Quote:
Originally Posted by mizpeh
Is modern
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mizpeh
Israel living within the borders set by God through Joshua? IOW is modern Israel a smaller country landwise than the boundaries given it by Joshua?
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That might take us quickly off topic- and it's my fault. I brought it up.
And yes, they are smaller. There is, however, a very complex debate among Israelis and Jews in general about where to draw their line in the sand, as it were. Some say Joshua's "river of Egypt" is the Nile. They hold that the "promised land" goes from the Euphrates to the Nile, expanding greatly upon the extent of territory held by David and Solomon.
Others say that the modern state should not exceed the boundaries of the 1948 UN mandate. They will still argue about "God's displeasure" in spite of the fact that they are not talking about the same real estate as God was through Moses and Joshua. Everybody else falls somewhere in between.
Wikipedia has some good info and links. Of course you should take controversial topics discussed on wikipedia with a lot of discernment. The articles on
Zionism and
Aliyah and the section under Political Zionism on
this page covers what I've been saying- and offer a variety of view points.
My point in mentioning that was just to show that the ancient practices and concerns of the Bible are still active and relevant today. On the topic of men or warriors wearing long hair - this was an important thing in Israel and distinguished the holy warrior from "civilians." This practice was repeated right up to the Confederacy in the U.S.
As an Israelite warrior you had to follow the vow of the Nazarite and God's instructions on making holy war. This meant that the warrior, in addition to not cutting his hair, had to abstain from all sexual relations, not collect plunder or booty, not drink wine and so remain sober at all times and not fight for land outside of Israel's inheritance.
That's why God (and even Joab!) was displeased with David numbering the people. In ancient Israel you numbered the people for 2 reasons, 1) Taxation and 2) War. The context emphasizes over and again that David had no reason at that time to go to war, yet he prepared to do so anyway. That was why God punished him and the people. Some in Israel are fearful of the same punishment today - even though they are nowhere near the boundaries set in the books of Numbers and Joshua.
But this was about long hair on men - and ancient warriors up until the Roman example almost always grew their locks. My quibble with an earlier poster was just about that issue, but the whole field of discussion is fascinating for me, everything from their boot latches to their dreadlocks (or whatever head gear and foot wear was in question).
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