Every once in awhile the Scriptures are just shocking. Never more so than in Ps 79.1-5. Here Asaph (or a descendant of Asaph?) describes what Jerusalem looks like after it has been destroyed by the Assyrians (or Babylonians?). God's people lie dead in the streets in such great numbers and without any burial, that they are food for the buzzards of the air.
Notice that the protagonists here, the ones who do the killing, are a country that does not believe in God, indeed that is dismissive of the God of Israel.
So we have the picture of God's people slain, by pagans at God's will and plan! If that doesn't shock you, not much will, I'm afraid.
Imagine living through this experience. Do you think it would shape one's theology of God just a little? Imagine trying to explain this, theologically. Yes, it happened due to the sins of God's people, but still the result is shockingly unexpected.
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Been studying war a lot this year of course (it's called the "War College" for a reason) and the horror of what we are capable of doing to each other never ceases to amaze. We did a "staff ride" to Gettysburg and the guide pointed out the bodies were largely buried in shallow graves which did not last through the heavy rains, or relatives coming to the battlefield to find (and dig up) their loved ones. Evidently a horrible scene for months. I was struck though when starting to study Daniel again last week how the Lord is always working His will and His glory is evident in even the most miserable of human situations.
What did they have? 50,000 casualties in 3 days? The carnage must have been unbelievable. Amazing that God turns these things again and again to his own will and glory. It's also amazing that the Christians who are IN the most miserable of human situations seemingly end up with the most joy. I was listening to Matt Chandler talk about a visit to south Sudan and how much joy he found among the Christians there.
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