1859. This is the year the Theory of Spontaneous Generation died and was reincarnated as the Theory of Evolution.
Maggots appeared on decaying meat. Mice came where there were grains. Fleas appeared in mattresses. The Theory of Spontaneous Generation was used to explain how these living things arose spontaneously from non-living matter. This may sound stupid to us but it was believed to be true. Even the microscope, which was already invented, proved that was true because under the microscope, you could see more and more small little creatures popping up on dead meat as the days went by, but you could not see where they came from. They got to be appearing spontaneously from the rotting meat, right?
In 1859, Louis Pasteur conducted an experiment to prove that life forms does not arise spontaneously. "To prove himself correct, Pasteur exposed boiled broths to air in swan-neck flask that contained a filter to prevent all particles from passing through to the growth medium, and even in flasks with no filter at all, with air being admitted via a long tortuous tube that would not allow dust particles to pass. Nothing grew in the broths unless the flasks were broken open, showing that the living organisms that grew in such broths came from outside, as spores on dust, rather than spontaneously generated within the broth. This was one of the last and most important experiments disproving the theory of spontaneous generation for which Pasteur won the Alhumbert Prize in 1862. (from Wikipedia)".
Life begat life. The Theory of Spontaneous Generation died. But in the same year Darwin published his Theory of Evolution. While life begat life and evolved into multiple species, the ultimate original microbe had to arise spontaneously.
In another word, it is the Theory of Spontaneous Generation again, but pushed back into time, and with a new term, abiogenesis. Proving abiogenesis is more difficult, if not impossible, having to conduct scientific experiment in supposedly primeval conditions. And when the experiment failed, you can just blame the primeval conditions. Maybe the primeval conditions are not right.
We are now waiting for a new Louis Pasteur to conduct another experiment to prove again that only life can begat life, even in primeval conditions. A Nobel Prize may be waiting. Any takers?
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
God' Revealed Will
God's will is revealed in His Word, the Bible.
It is God's will that God's revealed will be done on earth.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10 KJV)
It is God who willed your creation and your ongoing existence.
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:11 ESV)
God willed our eternal salvation. God wishes the conversion of every man. He willed Christ's sacrifice on the cross to rescue us from this evil age (Galatians 1:4; Acts 2:23; 4:28). In an even more specific sense, He willed our regeneration (John 1:13; James 1:18). He willed our adoption as sons (Ephesians 1:5). Christ willed to reveal the Father to you (Matthew 11:27). And it is the Father’s will that Christ keep us and not lose any who have come to Him (John 6:39-40).
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:39-40 KJV)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 NASB)
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18 KJV)
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14 KJV)
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV)
This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. (Acts 2:23 NIV)
But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. (Acts 4:28 NLT)
God willed to give you a spiritual gift according to that which He wanted for you and according to how He wanted you to serve in the body of Christ.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11 NASB)
God wills that we conduct ourselves honorably and submissively even in a pagan world.
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (1 Peter 2:12-15 ESV)
God wills a certain kind of behaviour for men in His church: that they model His concern for mankind by praying always, everywhere, for everyone (1 Timothy 2:1-8).
God wills a certain kind of behavior for women in His church: that they be modest, appropriate, and reserved (submissive), and that younger widows remarry and have children (1 Timothy 2:9-12; 5:14).
Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. (1 Timothy 2:9-12 NASB)
So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. (1 Timothy 5:14 ESV)
God wills that sometimes we suffer for doing right (1 Peter 3:17; 4:2, 19).
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. (1 Peter 3:17 KJV)
Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2 NASB)
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:19 ESV)
God wills that you live a sexually pure life.
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 KJV)
God wills that you live a thankful life.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
It is God's will that God's revealed will be done on earth.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10 KJV)
It is God who willed your creation and your ongoing existence.
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:11 ESV)
God willed our eternal salvation. God wishes the conversion of every man. He willed Christ's sacrifice on the cross to rescue us from this evil age (Galatians 1:4; Acts 2:23; 4:28). In an even more specific sense, He willed our regeneration (John 1:13; James 1:18). He willed our adoption as sons (Ephesians 1:5). Christ willed to reveal the Father to you (Matthew 11:27). And it is the Father’s will that Christ keep us and not lose any who have come to Him (John 6:39-40).
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:39-40 KJV)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 NASB)
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18 KJV)
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14 KJV)
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4 KJV)
This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. (Acts 2:23 NIV)
But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. (Acts 4:28 NLT)
God willed to give you a spiritual gift according to that which He wanted for you and according to how He wanted you to serve in the body of Christ.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11 NASB)
God wills that we conduct ourselves honorably and submissively even in a pagan world.
