1 Samuel 15:1-3,8,10-17,24-25; Romans 2:1-11; Matthew 5:21-26

When we choose a lectionary which digs deep into some of the less familiar texts, we are at risk of getting this text where Saul, is told by Samuel that the Dread God or Inscrutable God demands that he must kill the Amalekites—not just the military leaders but all the people, nursing babies, and livestock.

Clearly had Saul acted on the instructions from God through Samuel today, he’d be hauled up before the international court for war crimes.

And then God is angry with Saul when he doesn’t kill all the animals. 

Why is this in the Bible? 

Perhaps this Hebrew Bible passage helps us to place the words of Jesus in context.  In times of conflict, it is human nature to want to decimate the enemy. Certainly the idea that we are marching on to war with the cross of Jesus is not a new idea. 

Paul tells the Romans not to seek justice.

Jesus tells people to reconcile before they come to worship which is a long way away from an order to kill all the people. 

Three biblical texts.  Three different understandings of judgement.

Our call is to grapple with the Biblical texts considering our lives, the time in which they were written, and with other holy texts.  The Bible is a guide, a framework, a narrative, a gift to us from generations of people who have glimpsed God. 

Listen to these words from Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor from a speech given at an Evolving Faith Gathering.

https://evolvingfaith.com/podcast/season-3/special-barbara-brown-taylor