application and is not universally applicable since reality is that genuine (true) followers of Christ continually strive to bring their lives in harmony with the thinking of Christ; this is the case that shows positively that Michael Shermer's hypothesis in anything but universal in its application.
This fact of only limited application of his hypothesis is clearly shown by the examples he gives in his book as follows,
[[Second item of worldly philosopher quoted by one showing him adoration]] "Absolute morality leads logically to absolute intolerance. Once it is determined that one has the absolute and final answers to moral questons, why be tolerant of those who refuse to accept the Truth? Religiously based moral systems apply this system in spades. From the medieval Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition to the Holocaust and Bosnia, history is rife with examples of intolerance. In the name of God, religious people have sanctioned slavery, anti-Semitism, racism, homophobia, torture, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war. In the name of their religion, people have burned women accused of witchcraft. The events of September 11, 2001, are a potent example of religious extremism gone political.
--bid, pp. 237-8"
[[My Answer]]" Genuine (true) followers of Christ had no part in any of the items cited, but remained neutral in all of them and/or were victims of them. Genuine (true) followers of Christ instead applied his words at Matthew 5:43-48 to their lives and acted accordingly, "Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: 44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; 45 that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. 46 For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same? 48 Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (American Standard Version; ASV).
Also, they pay heed to 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, "Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ? shall I then take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid. 16 Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body? for, The twain, saith he, shall become one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; 20 for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body." (ASV), and Romans 1:19-29, "because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: 21 because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves: 25 for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. 28 And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers," (ASV).
Which are all things that egotistical worldly philosophers such as Michael Shermer and his ilk and their followers pay no attention to NOR do they try and bring their lives in harmony with. Now, I am not trying to say that the genuine (true) followers of Christ are perfect since they are not, but I am saying they are striving to bring their lives into harmony with the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible. Remember, even the Apostle Peter backslide a little and denied Christ three times, but later he was very sorry for this and brought his life back into harmony with the thinking of Christ.">>>.
Individuals putting forth adoration of arrogant worldly philosophers, and false god(s), are individuals under the control of the god of this system, per 2 Corinthians 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them." (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB), such as Robert Ingersoll. These philosophers are enthralled with their own belief in worship of self and offer no assistance or hope for others.
As the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, says at Matthew 7:15-16, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (The New American Bible; NAB).
WORLDLY WISE DO NOT COMPREHEND THE MEANING OF SIMPLE WORDS:
So called worldly wise do not comprehend the meaning of simple words, but comprehend the meaning of esoteric words and this is the case here. As an example, The one making these comments and quotes is an engineer who has no difficulty understanding things such as 'Hookian Behaviour,' Young's Modulas (Modulas of elasticity), Yield point, safety factor, etc., but does not understand what intolerance, judgment, genocide (ethnic cleansing), etc. are as clearly he fails to get the sense of spiritual things, i.e., that he is clearly out of his field of expertise.
He does not comprehend the difference between judgment and ethnic cleansing (genocide). As is well known, the flood of Noah's day was an act of divine judgment as were many others recorded in the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible.
For example, he is apparently unaware or does not comprehend Luke 21:25-26, "And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows; 26 men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." (ASV) or Matthew 24:7-8, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places. 8 But all these things are the beginning of travail." (ASV).
History has shown that when Almighty God (YHWH) pronounced judgment it was revealed in advance along with its reason. In some cases Almighty God (YHWH) brought it by direct angelic action, and at other times he brought judgment by using his, then, chosen nation to execute it against the ungodly, and at still other times he used worldly powers to execute his judgment degrees..
Sodom and Gomorrah was an example of his use of an angel to execute judgment as was the flood of Noah's day. Using others to execute his judgment is shown by Almighty God (YHWH) giving Abraham victory over those who had kidnapped his nephew Lot per Genesis 14: 12-20, "And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. 13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew: now he dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner; and these were confederate with Abram. 14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan. 15 And he divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. 17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, at the vale of Shaveh (the same is the King's Vale). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 and blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him a tenth of all." (ASV)
For example, God specifically raised up Cyrus the Persian to defeat Babylonia and send some Jews back to rebuild Jerusalem per 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, "Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Jehovah stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, the God of heaven, given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whosoever there is among you of all his people, Jehovah his God be with him, and let him go up." (ASV), and Isaiah 44:28, "That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure, even saying of Jerusalem, She shall be built; and of the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid." (ASV)
Instead of recognizing this reality; to wit, judgment by Almighty God (YHWH) and its execution, this one giving adoration egotistical worldly philosophers wrongly accused me of,
<<<"You are talking in circles again.">>>.
Why? Simple he failed to distinguish between an execution of judgment and intolerance, and he also failed to distinguish between an execution of judgment on the ungodly and ethnic cleansing (genocide). We shall now consider what the meaning of judgment is.
WHAT IS JUDGMENT?
Many who show adoration to egotistical worldly philosophers and false god(s) do not comprehend what judgment is and why Almighty God (YHWH) must pass it to show perfect love.
Webster's dictionary defines judgment as follows:
<<<" Judgment (Page: 804)
Judg"ment (?), n. [OE. jugement, F. jugement, LL. judicamentum, fr. L. judicare. See Judge, v. i.]
1. The act of judging; the operation of the mind, involving comparison and discrimination, by which a knowledge of the values and relations of thins, whether of moral qualities, intellectual concepts, logical propositions, or material facts, is obtained; as, by careful judgment he avoided the peril; by a series of wrong judgments he forfeited confidence.
I oughte deme, of skilful jugement, That in the salte sea my wife is deed. Chaucer. ...
4. The act of determining, as in courts of law, what is conformable to law and justice; also, the determination, decision, or sentence of a court, or of a judge; the mandate or sentence of God as the judge of all.
In judgments between rich and poor, consider not what the poor man needs, but what is his own. Jer. Taylor. ...
6. A calamity regarded as sent by God, by way of recompense for wrong committed; a providential punishment. Judgments are prepared for scorners." Prov. xix. 29. This judgment of the heavens that makes us tremble." Shak.
7. (Theol.) The final award; the last sentence. &hand; Judgment, abridgment, acknowledgment, and lodgment are in England sometimes written, judgement, abridgement, acknowledgement, and lodgement. &hand; Judgment is used adjectively in many self-explaining combinations; as, judgment hour; judgment throne. Judgment day (Theol.), the last day, or period when final judgment will be pronounced on the subjects of God's moral government. -- Judgment debt (Law), a debt secured to the creditor by a judge's order. -- Judgment hall, a hall where courts are held. -- Judgment seat, the seat or bench on which judges sit in court; hence, a court; a tribunal. We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." Rom. xiv. 10. -- Judgment summons (Law), a proceeding by a judgment creditor against a judgment debtor upon an unsatisfied judgment. Arrest of judgment. (Law) See under Arrest, n. -- Judgment of God, a term formerly applied to extraordinary trials of secret crimes, as by arms and single combat, by ordeal, etc.; it being imagined that God would work miracles to vindicate innocence. See under Ordeal. Syn. -- Discernment; decision; determination; award; estimate; criticism; taste; discrimination; penetration; sagacity; intelligence; understanding. See Taste." [source - Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition]>>>.
