A Just and Merciful God. Part [10] 03/25/2025 (Morning thought)

2nd Kings 6: 11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will you not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel? 12 And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in thy bedchamber.

Now, some may be tempted to play devil’s advocate by arguing that Rahab’s level of knowledge does not compare with that of more experienced individuals who would have known better, and therefore, she is to be excused in this situation. That is true, but we must be careful not to lose sight of the bigger issue, which is her cooperating with God in the matter, on her level. If God is in it, that is the final explanation, for as the Bible says, Just and right is He.

In the next example, we have a righteous man with much more knowledge and understanding than did Rahab, and again, the seeker for truth might now be asking questions about ways and means, as might pertain to a strict interpretation of the letter of the law. Let’s pause for a moment and issue an advisory as it may apply in different circumstances. The Bible does not condone lying in any way shape or form, nor for any reason.

Yet, because God works through human agencies that are faulty and fallen, you will in some cases be taken aback at the ways and means that might be adopted. Try your best not to stumble whenever such situations occur in the Bible. 2nd Kings 6:13 And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. 14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

2nd Kings 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early and gone forth, behold a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. “God bless!

A Just and Merciful God. Part [9] 03/25/2025 (Evening thought)

Joshua 5:And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

The fact is that Jericho had filled up its cup of evil to the brim, and now it comes time for payment, since God’s longsuffering and mercy had been rejected for decades. Thus, whatsoever might be our conclusion of Rahab’s ways and means, God was in it, and that should settle it. [Patriarchs/ Prophets pp 492] The utter destruction of the people of Jericho was but a fulfillment of the commands previously given through Moses concerning the inhabitants of Canaan thou shalt smite them and utterly destroy them. Deuteronomy 7:2.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 492] “Of the cities of these people, ... thou shalt save alive nothing that breathes.” Deuteronomy 20:16. To many, these commands seem to be contrary to the spirit of love and mercy enjoined in other portions of the Bible, but they were in truth the dictates of infinite wisdom and goodness.

The inhabitants of Canaan had been granted ample opportunity for repentance. Forty years before, the opening of the Red Sea and the judgments upon Egypt had testified to the supreme power of the God of Israel. [Patriarchs & Prophets pp 492] Like the men before the Flood, the Canaanites lived only to blaspheme Heaven and defile the earth. And both love and justice demanded the prompt execution of these rebels against God and foes to man.

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good bight” and God bless!