The Skeptics Annotated Bible (368 page)

25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obed-edom with joy.

26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.

28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

29 And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

16
So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

3 And
he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman
, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and
a flagon of wine.

(16.3) “He dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman … a flagon of wine.” David gave every man and woman in Israel a large bottle of wine.
71 Is it OK to drink alcohol?

4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:

5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.

7 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

14
He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

(16.14)
“He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.”
161 Who is the Lord of the earth?

15
Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations
;

16 Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;

17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for
an everlasting covenant
,

(16.15-17)
“Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations … an everlasting covenant.”
56 Are the laws of the Old Testament still binding?

18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;

19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.

20 And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;

21 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.

24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

25 For great is
the LORD
, and greatly to be praised: he also
is to be feared above all gods.

(16.25) “The Lord … is to be feared above all gods.”
9 How many gods are there?
132 Should we fear God?

26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

30 Fear before him, all
the earth
: the world also
shall be stable, that it be not moved.

(16.30) “The earth … shall be stable, that it be not moved.” It doesn’t spin on its axis or travel about the sun.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and
let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.

(16.31)
“Let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
”
161 Who is the Lord of the earth?

32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.

33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good;
for his mercy endureth for ever.

(16.34) “For his mercy endures forever.” Why then is the Bible so full of cruelties that he committed or commanded?
120 Is God merciful?