ElendilPeredhil said:
and if you know the story, lol, then you probably know the next bit, the incest in the cave stuff?
They were corrupted by the society they lived in. This kind of thing was common for people who lived in Canaan, and because they were exposed to people who thought this was acceptable, they're judgement was lapsed.
Just like what we find acceptable and taboo is largely determined by our society. There are somethings we would do that NOONE else in the world would do and some things we find disgusting that others do.
It doesnt excuse the behaviour... but that's why.
ElendilPeredhil said:
Anyway, my point is, WHAT KIND OF GOD APPROVES OF THIS FAMILY??
The smart kind
The whole point is that we are not able to live up to the standards of God. We all make bad choices and we are all corrupted. If it were up to us to "earn" God's love, he would never approve us! He would distance himself as far as possible from us. ALL of us!
Even though these people made choices that really werent good, they were made trying to glorify God. As you can see they didnt do it in a good way. BUT God is able to use these poor decisions to his glory anyway.
He showed his justice when he killed those people who raped the girls, and also that he is true to his word (because he told Abraham he would destroy the city if 10 righteous people were not found within its walls).
The Jewish people did not associate with the decendants of the incest, the Moabites and Ammonites. These two nations ended up following the gods of other nations. BUT there were still some people from these nations who worshiped God.
Anyway, my point is that no poor decisions can seperate God's people from himself because he can use our weaknesses to show His strength. In answer to your question: A God who does not require his people to be good enough for him, but to glorify him however they can.
ElendilPeredhil said:
There isn't much love and forgiveness in the Old Testament, its all bloodshed and genocide at God's word. So what happened to God between the old and new testament- he's like some kind of Jekyle and Hyde character, switching personalities in the books.
Ha. Hardly. Nothing happened.
There is a cycle throughout the Old Testament.
1. God's people follow Him
2. God's people worship things that arent God
3. God punishes his people for their sin
4. God's people repent
Repeat all steps.
God is a God of Justice and he is also a God of love. That's true in the Old Testament and it is true in the New.