And,
<<<" JUDGMENT, practice. The decision or sentence of the law, given by a court of justice or other competent tribunal, as the result of proceedings instituted therein, for the redress of an injury.
2. The language of judgments, therefore, is not that "it is decreed," or "resolved," by the court; but "it is considered," (consideratum est per curiam) that the plaintiff recover his debt, damages, or possession, as the case may require, or that the defendant do go without day. This implies that the judgment is not so much the decision of the court, as the sentence of the law pronounced and decreed by the court, after due deliberation and inquiry.
3. To be valid, a judicial judgment must be given by a competent judge or court, [[The Supreme being of the universe is definitely also the most competent one.]]at a time and place appointed by law, and in the form it requires. A judgment would be null, if the judge had not jurisdiction of the matter; or, having such jurisdiction, he exercised it when there was no court held, or but of his district; or if be rendered a judgment before the cause was prepared for a hearing. ...
22. A final judgment is one which puts an end to the suit. [[Almighty God (YHWH) judgments against the ungodly and their execution are final.]] ...
[source - A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.]>>>.
So as can be seen a judgment is the judging of the wrong doer and execution of the judgment is the exercise of the penalty for that wrong. It is not intolerance, ethnic cleansing, genocide, but the execution of judgment.
UNBELIEVERS IN THE TRUE GOD DO NOT COMPREHEND WHAT INTOLERANCE IS:
Unbelievers is the true God do not get the real meaning of intolerance, but wrongly try to apply it to the execution of judgments of Almighty God (YHWH), the Supreme being of the universe. Now let's consider just what intolerance is:
<<<" Intolerance is the lack of ability or willingness to tolerate something.
* In pressed through angry argumentation, looking down at people because of their characteristics or viewpoints, negatively portraying something due the contrast with one's own beliefs, etc. On a more extreme level, it can lead to violence - in its most severe form, genocide. Possibly the most infamous example in Western culture is the Holocaust. Colonialism was based, in part, on a lack of tolerance of cultures different than that of the mother country.
* There is debate as to where a government can use its force to prevent what it defines as hate speech. For example, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution allows such expression of intolerance without criminal action. In some other countries people can be prosecuted for such speech. This is a question of how much intolerance the government should tolerate, and how it decides what constitutes the expression of hate.
As the debate as to what to do about other people's intolerance continues, what is often ignored is how to recognize and deal with one's own.
[source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]>>>.
Now let's look at what genocide (ethnic cleaning) is.
UNBELIEVERS IN THE TRUE GOD DO NOT COMPREHEND WHAT GENOCIDE (ETHNIC CLEANING) IS:
Unbelievers is the true God do not get the real meaning of 'genocide' (ethnic clearning), but wrongly try to apply it to the execution of judgments of Almighty God (YHWH), the Supreme being of the universe. Now let's consider just what 'genocide' (ethnic clearning), is:
<<<"Genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction of an ethnic, racial, religious or national group.
While precise definition varies among genocide scholars, a legal definition is found in the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Article 2 of this defines genocide as "any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life, calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; [and] forcibly transferring children of the group to another group."[1] ...
It is commonly accepted that, at least since World War II, genocide has been illegal under customary international law as a peremptory norm, as well as under conventional international law. Acts of genocide are generally difficult to establish for prosecution, because a chain of accountability must be established. International criminal courts and tribunals function primarily because the states involved are incapable or unwilling to prosecute crimes of this magnitude themselves." [source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]>>>.
It is NOT the receiving of punishment for wrong doing. Punishment by definition is,
<<<"PUNISHMENT -- NOUN: 1a. The act or an instance of punishing. b. The condition of being punished. 2. A penalty imposed for wrongdoing: "The severity of the punishment must . . . be in keeping with the kind of obligation which has been violated" (Simone Weil). [[Almighty God (YHWH) as the Supreme being in the universe has the absolute right to have punishment carried out.]]
[source - The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.].
Yet it is quite strange that some learned ones can easily understand/comprehend esoteric terms, but can NOT properly apply or understand everyday terms. One reason may be they have not made a sufficiently in-depth search for the genuine (true) dogma of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ with a pure motive. To show what I mean by an in-depth search with a pure motive, I shall, in brief, review my own search as a young girl.
MY OWN PURE SEARCH FOR TRUTH IN RELIGION AS A YOUNG GIRL:
When I was a very young girl in my native village, I never knew there were individuals so absurd as to believe in and pay adoration to worldly philosophers instead of to Almighty God (YHWH). I did know there were false god(s) and that some people even considered the ruler of their nation was a god such as the ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, etc., but I never imagine there were individuals so blind to reality, the truth per John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Authorized King James Bible; AV) that they would pay adoration to egotistical worldly philosophers and quote their absurd nonsense as if they considered it sacred scripture. As one individual, a cult member, I usually strongly disagree with brought out by posting the following scripture, Jeremiah 2:19, "Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that thou hast forsaken Jehovah thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts." (American Standard Version; ASV); ti wit, These individuals that pay adoration to worldly philosophers and treat their egotistical self-centered writings were for me as a young girl just unimaginable. I well knew of false god(s) such as the mythical god, the old middle eastern celestial Moon god, "Allah," who only exist in the imaginations of deceived men, but has no physical existence, and others, but I never thought anyone would be so absurd as to put their faith in worldly philosophers and the egotistical nonsense they write.
As I have said in part before, When I was a very young girl brought up in a religiously divided household I could readily see both cult religions represented were completely wrong. When I was about eight years old, I started a search for the true religion as I well knew neither Catholicism (RCC) nor Islam could be that. I was constantly at the local library in my native village trying to learn more and by the time I was about 10 years old, I had taught myself to read English since most of the books on history and religion were either in English or German. I selected English as I considered it the up and coming language.