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (1 Peter 2:12-15 ESV)
God wills a certain kind of behaviour for men in His church: that they model His concern for mankind by praying always, everywhere, for everyone (1 Timothy 2:1-8).
God wills a certain kind of behavior for women in His church: that they be modest, appropriate, and reserved (submissive), and that younger widows remarry and have children (1 Timothy 2:9-12; 5:14).
Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, claim to godliness. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. (1 Timothy 2:9-12 NASB)
So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. (1 Timothy 5:14 ESV)
God wills that sometimes we suffer for doing right (1 Peter 3:17; 4:2, 19).
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. (1 Peter 3:17 KJV)
Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2 NASB)
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:19 ESV)
God wills that you live a sexually pure life.
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 KJV)
God wills that you live a thankful life.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Knowing God's Will (Another Post)
I had posted on Knowing God's Will on 29th April 2009. Now I am posting on the same subject again after five years. The conclusion is still the same even if the words to present the idea is different.
But actually, knowing God's will means that you study His Word and keep close to Him. Then when the time comes, He will tell you what to do.
The first principle is to live by the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Being familiar with the word of God is very important in our decision making. (Three principles of effective decision making in "Man in the Mirror" by Patrick Morley)
I think the best guarantee that God will lead you tomorrow is that you obey Him today. (Dr Jason Lim)
Finding God's will is not so much making decisions about future options as being the right person. (Dr Tim Berrey)
- The key to knowing God's individual will is to know God.
- The key to knowing God is to do His revealed will.
- To do His revealed will, one must know His Word.
But actually, knowing God's will means that you study His Word and keep close to Him. Then when the time comes, He will tell you what to do.
The first principle is to live by the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Being familiar with the word of God is very important in our decision making. (Three principles of effective decision making in "Man in the Mirror" by Patrick Morley)
I think the best guarantee that God will lead you tomorrow is that you obey Him today. (Dr Jason Lim)
Finding God's will is not so much making decisions about future options as being the right person. (Dr Tim Berrey)
Sunday, December 21, 2014
The Secret to Knowing God's Will
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)
The following were taken from the transcript of a sermon preached by Pastor Jason Lim of Gospel Light Christian Church on 28 Oct 2012 "The Secret to Knowing God's Will":
I think the best guarantee that God will lead you tomorrow is that you obey Him today.
…
I learned this personally in my life. Saved at 18, never had any doubt I want to serve Christ for the rest of my life. But I never really knew where I was going to go. I wanted to serve Him. And I thought I will serve Him in some rural countries somewhere off. But I never really had enough time or I never really devoted myself to worrying about the future. All I did was to do what I had to do in my life. Studying in medicine, reading and training myself in the Scriptures and in the ministry. Actively fellowshipping, doing what God wants me to do. And right up to the last six months of my bond, I was not even thinking about exactly where I was going to go. And then as we obey God in the first step of our life, He leads us into the next step.
…
Maybe today, you’re a child, teenager, and you want to know God’s will for you. Let me say this, what God wants you to know today is His revealed will and that is this: Children, obey your parents. How is God going to lead me? Let me say this, you obey your parents. Because God is going to lead you through your parents. Children, honour your parents, value what they say to you. If some of us, we are impatient and we feel that we are the only one who hears from God. Maybe today you’re looking for a new job because financially you are tight. Let me say this to you, instead of worrying about the future like we’ve been talking about, focus on being a good worker. Focus on submitting to your superior. Focus on being gracious to your subordinates. Focus on not being a "I" service worker, man-pleaser, but working with diligent and dignity and integrity. And God leads you in your next step. When there are needs around you, you don’t have to sit around and wait. Is this God’s will for me to serve the poor, reach the unsaved and encourage my brethrens. You don’t have to sit around waiting for these things. It’s the mind of Christ. What would Jesus do? Now, there are times when we really know not better, then you’ve got to pray. You’ve got to pray, God give me wisdom. James 1:5. But it’s always through the renewed mind. That’s how it works.
…
God is not just here to give us information, but to effect transformation.
…
But a good teacher, a good teacher doesn’t give all the right answers to the students. That’s not his job. A good teacher doesn’t give all the right answers. A good teacher coaches the person to develop and to discover the right answers. Would you want to ace your exams and fail in life?
...
