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Stories of rape, murder and violence.

Makes you wonder, what are they for?

Uzziah killed for trying to save the ark. (2 Samuel 6:6-8)

Nadab and Abihu burned alive for offering strange fire. (Leviticus 10:1-2)

Elisha calls bears to maim 42 children. (2 Kings 2:23-25)

God incites David to take a census and 70,000 die. (2 Samuel 24:1-17)

Don't forget Noah's drunkenness, (Genesis 9:20-25)

or the incest of Lot's daughters. (Genesis 19:30-36)

The rape of Dinah, (Genesis 34:1-31)

or the sacrifice of Jephtha's only child. (Judges 11:34-40)

What is the purpose of such stories?

What function do they serve?

Do you feel encouraged or edified?

or just compelled to ask, why?