My grandfather, when I was a little girl in my native village, taught me early on to never waste anything. I was brought up in a mixed family religious wise, but by the time I was about 8 years old and I had already ascertained that neither Islam or Catholicism held any truth, and had already determined they only contained creedal hogwash dogma and tradition. I did a rigorous search visiting libraries and checking encyclopedias, dictionaries, history books, etc. and in the process improved my reading and comprehension skills to a level far above my peers in school. I even taught myself how to read English, as I said previously, a foreign language for me, as it was NOT one of the two or three languages used in my home or community. My father died when I was only 6 years old, and my grandfather took over the task of raising myself and my sisters and brothers. He raised us like he taught raw recruits when he was in the Legion, strictly military style with daily cadence marches before school. But he taught us to be independent and able to take care of ourselves and to think for ourselves, and that most religion was just plain phony. I learned to cultivate rice and wade in a rice patty, how to grow sugar cane, sweet potatoes, lettuce, etc. And my mother taught us how to cook all of our native dishes - mostly rice and bean dishes with a little bit of chicken. Until I went to New York City I had never heard of or eaten a hamburger or hot dog. But when my aunt took me to Coney Island, she got me both plus a candy corn cone. Subways were a mystery to me at first, as I thought it strange to go down into the earth to catch a train as the sugar cane train in my native village ran above ground.
See Part Two:
INTRODUCTION:
One individual who is ignorant with respect understanding the Bible made the following foolish comment:
“Everyone hahahaha... Look at this deceitful Christian for the last few days i have been posting him verses from the old testament which is part of Gods words and a part of the Bible today, and the verses i posted was in regards to God ordering killing women and children(Numbers 31 and (I Samuel 15:2-3) and #### the Christian simply said thats the old law. Again regardless if its the old law God is still ordering the killing of innocent people, and by the way like i said"
jesus said he did not come to destroy the law: (mathew5:17-20)
Also the Bible says the LAW IS PERFECT: PSALM: 19:7”
Now this individual is totally ignorant of the following realities:
[1] The Old Law covenant was a contract made specifically with only ONE ancient nation, the Hebrews or Isralites, that inhabited and owned Palestine since Almighty God (YHWH) had given them title to it per Numbers the 34 chapter. It applied to no one else. It had a special purpose, to point the way for the need for a savior who would fulfill it and make it of no effect as a fulfilled contract is no longer in force. Jesus (Yeshua) was this savior as will be later shown.
[2] That divine judgment by Almighty God (YHWH) is a loving act and is required for perfect love to exist. This will be later shown in its own chapter.
[3] That there are two definitions for Christian and that the two taxonomies are very different from each other, but the above mentioned ignorant of the Bible individual is totally unaware of this reality or fact.
[4] A definition of what is hyperbole and how the poster reached the WRONG conclusion due to a lack of knowledge (ignorance) of hyperbole.
Now let’s look at the Old Law Covenant in several chapters:
OLD LAW COVENANT:
God (YHWH) made a covenant with natural Israel that remained in force until his son, Jesus (Yeshua) gave his life as a ransom sacrifice as the fulfillment as shown in Matthew 5:17, "Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil." (American Standard Version; ASV). So Jesus (Yeshua) fulfilled the law and it is NO longer in effect, but the principles embodied in the Law Covenant are beneficial for true Christians today. Now let's look at the details with respect the Law Covenant God (YHWH) made with Israel in ancient times and its fulfillment.
MADE WITH ISRAEL ONLY:
The Law Covenant was NOT made with all tribes and nations, but only with the nation of Israel as shown at Exodus 24:3-8, "And Moses came and told the people all the words of Jehovah, and all the ordinances: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which Jehovah hath spoken will we do. 4 And Moses wrote all the words of Jehovah, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the mount, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt-offerings, and sacrificed peace-offerings of oxen unto Jehovah. 6 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that Jehovah hath spoken will we do, and be obedient. 8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which Jehovah hath made with you concerning all these words." (American Standard Version; ASV). God's (YHWH's) specific words with respect the covenant are, Exodus 34:27-29, "And Jehovah said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel. 28 And he was there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. 29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of the testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone by reason of his speaking with him." (ASV). And God (YHWH) by means of his Holy Spirit, his active force or power spoke to the people of Israel out of a fire as recorded at Deuternonmy 4:12-13, "And Jehovah spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of words, but ye saw no form; only `ye heard' a voice. 13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone." (ASV).
This Law Covenant was given to the nation of Israel under awe-inspiring circumstances as clearly testified to at Exodus 19:18-20, "And mount Sinai, the whole of it, smoked, because Jehovah descended upon it in fire; and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. 19 And when the voice of the trumpet waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. 20 And Jehovah came down upon mount Sinai, to the top of the mount: and Jehovah called Moses to the top of the mount; and Moses went up." (ASV). And this was mentioned in the New Testament at Hebrews 12:18-21, "For ye are not come unto `a mount' that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which `voice' they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them; 20 for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; 21 and so fearful was the appearance, `that' Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:" (ASV). Thus, we see here the harmony between the Old and the New Testament which shows God's (YHWH's) authorship of the entire Bible.
LAW COVENANT MADE ONLY WITH THE NATION OF ISRAEL:
The Law Covenant was NOT made with any nation, but Israel. This fact is testified to at many places in the Bible such as at Psalms 147:19-20, "He showeth his word to Jacob, his statutes and his judgments to Israel. 20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD." (the Webster Bible; WB); And at Deuteronomy 4:7-8, "`For which `is' the great nation that hath God near unto it, as Jehovah our God, in all we have called unto him? 8 and which `is' the great nation which hath righteous statutes and judgments according to all this law which I am setting before you to-day?" (Young's Literal Translation; YLT); And at Exodus 31:15-17, "Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed."; And at Deuteronomy 5:2-3, "Jehovah our God made with us a covenant in Horeb; 3 not with our fathers hath Jehovah made this covenant, but with us; we -- these -- here to-day -- all of us alive." (YLT).
GOD'S (YHWH'S) STATED PURPOSE FOR THE LAW COVENANT:
At Exodus 19:4-6 God (YHWH) stated his purpose for the Law Covenant, "Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine: 6 and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel." (ASV); And this is testified to in the New Testament at Galatians 3:19 showing the harmony once more of the entire Bible, "Why, then, the law? on account of the transgressions it was added, till the seed might come to which the promise hath been made, having been set in order through messengers in the hand of a mediator -" (YLT). The Law Covenant was intended to produce righteousness, but due to the hard heartedness of many of the nation of Israel, it did not.
DID NOT PRODUCE RIGHTEOUSNESS AS INTENDED:
The Law Covenant with the nation of Israel did NOT produce righteousness as it was intended. Why? Let's look at what the Bible says with respect this in the New Testament at Romans 8:3-4, "for what the law was not able to do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, His own Son having sent in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, did condemn the sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (YLT); And at Acts 13:38-39 showing, "`Let it therefore be known to you, men, brethren, that through this one to you is the forgiveness of sins declared, 39 and from all things from which ye were not able in the law of Moses to be declared righteous, in this one every one who is believing is declared righteous;" (YLT).