Knowing God’s will, we also think it’s about formula. Step 1, step 2, step 3… and we think that God is some heavenly vending machine that you press some buttons and He must give you an answer. No, seeking God’s will is more than a formula. It’s about a relationship and intimacy, a fellowship with God that His Word will come into your life and by the Holy Spirit, He transforms your mind to apply those truths. I suggest to you, that the secret to knowing God’s will is having the mind of Christ and one of the key there is to realise knowing God’s will, the key to knowing God’s will is not knowing God’s will but knowing God. I suggest to you, that the secret to knowing God’s will is having the mind of Christ and one of the key there is to realise knowing God’s will, the key to knowing God’s will is not knowing God’s will but knowing God.
…
And lastly can I say to you, when you know that the secret of knowing God’s will is found in the mind of Christ, it leads you to live a life of active obedience and not passive waiting. It’s exciting! I can live in active obedience today and not be anxious or worry about the future tomorrow.
The following were taken from the transcript of a sermon preached by Pastor Jason Lim of Gospel Light Christian Church on 28 Oct 2012 "The Secret to Knowing God's Will":
I think the best guarantee that God will lead you tomorrow is that you obey Him today.
…
I learned this personally in my life. Saved at 18, never had any doubt I want to serve Christ for the rest of my life. But I never really knew where I was going to go. I wanted to serve Him. And I thought I will serve Him in some rural countries somewhere off. But I never really had enough time or I never really devoted myself to worrying about the future. All I did was to do what I had to do in my life. Studying in medicine, reading and training myself in the Scriptures and in the ministry. Actively fellowshipping, doing what God wants me to do. And right up to the last six months of my bond, I was not even thinking about exactly where I was going to go. And then as we obey God in the first step of our life, He leads us into the next step.
…
Maybe today, you’re a child, teenager, and you want to know God’s will for you. Let me say this, what God wants you to know today is His revealed will and that is this: Children, obey your parents. How is God going to lead me? Let me say this, you obey your parents. Because God is going to lead you through your parents. Children, honour your parents, value what they say to you. If some of us, we are impatient and we feel that we are the only one who hears from God. Maybe today you’re looking for a new job because financially you are tight. Let me say this to you, instead of worrying about the future like we’ve been talking about, focus on being a good worker. Focus on submitting to your superior. Focus on being gracious to your subordinates. Focus on not being a "I" service worker, man-pleaser, but working with diligent and dignity and integrity. And God leads you in your next step. When there are needs around you, you don’t have to sit around and wait. Is this God’s will for me to serve the poor, reach the unsaved and encourage my brethrens. You don’t have to sit around waiting for these things. It’s the mind of Christ. What would Jesus do? Now, there are times when we really know not better, then you’ve got to pray. You’ve got to pray, God give me wisdom. James 1:5. But it’s always through the renewed mind. That’s how it works.
…
God is not just here to give us information, but to effect transformation.
…
But a good teacher, a good teacher doesn’t give all the right answers to the students. That’s not his job. A good teacher doesn’t give all the right answers. A good teacher coaches the person to develop and to discover the right answers. Would you want to ace your exams and fail in life?
...
Knowing God’s will, we also think it’s about formula. Step 1, step 2, step 3… and we think that God is some heavenly vending machine that you press some buttons and He must give you an answer. No, seeking God’s will is more than a formula. It’s about a relationship and intimacy, a fellowship with God that His Word will come into your life and by the Holy Spirit, He transforms your mind to apply those truths. I suggest to you, that the secret to knowing God’s will is having the mind of Christ and one of the key there is to realise knowing God’s will, the key to knowing God’s will is not knowing God’s will but knowing God. I suggest to you, that the secret to knowing God’s will is having the mind of Christ and one of the key there is to realise knowing God’s will, the key to knowing God’s will is not knowing God’s will but knowing God.
…
And lastly can I say to you, when you know that the secret of knowing God’s will is found in the mind of Christ, it leads you to live a life of active obedience and not passive waiting. It’s exciting! I can live in active obedience today and not be anxious or worry about the future tomorrow.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Key Characteristics of God's Will
So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is - what is good and pleasing and mature. (Romans 12:1-2 CEB)
Intrinsically Good (agathon ἀγαθὸν)
There is things which we think is good for us, but is not good. But God's will is intrinsically good. It is good because it is His will and it is good for us.
Well-pleasing (euareston εὐάρεστον)
God's will is acceptable and well-pleasing to God.
Perfect (teleion τέλειον)
This word is also found in James 1:25. God's will is perfect, or perfectly suited to accomplish or attain the goal or purpose of God.
