Trigger warning: discussion of Assyriana torture methods.
And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.
Curious.
First and LESS importantly, is this G-d’s response to free will, or G-d’s sovereignty, or some mixture of the two?
You should be able tell how much overall value I place on overworn debates regarding Calvinism VS. Arminianism based on that question alone.
Secondly, and MUCH more importantly,
What does this say about how he deals with nations?
Read this and consider it also in light of Jonah’s prophecy of destruction of Nineveh, which included no message of “if you repent, he will spare you”. It was just straight wrath and destruction “yet 40 days and Nineveh will be overturned”.
In response to Jonah’s merciless message, the Ninevites repented and, to Jonah, God did something unexpected.
He showed mercy to a tribe that flayed and impaled its flayed victims. Only read that link if you have strong stomach, gang.
Also, on a smaller note, is Abram’s action in 15:11 of driving away the birds of prey an analogy of “judgment will come to the carcass of nations, but not yet”?
There are plenty of thoughts to consider in this text.
Look forward to your responses.