Why did the nation of Israel not obtain righteousness under the Law Covenant is addressed at Romans 9:30-32, "What, then, shall we say? that nations who are not pursuing righteousness did attain to righteousness, and righteousness that `is' of faith, 31 and Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, at a law of righteousness did not arrive 32 wherefore? because -- not by faith, but as by works of law; for they did stumble at the stone of stumbling," (YLT); And at Galatians 3:21-22, "the law, then, `is' against the promises of God? -- let it not be! for if a law was given that was able to make alive, truly by law there would have been the righteousness, 22 but the Writing did shut up the whole under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ may be given to those believing." (YLT).
LAW COVENANT LED THOSE OF FAITH TO CHRIST:
The Law Covenant became our tutor that leads to Christ as testified to at Galatians 3:24, "so that the law became our child-conductor -- to Christ, that by faith we may be declared righteous," (YLT); And at Romans 10:4, "For Christ is an end of law for righteousness to every one who is believing," (YLT).
But, as indicated above, the Law Covenant embodied prophetic pattern or shadow of things to come as shown at Hebrews 10:1, "For the law having a shadow of the good `things' to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect them that draw nigh." (ASV); And at Colossians 2:16-17, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day: 17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's." (ASV); And at Hebrews 8:4-5, "for if, indeed, he were upon earth, he would not be a priest -- (there being the priests who are offering according to the law, the gifts, 5 who unto an example and shadow do serve of the heavenly things, as Moses hath been divinely warned, being about to construct the tabernacle, for `See (saith He) thou mayest make all things according to the pattern that was shewn to thee in the mount;') -" (YLT); And at, Hebrews 9:7-9 and 23-24, "and into the second, once in the year, only the chief priest, not apart from blood, which he doth offer for himself and the errors of the people, 8 the Holy Spirit this evidencing that not yet hath been manifested the way of the holy `places', the first tabernacle having yet a standing; 9 which `is' a simile in regard to the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which are not able, in regard to conscience, to make perfect him who is serving," and "`It is' necessary, therefore, the pattern indeed of the things in the heavens to be purified with these, and the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these; 24 for not into holy places made with hands did the Christ enter -- figures of the true -- but into the heaven itself, now to be manifested in the presence of God for us;" (YLT).
JESUS (YESHUA) FULFILLED THE LAW AND GOD (YHWH) TERMINATED IT:
Jesus (Yeshua) came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it as testified to at Matthew 5:17-19, "Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (ASV); And at Colossians 2:13-14, "And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, `I say', did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses; 14 having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out that way, nailing it to the cross;" (ASV); And at Ephesians 2:13-15, "But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, 15 having abolished in the flesh the enmity, `even' the law of commandments `contained' in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, `so' making peace;" (ASV).
This was further shown by world renown Bible scholars as follows:
Matthew Henry said,
<<<” Ver. 17. There are so many adversaries, Jews, papists, Socinians, Anabaptists, Antinomians, &c., that make their advantages of this text, for the establishing their several errors, that it would require a volume to vindicate it from their several exceptions; those who desire satisfaction may read Spanhemius Dub. Evang. 12.3. The plain sense of the text is this: It would have been a great cavil, with the Jews especially, (who had a great reverence for the law), if either our Saviour’s enemies amongst them could have persuaded people that Christ came to destroy the law and the prophets, or his own hearers had entertained from his discourse any such apprehensions. Our Saviour designing, in his following discourse, to give a more full and strict interpretation of the law than had been given by the Pharisees and other Jewish doctors, prefaces that discourse with a protestation against his coming
to destroy the law, and averring that he came
to fulfil it. It is manifest, by his following discourse, that he principally spake of the moral law, though he also fulfilled the ceremonial law, he being the Antitype in whom all the types of that had their complement, and real fulfilling and accomplishment. Saith he, I am not come to destroy and put an end to the moral law. I am come to fulfil it: not to fill it up, as papists and Socinians contend, adding any new precept to it; but by yielding myself a personal obedience to it, by giving a fuller and stricter interpretation of it than you have formerly had, and by taking the curse of it (so far as concerneth my disciples) upon myself, and giving a just satisfaction to Divine justice for it. The greatest objection urged against Christ destroying part of the law, and adding new precepts to the moral law, is that about the change of the sabbath; but this is none, if we consider that the moral law required no more than one day of seven to be kept as a day of holy rest, not this or that particular day; for the particular day, the Jews learned it from the ceremonial law, as Christians learn theirs from Christ’s and the apostles’ practice. Nor is it any objection against this, that the seventh day from the creation is mentioned in the law, to those who know how to distinguish between the precept and the argument; the seventh from the creation is not in the precept, but in the argument, For in six days, &c. Now there is nothing more ordinary than to have arguments of a particular temporary concernment used to enforce precepts of an eternal obligation, where the precepts were first given to that particular people, as to whom those arguments were of force, an instance of which is in the first commandment, as well as in this: as, on the other side, arguments of universal force are oft annexed to precepts, which had but a particular obligation upon a particular people for a time. Thus in the ceremonial law, we often find it is an argument to enforce many ceremonial precepts, For I am the Lord thy God. [source – Matthew Poole’s Commentary]>>>.
A Midrash on Torah Observance, said,
<<<.Matthew 5:17-20
A Midrash on Torah Observance
Last Updated 6/14/00
NOTE: This section of Scripture, Matthew 5:17-20, is pivotal to understanding the relationship of Messiah to the Torah, and therefore of the believer to the Torah. Thus, we have given it a section of its own.
CHAPTER 5:17-20 TEXT:
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
5:17 the "Law"
Christian Bibles consistently refer to "the Law," meaning the Law of Moses, as given in the first five books of the Bible. The Hebrew term for this is the Torah. However, the correct translation of "Torah," is not "law" (not in the western legal sense of the word). Rather, Torah is correctly translated as revelation or instruction from God.
When understood in its proper Hebrew context, here is some of what the "New Testament" says about Torah:
· Faith does not abolish any part of the Torah as a whole (Matthew 5:17-20, James 2:10)
· Keeping the Torah is part of the faith that gets you to heaven (Matthew 19:17; Revelation 12:17; 14:12; 22:14)
· You will abide in Yeshua's love, if you keep Torah (John 14:15-23) as He abided in the Father's love by keeping Torah (John 15:10; Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:15)
· Faith in Yeshua does not cancel out what the Torah says, it establishes it (Romans 3:31)
· Torah is itself "liberty" and the standard we are to judge ourselves by (James 1:22-25)
· It is those of the flesh who are not subject to the Torah (Romans 8:5-8)
· If you say you know Him, and ignore His Torah, you are a liar (1 John 2:3-7)
· It does not matter if you are a Jew or a gentile, what matters is keeping God's Torah (1 Cor. 7:19)
· The "law of love" is that we keep his Torah - which is by no means a "burden" (1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6; Matt. 11:29,30)
These "New Testament" references to Torah might at first confuse people, as they aren't used to thinking in these terms. However, when the Hebrew New Testament authors, and Yeshua Himself, spoke of law/commandments in their first century Jewish religious context, it must be interpreted as "Torah," unless there is a clear reason to do otherwise, as this was what it meant to them.
