#39: The Worst Chapter in the Bible

What happens when the God of the Old Testament seems unrecognizable next to the Jesus of the New Testament? In this thought-provoking episode of Cabernet and Pray, we tackle what Jeremy calls “the worst chapter in the Bible,” Numbers 31. Together, we confront the shocking themes of revenge, violence, and divine commands that seem incompatible with the love of Jesus. With a glass of Sokol Blosser 2021 Pinot Noir in hand, we explore how ancient contexts and human perceptions of God shape scripture—and what this means for our faith today. Don’t miss this deep dive into the Bible’s most challenging narratives.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

Wines Featured:

• Sokol Blosser 2021 Watershed Block Pinot Noir
  • Notes of potting soil, dried leaves, cranberry, raspberry, and clove. A perfect pairing for deep conversations about theology.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Introduction to Numbers 31:

   • Jeremy reflects on the challenges faced as a pastor in interpreting the Old Testament.
   • Focus on Numbers 31: a chapter filled with revenge, violence, and troubling divine commands.

2. A Brutal Look at Numbers 31:

   • God commands Moses to wage a war of revenge against the Midianites.
   • Controversial instructions to kill men, women, and boys, sparing only virgin girls, presented as plunder.
   • The unsettling notion of 32 virgins being allocated as God’s share of the spoils.

3. Reconciling Numbers 31 with the Nature of Jesus:

   • The difficulty of aligning Numbers 31 with the nonviolent, sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus.
   • Examples of misinterpretation: Justifying actions like the Crusades by blending Old Testament violence with Christian theology.

4. Historical and Cultural Context:

   • Insights from early church father Origen: When a passage seems unworthy of God, seek deeper spiritual meaning.
   • Greg Boyd’s Cross Vision: God’s willingness to meet people in their context, even when their understanding is limited.
   • Andy Stanley’s Irresistible: The importance of unhitching modern faith from Old Testament practices and covenantal frameworks.

5. A Framework for Interpretation:

   • Jesus as the clearest image of God: “What God looks like when there are no clouds in the way.”
   • Viewing problematic Old Testament passages as reflections of human culture and sin, not divine character.

6. Takeaways for Faith:

   • Christians don’t need to fear difficult scriptures but must read them through the lens of Jesus.
   • Numbers 31 reveals more about ancient Israelites’ worldview than about God’s true nature.
   • The Bible’s ultimate purpose is to point us to Jesus, the unclouded vision of God.

Jeremy leaves listeners with the challenge to dig deeper into scripture, trusting that a clearer picture of God emerges through Jesus. Christians can engage with difficult passages and grow a faith rooted in love, humility, and understanding.

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