THE CONCEPT of holy war is developed in the passages we read today (specifically Deut. 20:16-18), where the Hebrew verb kharam is translated “devote to complete destruction”. The concept relates to the coming war between Israel and enemies who served — and were spawned by — lesser gods.Continue Reading

PEOPLE BEING what we are, the Lord had to set rules for dealing with the shedding of human blood. We discuss the avenger of blood, the kinsman-redeemer, and Jesus Christ–our kinsman-redeemer and the future Avenger of Blood on all who reject his offer of salvation.Continue Reading