5:17 Destroy ... Fulfill
First, a brief look at two of the Greek words behind the King James text in verse 17:
Destroy = kataluo, meaning "to overthrow completely" or "abolish"
Fulfill = plerosai, meaning "to fill" or "to complete."
The second half of verse 17 is used by some people to support a doctrine that says the believer in Messiah is now "not under the Law." Some claim that by "fulfilling the Law," Messiah did away with it, and the believer no longer has a relationship to it.
Although we will address this in detail thoughout this and our other online studies, one need not look further than this verse itself to see that such an interpretation is incorrect, as:
1. The word plerosai (fulfill) DOES NOT mean to "do away with" or to "overthrow."
2. The word kataluo (destroy) DOES mean to "do away with" or to "overthrow," and Yeshua said He did NOT come to do that. (1)
Furthermore, Yeshua then goes on to emphasize in verse 18, that not even the tiniest part of the Torah (the "Law") is done away with, and won't be until the heavens and the earth are no more.
He then takes it even further, and issues a warning to anyone who "breaks" any of the Torah, or teaches anyone to do the same. The Greek word for "break" is luo, meaning; "to infringe upon, loosen the force of, or render not binding." (1) Hence, Yeshua is teaching that His work in no way diminishes the authority or continuation of the Torah.
Verses 17-20 set the theme and agenda for the entire "Sermon on the Mount." Yeshua the Messiah makes fuller the understanding of his disciples concerning the Torah and Prophets, so they can more fully express what being God’s people is all about. This is consistent with Judaism, as one of the Messiah's main functions would be to complete our understanding of the Torah & Prophets. The "evidence" for Yeshua being the true Messiah is that He meet the criteria set forth in the Tenakh (Old Testament), which in turn says the Torah is eternal.
Much of the remainder of chapters 5-7 give specific cases where Yeshua explains the fuller meaning of the Torah -- teaching the people to not only keep the Law, but to go beyond the "letter of the Law - understanding the Godly principles behind the commandments, as this is how we come to know God, which is His desire for us all.
The Talmud agrees with this and even states that Jerusalem was destroyed for not following what Yeshua taught:
Babylonian Talmud - Bava Mezia 30b - "...R. Yohanan said: 'Yerushalayim would not have been destroyed, save that they judged Din Torah (by the Law of the Torah).' Should they have judged by the brutal laws?--rather, they insisted upon the law, and did not practice Lifnim miShurat haDin (beyond the letter of the law).
5:20 - the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees
Yeshua never criticized the scribes and Pharisees for carrying out the Torah. In fact he told the people to follow their example (Matthew 23:1-3 ).[source – Book of Matthew Study, retrieved at www.yashanet.com/studies/matstudy/mat6b.htm on 11/17/2008]>>>. And interestingly even the false prophet, Muhammad, recognized the validity of the Torah in his Bible takeoff the Qur’an.
Barnes said,
<<<” Verse 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, {l} or the prophets: {m} I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Ver. 17. Think not that I am come, etc. Our Saviour was just entering on his work. It was important for him to state what he came to do. By his setting up to be a teacher in opposition to the Scribes and Pharisees, some might charge him with an intention to destroy their law, and abolish the customs of the nation. He therefore told them that he did not come for that end, but really to fulfil or accomplish what was in the law and the prophets.
To destroy. To abrogate; to deny their Divine authority; to set men free from the obligation to obey them.
The law. The five books of Moses, called the law. See Barnes "Lu 24:44".
The prophets. The books which the prophets wrote. These two divisions here seem to comprehend the Old Testament; and Jesus says that he came not to do away or destroy the authority of the Old Testament.
But to fulfil. To complete the design; to fill up what was predicted; to accomplish what was intended in them. The word fulfil, also, means sometimes to teach or inculcate, #Col 1:25. The law of Moses contained many sacrifices and rites which were designed to shadow forth the Messiah, #Heb 9:1-28. These were fulfilled when he came and offered himself a sacrifice to God—
A sacrifice of nobler name,
And richer blood than they.
The prophets contained many predictions respecting his coming and death. These were all to be fulfilled and fully accomplished by his life and his sufferings.
{l} "the law" #Mt 3:15
{m} "the prophets" #Isa 42:21 [source – Barnes New Testament Notes]>>>.
Scofield said,
<<<” [1] (I am not come to destroy)
Christ’s relation to the law of Moses may be thus summarized:
(1) He was made under the law #Ga 4:4.
(2) He lived in perfect obedience to the law #Joh 8:46 Mt 17:5 #1Pe 2:21-23.
(3) he was a minister of the law to the Jews, clearing it from rabbinical sophistries, enforcing it in all its pitiless severity upon those who professed to obey it (e.g.) #Lu 10:25-37 but confirming the promises made to the fathers under the Mosaic Covenant #Ro 15:8.
(4) He fulfilled the types of the law by His holy life and sacrificial death #Heb 9:11-26.
(5) He bore, vicariously, the curse of the law that the Abrahamic Covenant might avail all who believe #Ga 3:13,14.
(6) He brought out by His redemption all who believe from the place of servants under the law into the place of sons #Ga 4:1-7.
(7) He mediated by His blood the New Covenant of assurance and grace in which all believers stand #Ro 5:2 Heb 8:6-13 so establishing the "law of Christ" #Ga 6:2 with its precepts of higher exaltation made possible by the indwelling Spirit. [source – Scofield Notes on The Bible]>>>.
Peoples said,
<<<” Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets. The preceding verses were so opposed to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees that some might assert that he was a destroyer of the law. He replies that he has not come to destroy it, but to fulfil. He does not say that he has come to perpetuate it.
To fulfil. To complete its purpose. He was the end of the law. It was a "schoolmaster to bring us to Christ" (#Ga 3:24), but "after faith is come we are no longer under the schoolmaster" [#Ga 3:25].[source – Peoples New Testament Notes]>>>.
So as can be seen, the poster clearly was ignorant of his subject matter.
