Old Testament:
For instance that a father could sell his daughter into slavery if she disobeyed him.
Moses being told by God to kill everyone from one of the neighbouring tribes, including all women and children.
Public stoning of adulterers, witches etc.
Animal sacrifice.
The killing of priests who made any errors in the temple of the Ark of the Covenant.
I see this site lists quite a few examples: http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/cruelty/long.html
Not trying to be derogatory or anything, I'm genuinely interested how the two books can be reconciled.
Sorry couldn't respond until today....busy, busy.....anyhow, I jumped in briefly yesterday and commented on your second point in another post concerning the Israelites being commanded by God to destroy neighboring tribes.
As far as the reference to slavery I had a couple of questions first. Which verse are you referring to? When the scriptures refer to "slavery" in Israel what do you believe is being permitted? Slavery from the pre-Civil War south in US? Slavery like that which the Israelites were delivered from in Egypt? Or is it more like "the bible approves of slavery...SLAVERY...enou
gh said!"?
Adulterers and witches being stoned I relate to Christ's relationship with his body of believers or his "marriage to the church". One of the most painful experiences in any relationship can be brought about by adultery. The Israelites made a covenant with God and in doing so were to distinguish themselves in every way from the world around them according to God's holy, divine standards. Those engaging in adulterous relationships have damaged the holy union under God and it's apparent how seriously God considers that union and how union is symbolic of his union with his church. Similarly with witchcraft/mediums/sorcery, this act is considered demonic and idolatrous....it is simply not of God and absolutely in opposition of God and completely defies the covenant made with God. The covenant was not made with any other person/being other than God so engaging in witchcraft which promotes worship of false Gods and idols and Satanic activity completely destroys the relationship with God. The penalty of death seems extreme to most, but it certainly drives home God's serious, serious treatment of these covenant defying acts.
Life is in the blood and the wages of our sin is death. In order for the Israelites to reconcile themselves with God a blood sacrifice via animal sacrifices was required. Christ established a new covenant and became the ultimate sacrifice for all eliminating the need for further bloodshed.
The death penalty for priests in the Israelite temple does seem extreme, but this is the place that absolute ruler, owner and creator of the universe would reside and God is without flaw or fault and is absolutely holy. Very specific instructions were given to preserve that divine status within the moving temple and to keep man aligned with that standard of divinity while in direct service of God; further, the penalty for not following clear instruction was well known. In essence, priests knew exactly what they were responsible for regardless of the severity of punishment for certain acts.
I’m sure others can add to my thoughts and present them better than I’m able to.