Tell me more ×
Mi Yodeya is a question and answer site for those who base their lives on Jewish law and tradition and anyone interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote -7 down vote favorite

I know everybody was attacking everybody in those days, but still why are there so few examples of the Hebrews setting an example of kindness to the poor, weak or even being kind? Instead, the solution to every problem seems to be just kill them. For example:

  • The Amalekite genocide (I Samuel 15:2-3)

  • Jephthah sacrifices his daughter to God as a burned offering to pay him back for helping him slaughter 20 cities (Judges 11:39)

  • An angel killed 185,000 sleeping soldiers (II Kings 19:34, Isaiah 37:36)

  • Samson kills 3000 people (Judges 16:27-30)

  • Samson kills 1000 men with the jawbone of an ass (Judges 15:14-15)

  • God stops the sun so Joshua can kill in the daylight (Joshua 10:10-11)

http://dwindlinginunbelief.blogspot.com/2010/04/gods-top-50-killings-how-do-you-rate.html

Why is the Bible so full of hatred and killing but not kindness?

share|improve this question
6  
You equate killing with hate, but this is often not the case in these Biblical accounts. They are looked upon not as good events, but as necessary ones, each for its own reason. Besides for the fact that it is never wise to judge the societies of other times or places, the Torah seems to see killing as sometimes necessary, or even in some cases, a kindness to the victim. – jake Sep 28 '11 at 13:37
8  
@rudolph34, if you actually read the bible instead of a hateful website, you might find that Amalek was continuously attacking and killing Hebrews with no reason, Jephtah did not sacrifice his daughter as a burnt offering, the angel (which is not a Hebrew) killed only a portion of a massive army about to attack the Hebrews, and that Samson was avenging a 40 year subjugation. You will also find many acts of kindness and laws obliging Hebrews to be kind, which, of course is not brought on that site. – YDK Sep 28 '11 at 14:42
1  
Voting to reopen. While I dislike the phrasing of this question and its total lack of research, I think that it should be answered and refuted, because there are many who do believe these things, erroneously. – HodofHod Sep 28 '11 at 15:46
In addition to the above comments, I think it is important to point out that the Bible is not a book of history - it is a book of morality. Any story presented therein is intended not to relate that which was, but to teach a lesson on what should be. Some of the stories of cruelty (not in the list you mentioned) are there to teach what NOT to do. – AviD Oct 1 '11 at 19:25

closed as not constructive by Ariel K, Tal Fishman, Isaac Moses Sep 28 '11 at 14:47

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote

Abraham and Sara set an example how to take care of guests. Jews are required to tithe their earnings to help the poor. Moses did all he could to help the Jews get out of Egypt, and to save them when they sinned. The Torah is not fiction, it is true facts. Yes there were times that Jews killed, however it was their enemies that they killed. The Torah commands us that if someone tries to kill us, we should kill them first, and most of the examples that you bring are of people that fit this command. In addition these accounts are to remind us that God stands by our side if we do what is right, even if we are the minority.

share|improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.