However, the principles embodied in the Law Covenant are beneficial for true Christians as clearly testified to at Romans 13:8-10, "Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law." (ASV); And at Romans 12:18-19, "If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. 19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath `of God': for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord." (ASV); And at Ephesians 6:1-3, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (ASV). So we can clearly see Jesus (Yeshua) Christ fulfilled the Law Covenant and it was done away with, but its principles still apply. Also, we see the New Testament is not separate from the Old Testament, but its fulfillment.
Now divine judgment and the need for same will be dealt with.
DIVINE JUDGMENT A REQUIRED LOVING ACT:
Now the poster wrongly said innocent people were being killed which of course is just a whopper lie. But first, let’s look at the scriptures he referred to in two different Bible translations:
1 Samuel 15:2-3, “2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. 3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” (Authorized King James Bible, AV)
(1 Samuel 15:2-3) This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘I must call to account what Am´a·lek did to Israel when he set himself against him in the way while he was coming up out of Egypt. 3 Now go, and you must strike down Am´a·lek and devote him to destruction with all that he has, and you must not have compassion upon him, and you must put them to death, man as well as woman, child as well as suckling, bull as well as sheep, camel as well as ass.’” (New World Translation; NWT)
And now let’s consider what two world renown Bible scholars had to say with regard these two scriptures:
Matthew Henry said,
<<<”#1-9 The sentence of condemnation against the Amalekites had gone forth long before, #Ex 17:14; De 25:19, but they had been spared till they filled up the measure of their sins. We are sure that the righteous Lord does no injustice to any. The remembering the kindness of the ancestors of the Kenites, in favour to them, at the time God was punishing the injuries done by the ancestors of the Amalekites, tended to clear the righteousness of God in this dispensation. It is dangerous to be found in the company of God’s enemies, and it is our duty and interest to come out from among them, lest we share in their sins and plagues, #Re 18:4. As the commandment had been express, and a test of Saul’s obedience, his conduct evidently was the effect of a proud, rebellious spirit. He destroyed only the refuse, that was good for little. That which was now destroyed was sacrificed to the justice of God. [source – Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary]>>>.
Matthew Poole said,
<<<”Ver. 3. All that they have, both persons and goods; kill all that live, and consume all things without life; for I will have no name nor remnant of that people, whom long since I have cursed and devoted to utter destruction.
Spare them not; show no compassion or favour to any of them. The same thing repeated to prevent mistake, and oblige Saul to the exact performance hereof; or, to leave him without excuse, in case of neglect.
Infant and suckling; for their parents’ crime and punishment; which was not unjust, because God is the supreme Lord and giver of life, and can require his own when he pleaseth; infants also are born in sin, #Ps 51:5, and therefore liable to God’s wrath, #Eph 2:3, and to death, #Ro 5:12,14. Their death also was rather a mercy than a curse to them, as being the occasion of preventing the vast increase of their sin and punishment.
Ox and sheep, camel and ass; which being all made for man’s benefit, it is not strange nor unjust if they suffer with him, and for him and for the instruction of mankind.[source – Matthew Poole’s Commentary]>>>.
CONNECTION BETWEEN LOVE AND JUSTICE:
Some can not see the connection between love and justice, but Karen Lebacqz in her book, "Six Theories of Justice," published in 1986, said, "Indeed, perfect justice would be love. But since love cannot be fully ... Love requires justice for the complex realities of the sinful social world. ..." Yes, Almighty God (YHWH) believes in love, but he also believes in perfect justice. This fact has been clearly shown in the past with the judgment flood of Noah's day, sent to punish an ungodly world recorded in Genesis 6:4-13,
"The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them: the same were the mighty men that were of old, the men of renown. 5 And Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented Jehovah that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And Jehovah said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the ground; both man, and beast, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah. 9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, and perfect in his generations: Noah walked with God.
10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 And the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth. 13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth." (American Standard Version; ASV).
It would be unjust for a loving God not to pass judgment on the ungodly as it would not be showing love to let people become ever more evil and inflict injury on their neighbors who are just; therefore, he must exercise perfect justice in order to show perfect love. Righteous ones have a right to expect that someday they will love in a world free from crime, violence, and the threat of war; and this is indeed promised at Isaiah 2:4, "And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (ASV). In fact, Almighty God (YHWH) Son, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ taught us to pray for such at Matthew 6:9-10, "After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth." (ASV).
But many do not recognize this simple reality or truth and forget John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Authorized King James Bible; AV). They are the followers of false god(s) and egotistical self-centered worldly philosophers. They show adoration of these false gods and worldly philosophers and prefer what they say over what the Creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH), says.
One of these put forth the sayings of one philosopher as gospel truth and replied showing what the worldly philosopher said was nothing but written dung as follows:
<<<"[[Item of worldly philosopher quoted by one showing him adoration]]"The belief that one's faith is the only true religion too often leads to a disturbing level of intolerance, and this intolerance includes the assumption that nonbelievers cannot be as moral as believers.
[source - Michael Shermer, The Science of Good and Evil, Chapter 8, Rise Above: Tolerance, Freedom, and the Prospects for Humanity, p. 233]
Not only is there no evidence that a lack of religiosity leads to less moral behavior, a number of studies actually support the opposite conclusion.
--Ibid, p. 235"
[[My Answer]]" Michael Shermer hypothesis is both correct and incorrect as it does NOT universally hold, but is only accurate as applied to individuals who accept a belief because it is the belief of their family and/or of their friends and/or because it fits their fancy such as your belief in egotistical worldly philosophers or in those believing in false beliefs. It does NOT apply to those who have done extensive research without preconceived hypothesis of what the results will be and actually find the genuine (true) followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ as I did; to wit, in a scientific manner by an extensive process of elimination over many years. The last part of the quote of his writing clearly shows that his hypothesis is of only limited application and is not universally applicable since reality is that genuine (true) followers of Christ continually strive to bring their lives in harmony with the thinking of Christ; this is the case that shows positively that Michael Shermer's hypothesis in anything but universal in its application.
This fact of only limited application of his hypothesis is clearly shown by the examples he gives in his book as follows,
[[Second item of worldly philosopher quoted by one showing him adoration]] "Absolute morality leads logically to absolute intolerance. Once it is determined that one has the absolute and final answers to moral questons, why be tolerant of those who refuse to accept the Truth? Religiously based moral systems apply this system in spades. From the medieval Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition to the Holocaust and Bosnia, history is rife with examples of intolerance. In the name of God, religious people have sanctioned slavery, anti-Semitism, racism, homophobia, torture, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war. In the name of their religion, people have burned women accused of witchcraft. The events of September 11, 2001, are a potent example of religious extremism gone political.
