but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. . The Lord brought about a great victory that day.
2 Samuel 23:10, NIV
One of David's three mighty men. I am fascinated by the people whose names are recorded in scripture, their names and their deeds.
Many will shudder at the whole idea of one who killed--actually killed--people and are recorded with such honor in the Bible. This often has led to the belief that there is a God of the Old Testament, and another God of the New. They will even say, "My God is a God of love, not hatred and killing."
But who am I to say who their god is? People have all kinds of gods, based on their preferences. I will say this though, their personal god is not the God of the Bible, Old or New Testament.
William Blake expressed it so well in his poem about the lamb and the tiger. He understood the mystery of God's nature, that He was both a lamb and a tiger. This is beyond anyone's understanding, but it is true, nonetheless.
Let me ask you a question seldom asked: Who is the greatest killer in the Bible? Of course, it is God.
When people wonder at "a God" who would countenance killing, let them remember the Flood. Let them look ahead at the Lake of Fire. God is both Savior and Executioner.
When Jesus returns to Earth with His saints, He will not wear an unstained garment, but one colored red with blood. How wonderful not to be slain by Him, but saved by His blood.
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