For Deuteronomy 7:1-2 you must read before in Genesis 15:16 "But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the
Amorites is not yet full." You, of course, will need to read before it to get it in context.
This is God mentioning to Abraham (named Abram still though) that his seed, specifically Israel's seed, will go into bondage in Egypt and come out and
destroy the Amorites, and the rest of the Caananites, but only when they are deservedly sinful to be punished. This is the punishment, as their
iniquities deserve so it is inflicted.
Ezekiel 20:25-26 is taken out of context. If you read all the verses preceding it you will read that God had set them judgments that should execute
and live in but the Israelites refused it in favor of the neighboring religions. He gave them up into the heathen ways that they should be submerged
in them and face the total horrible reality that exists within and feel the brutal consequence of unjust and uncaring living.
Exodus 21:20-21 shows that one shouldn't beat his slave to a severe degree. You cannot always tell how much a man can withstand punishment and thus
one shouldn't punish aboundantly lest one mortally wound him. This is how I've intrepreted it. I've always seen the slaves as commonday workers and
this is how they lived and if one did that which was wrong he should punished accordingly. Take this as you will.
Leviticus 20:13 obviously talks about homosexuality. It shows not to partake in sex just for the sensual pleasures. Death is rather severe but shows a
message that conquest of the flesh shouldn't be sought after. Yes, this is possible with a woman but is harder because the man knows that it is
possible that a child could be had in consequence of this adventure, being before birth control.
Does it make this better if he goes after with only lust in mind? No, but God knows the heart and will sufficently punished in what ever way is
just.
For Levitius 20:10 I think I have summed up what it means in the previous question. But, marriage is also a sacred bond between two people to raise a
family and shouldn't be trampled under through sexual desire. Again, death is severe but it signifies the death between man and God that occurs
through such sinful behavior which is much worse.
Leviticus 20:9 teaches to honor one's parents. Be obedient and do not act evilly against them. I find the death to also be symbolic of the spiritual
death between God and man.
Exodus 35:2 shows for one to quit work for this temporal life and seek the eternal. Do not do evil but righteousness as God does. Seek Him.
Deuteronomy 22:20-21 again shows that one shouldn't seek sexual pleasure but God; the eternal and not that which is temporary.
Deuteronomy 20:10-17 I find the last section very spiritual and also explained in the first.
Now I doubt I have given you sufficent reason to fully validate these verses as good or holy but I do hope to leave you with the perception each verse
or set of verses do not necessarily contain malevolent explanations but can have spiritual or righteous ones.
Also, for my fellow Christians, do not disregard the Old Testament; for Jesus Himself said He came not to abolish but to fulfil. Does this mean to
exact as the Torah or the rest of the Old Testament may show or connote? No, but that God fulfils these necessary consequences for the evolution of
the soul.
Rather, have mercy and forgive men their actions against you and hope for mercy throughout that they may move on from iniquity into righteousness.
Pray for those who do evil that evil be not laid to their charge but that God forgive in His righteous Will and that they may turn to goodness.
I apologize for the long response but I feel it was required. If you have any response I welcome it.
Let us learn together.
God and His love be with you forever.
edit on 6-6-2011 by JeshurunAndronicus because: Wasn't completely finished but had to end posing before I
was done