--bid, pp. 237-8"
[[My Answer]]" Genuine (true) followers of Christ had no part in any of the items cited, but remained neutral in all of them and/or were victims of them. Genuine (true) followers of Christ instead applied his words at Matthew 5:43-48 to their lives and acted accordingly, "Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: 44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; 45 that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. 46 For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same? 48 Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (American Standard Version; ASV).
Also, they pay heed to 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, "Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ? shall I then take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid. 16 Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body? for, The twain, saith he, shall become one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; 20 for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body." (ASV), and Romans 1:19-29, "because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: 21 because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves: 25 for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. 28 And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers," (ASV).
Which are all things that egotistical worldly philosophers such as Michael Shermer and his ilk and their followers pay no attention to NOR do they try and bring their lives in harmony with. Now, I am not trying to say that the genuine (true) followers of Christ are perfect since they are not, but I am saying they are striving to bring their lives into harmony with the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible. Remember, even the Apostle Peter backslide a little and denied Christ three times, but later he was very sorry for this and brought his life back into harmony with the thinking of Christ.">>>.
Individuals putting forth adoration of arrogant worldly philosophers, and false god(s), are individuals under the control of the god of this system, per 2 Corinthians 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them." (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB), such as Robert Ingersoll. These philosophers are enthralled with their own belief in worship of self and offer no assistance or hope for others.
As the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, says at Matthew 7:15-16, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (The New American Bible; NAB).
WORLDLY WISE DO NOT COMPREHEND THE MEANING OF SIMPLE WORDS:
So called worldly wise do not comprehend the meaning of simple words, but comprehend the meaning of esoteric words and this is the case here. As an example, The one making these comments and quotes is an engineer who has no difficulty understanding things such as 'Hookian Behaviour,' Young's Modulas (Modulas of elasticity), Yield point, safety factor, etc., but does not understand what intolerance, judgment, genocide (ethnic cleansing), etc. are as clearly he fails to get the sense of spiritual things, i.e., that he is clearly out of his field of expertise.
He does not comprehend the difference between judgment and ethnic cleansing (genocide). As is well known, the flood of Noah's day was an act of divine judgment as were many others recorded in the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible.
For example, he is apparently unaware or does not comprehend Luke 21:25-26, "And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows; 26 men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." (ASV) or Matthew 24:7-8, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places. 8 But all these things are the beginning of travail." (ASV).
History has shown that when Almighty God (YHWH) pronounced judgment it was revealed in advance along with its reason. In some cases Almighty God (YHWH) brought it by direct angelic action, and at other times he brought judgment by using his, then, chosen nation to execute it against the ungodly, and at still other times he used worldly powers to execute his judgment degrees..
Sodom and Gomorrah was an example of his use of an angel to execute judgment as was the flood of Noah's day. Using others to execute his judgment is shown by Almighty God (YHWH) giving Abraham victory over those who had kidnapped his nephew Lot per Genesis 14: 12-20, "And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. 13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew: now he dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner; and these were confederate with Abram. 14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan. 15 And he divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. 17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, at the vale of Shaveh (the same is the King's Vale). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 and blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him a tenth of all." (ASV)
For example, God specifically raised up Cyrus the Persian to defeat Babylonia and send some Jews back to rebuild Jerusalem per 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, "Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Jehovah stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, the God of heaven, given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whosoever there is among you of all his people, Jehovah his God be with him, and let him go up." (ASV), and Isaiah 44:28, "That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure, even saying of Jerusalem, She shall be built; and of the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid." (ASV)
Instead of recognizing this reality; to wit, judgment by Almighty God (YHWH) and its execution, this one giving adoration egotistical worldly philosophers wrongly accused me of,
<<<"You are talking in circles again.">>>.
Why? Simple he failed to distinguish between an execution of judgment and intolerance, and he also failed to distinguish between an execution of judgment on the ungodly and ethnic cleansing (genocide). We shall now consider what the meaning of judgment is.
WHAT IS JUDGMENT?
Many who show adoration to egotistical worldly philosophers and false god(s) do not comprehend what judgment is and why Almighty God (YHWH) must pass it to show perfect love.
Webster's dictionary defines judgment as follows:
<<<" Judgment (Page: 804)
Judg"ment (?), n. [OE. jugement, F. jugement, LL. judicamentum, fr. L. judicare. See Judge, v. i.]
1. The act of judging; the operation of the mind, involving comparison and discrimination, by which a knowledge of the values and relations of thins, whether of moral qualities, intellectual concepts, logical propositions, or material facts, is obtained; as, by careful judgment he avoided the peril; by a series of wrong judgments he forfeited confidence.
I oughte deme, of skilful jugement, That in the salte sea my wife is deed. Chaucer. ...
4. The act of determining, as in courts of law, what is conformable to law and justice; also, the determination, decision, or sentence of a court, or of a judge; the mandate or sentence of God as the judge of all.
In judgments between rich and poor, consider not what the poor man needs, but what is his own. Jer. Taylor. ...
6. A calamity regarded as sent by God, by way of recompense for wrong committed; a providential punishment. Judgments are prepared for scorners." Prov. xix. 29. This judgment of the heavens that makes us tremble." Shak.
7. (Theol.) The final award; the last sentence. &hand; Judgment, abridgment, acknowledgment, and lodgment are in England sometimes written, judgement, abridgement, acknowledgement, and lodgement. &hand; Judgment is used adjectively in many self-explaining combinations; as, judgment hour; judgment throne. Judgment day (Theol.), the last day, or period when final judgment will be pronounced on the subjects of God's moral government. -- Judgment debt (Law), a debt secured to the creditor by a judge's order. -- Judgment hall, a hall where courts are held. -- Judgment seat, the seat or bench on which judges sit in court; hence, a court; a tribunal. We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." Rom. xiv. 10. -- Judgment summons (Law), a proceeding by a judgment creditor against a judgment debtor upon an unsatisfied judgment. Arrest of judgment. (Law) See under Arrest, n. -- Judgment of God, a term formerly applied to extraordinary trials of secret crimes, as by arms and single combat, by ordeal, etc.; it being imagined that God would work miracles to vindicate innocence. See under Ordeal. Syn. -- Discernment; decision; determination; award; estimate; criticism; taste; discrimination; penetration; sagacity; intelligence; understanding. See Taste." [source - Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition]>>>.
And,
<<<" JUDGMENT, practice. The decision or sentence of the law, given by a court of justice or other competent tribunal, as the result of proceedings instituted therein, for the redress of an injury.
2. The language of judgments, therefore, is not that "it is decreed," or "resolved," by the court; but "it is considered," (consideratum est per curiam) that the plaintiff recover his debt, damages, or possession, as the case may require, or that the defendant do go without day. This implies that the judgment is not so much the decision of the court, as the sentence of the law pronounced and decreed by the court, after due deliberation and inquiry.