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Intrinsically Good (agathon ἀγαθὸν)
There is things which we think is good for us, but is not good. But God's will is intrinsically good. It is good because it is His will and it is good for us.
Well-pleasing (euareston εὐάρεστον)
God's will is acceptable and well-pleasing to God.
Perfect (teleion τέλειον)
This word is also found in James 1:25. God's will is perfect, or perfectly suited to accomplish or attain the goal or purpose of God.
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Being The Right Person
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 NASB)
Finding God's will is not so much making decisions about future options as being the right person. (Dr Tim Berrey)
The right person has:
1. A bodily sacrifice;
2. A non-conformist stance;
3. A transformed mind.
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Finding God's will is not so much making decisions about future options as being the right person. (Dr Tim Berrey)
The right person has:
1. A bodily sacrifice;
2. A non-conformist stance;
3. A transformed mind.
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
How To Know God's Will
There are two steps to knowing God's will.
First be the Right Person
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, (Romans 12:1-2a KJV)
Then can know God's Will
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2b KJV)
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
First be the Right Person
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, (Romans 12:1-2a KJV)
Then can know God's Will
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2b KJV)
Summarized from messages by Dr Tim Berrey at JSM Family Camp 2014.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
No Obligation
The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV)
It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. (Proverbs 25:2 ESV)
Samuel
The Lord said to Samuel, "How long are you going to grieve over Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have found my next king among his sons."
"How can I do that?" Samuel asked. "When Saul hears of it he’ll kill me!"
"Take a heifer with you," the Lord replied, "and say, 'I have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will make clear to you what you should do. You will anoint for me the person I point out to you." (1 Samuel 16:1-3 CEB)
God had no obligation to tell Saul Samuel's purpose in visiting Jesse of Bethlehem.
It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. (Proverbs 25:2 ESV)
Samuel
The Lord said to Samuel, "How long are you going to grieve over Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have found my next king among his sons."
"How can I do that?" Samuel asked. "When Saul hears of it he’ll kill me!"
"Take a heifer with you," the Lord replied, "and say, 'I have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will make clear to you what you should do. You will anoint for me the person I point out to you." (1 Samuel 16:1-3 CEB)
God had no obligation to tell Saul Samuel's purpose in visiting Jesse of Bethlehem.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Deception In War
Moses
And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, 'The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.' (Exodus 3:18 ESV)
And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, "Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!" (Exodus 12:30-32 ESV)
Joshua
The Lord said to Joshua, "Don’t be afraid or terrified. Take the entire army with you. Start to go up to Ai. Look! I have given the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land into your power. Do to Ai and its king what you did to Jericho and its king. But you may take its booty and cattle as plunder. Set your ambush behind the city." (Joshua 8:1-2 CEB)
And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness. (Joshua 8:15 KJV)
Joshua and all Israel let themselves be driven back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness. (Joshua 8:15 NIV)
And Joshua and all Israel pretended to be beaten before them and fled in the direction of the wilderness. (Joshua 8:15 ESV)
Then Joshua and all Israel let themselves be beaten before them. They fled in the direction of the desert. (Joshua 8:15 CEB)
Just as plunder and killing, deception is allowed in war.
Alternate view:
The request to be allowed to make a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to God was sincere. Why not? Could not the Lord test the king of Egypt first in the lesser thing before He presented him with the demand to release His people? (Exodus – Bible Student’s Commentary, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1982, page 57)
And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, 'The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.' (Exodus 3:18 ESV)
And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, "Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!" (Exodus 12:30-32 ESV)
Joshua
The Lord said to Joshua, "Don’t be afraid or terrified. Take the entire army with you. Start to go up to Ai. Look! I have given the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land into your power. Do to Ai and its king what you did to Jericho and its king. But you may take its booty and cattle as plunder. Set your ambush behind the city." (Joshua 8:1-2 CEB)
And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness. (Joshua 8:15 KJV)
Joshua and all Israel let themselves be driven back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness. (Joshua 8:15 NIV)
And Joshua and all Israel pretended to be beaten before them and fled in the direction of the wilderness. (Joshua 8:15 ESV)
Then Joshua and all Israel let themselves be beaten before them. They fled in the direction of the desert. (Joshua 8:15 CEB)
Just as plunder and killing, deception is allowed in war.
Alternate view:
The request to be allowed to make a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to God was sincere. Why not? Could not the Lord test the king of Egypt first in the lesser thing before He presented him with the demand to release His people? (Exodus – Bible Student’s Commentary, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1982, page 57)
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