Hi Eric,
I glad that you have decided to post
You have brought out some very interesting observations, from the scripture.
I think you are right, there is more to it than just looking at the law 'thy shall not kill,'
and then to say He changed, because He commanded Israel to wipe out the pagans of the land.
It is not that simple, God is not that easy to figure out.
As there have been many perspectives and explanations on this one topic, it just goes to show that the scripture have many layers of understanding and many applications.
I think all that has been said here is good in building up our knowledge and understanding.
But we will not have understanding of a lot of things, in this life.
There is a lot of
mystery about God, that we just can not understand everything about Him,
but there is much being revealed also.
Rom 16:25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
1Co 2:7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
Eph 1:9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
Eph 3:3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
Eph 3:4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,
Eph 3:5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
Eph 3:9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,
Col 1:26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
Col 2:2 that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of the understanding, to the full knowledge of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Col 4:3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison--
Rev 10:7 but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.
I think you get my point, there is a lot of mystery to God,
we must pray for God to open our understanding
mercy, peace, and love
Kat