3. To be valid, a judicial judgment must be given by a competent judge or court, [[The Supreme being of the universe is definitely also the most competent one.]]at a time and place appointed by law, and in the form it requires. A judgment would be null, if the judge had not jurisdiction of the matter; or, having such jurisdiction, he exercised it when there was no court held, or but of his district; or if be rendered a judgment before the cause was prepared for a hearing. ...
22. A final judgment is one which puts an end to the suit. [[Almighty God (YHWH) judgments against the ungodly and their execution are final.]] ...
[source - A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.]>>>.
So as can be seen a judgment is the judging of the wrong doer and execution of the judgment is the exercise of the penalty for that wrong. It is not intolerance, ethnic cleansing, genocide, but the execution of judgment.
UNBELIEVERS IN THE TRUE GOD DO NOT COMPREHEND WHAT INTOLERANCE IS:
Unbelievers is the true God do not get the real meaning of intolerance, but wrongly try to apply it to the execution of judgments of Almighty God (YHWH), the Supreme being of the universe. Now let's consider just what intolerance is:
<<<" Intolerance is the lack of ability or willingness to tolerate something.
* In pressed through angry argumentation, looking down at people because of their characteristics or viewpoints, negatively portraying something due the contrast with one's own beliefs, etc. On a more extreme level, it can lead to violence - in its most severe form, genocide. Possibly the most infamous example in Western culture is the Holocaust. Colonialism was based, in part, on a lack of tolerance of cultures different than that of the mother country.
* There is debate as to where a government can use its force to prevent what it defines as hate speech. For example, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution allows such expression of intolerance without criminal action. In some other countries people can be prosecuted for such speech. This is a question of how much intolerance the government should tolerate, and how it decides what constitutes the expression of hate.
As the debate as to what to do about other people's intolerance continues, what is often ignored is how to recognize and deal with one's own.
[source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]>>>.
Now let's look at what genocide (ethnic cleaning) is.
UNBELIEVERS IN THE TRUE GOD DO NOT COMPREHEND WHAT GENOCIDE (ETHNIC CLEANING) IS:
Unbelievers is the true God do not get the real meaning of 'genocide' (ethnic clearning), but wrongly try to apply it to the execution of judgments of Almighty God (YHWH), the Supreme being of the universe. Now let's consider just what 'genocide' (ethnic clearning), is:
<<<"Genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction of an ethnic, racial, religious or national group.
While precise definition varies among genocide scholars, a legal definition is found in the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Article 2 of this defines genocide as "any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life, calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; [and] forcibly transferring children of the group to another group."[1] ...
It is commonly accepted that, at least since World War II, genocide has been illegal under customary international law as a peremptory norm, as well as under conventional international law. Acts of genocide are generally difficult to establish for prosecution, because a chain of accountability must be established. International criminal courts and tribunals function primarily because the states involved are incapable or unwilling to prosecute crimes of this magnitude themselves." [source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]>>>.
It is NOT the receiving of punishment for wrong doing. Punishment by definition is,
<<<"PUNISHMENT -- NOUN: 1a. The act or an instance of punishing. b. The condition of being punished. 2. A penalty imposed for wrongdoing: "The severity of the punishment must . . . be in keeping with the kind of obligation which has been violated" (Simone Weil). [[Almighty God (YHWH) as the Supreme being in the universe has the absolute right to have punishment carried out.]]
[source - The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.].
Yet it is quite strange that some learned ones can easily understand/comprehend esoteric terms, but can NOT properly apply or understand everyday terms. One reason may be they have not made a sufficiently in-depth search for the genuine (true) dogma of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ with a pure motive. To show what I mean by an in-depth search with a pure motive, I shall, in brief, review my own search as a young girl.
MY OWN PURE SEARCH FOR TRUTH IN RELIGION AS A YOUNG GIRL:
When I was a very young girl in my native village, I never knew there were individuals so absurd as to believe in and pay adoration to worldly philosophers instead of to Almighty God (YHWH). I did know there were false god(s) and that some people even considered the ruler of their nation was a god such as the ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, etc., but I never imagine there were individuals so blind to reality, the truth per John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Authorized King James Bible; AV) that they would pay adoration to egotistical worldly philosophers and quote their absurd nonsense as if they considered it sacred scripture. As one individual, a cult member, I usually strongly disagree with brought out by posting the following scripture, Jeremiah 2:19, "Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that thou hast forsaken Jehovah thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts." (American Standard Version; ASV); ti wit, These individuals that pay adoration to worldly philosophers and treat their egotistical self-centered writings were for me as a young girl just unimaginable. I well knew of false god(s) such as the mythical god, the old middle eastern celestial Moon god, "Allah," who only exist in the imaginations of deceived men, but has no physical existence, and others, but I never thought anyone would be so absurd as to put their faith in worldly philosophers and the egotistical nonsense they write.
As I have said in part before, When I was a very young girl brought up in a religiously divided household I could readily see both cult religions represented were completely wrong. When I was about eight years old, I started a search for the true religion as I well knew neither Catholicism (RCC) nor Islam could be that. I was constantly at the local library in my native village trying to learn more and by the time I was about 10 years old, I had taught myself to read English since most of the books on history and religion were either in English or German. I selected English as I considered it the up and coming language.
My grandfather, when I was a little girl in my native village, taught me early on to never waste anything. I was brought up in a mixed family religious wise, but by the time I was about 8 years old and I had already ascertained that neither Islam or Catholicism held any truth, and had already determined they only contained creedal hogwash dogma and tradition. I did a rigorous search visiting libraries and checking encyclopedias, dictionaries, history books, etc. and in the process improved my reading and comprehension skills to a level far above my peers in school. I even taught myself how to read English, as I said previously, a foreign language for me, as it was NOT one of the two or three languages used in my home or community. My father died when I was only 6 years old, and my grandfather took over the task of raising myself and my sisters and brothers. He raised us like he taught raw recruits when he was in the Legion, strictly military style with daily cadence marches before school. But he taught us to be independent and able to take care of ourselves and to think for ourselves, and that most religion was just plain phony. I learned to cultivate rice and wade in a rice patty, how to grow sugar cane, sweet potatoes, lettuce, etc. And my mother taught us how to cook all of our native dishes - mostly rice and bean dishes with a little bit of chicken. Until I went to New York City I had never heard of or eaten a hamburger or hot dog. But when my aunt took me to Coney Island, she got me both plus a candy corn cone. Subways were a mystery to me at first, as I thought it strange to go down into the earth to catch a train as the sugar cane train in my native village ran above ground.
See Part Two: