Levite's Concubine – Benjamite War

[markc]

My new article this week. Serious Warning: Viewer Discretion Advised.

https://open.substack.com/pub/chumark54 ... Share=true

It's a way longer piece than Lot's story. Though it's again from the Bible, the holy book, this is more graphic and brutal; way more.

Thanks.

[huckelberry]

Markc, Do you think the abuse you suffered was influenced by the Bible or perhaps a result of things in the human race much more widely spread? One can find nasty action in human history in quite a few places.

Starting with Judges it is clear I think (and archeology agrees) that there was a long process of different people being brought politically together not a unity breaking up. I do not know a way to determine how much of this tale is real events and how much folk tale. It seems to reflect serious political instability. Of course it is not a holy story or a moral lesson.

[Kishkumen]

My new article this week. Serious Warning: Viewer Discretion Advised.
https://open.substack.com/pub/chumark54 ... Share=true

It's a way longer piece than Lot's story. Though it's again from the Bible, the holy book, this is more graphic and brutal; way more.

Thanks.

Good entry. You are right to point out the brutality in an unvarnished way.

[markc]

Markc, Do you think the abuse you suffered was influenced by the Bible or perhaps a result of things in the human race much more widely spread? One can find nasty action in human history in quite a few places.

I believe all humans are capable of evil and kindness, but when to do what varies a lot. I think that's why both are widely spread. Hope I'm making sense.

Starting with Judges it is clear I think (and archeology agrees) that there was a long process of different people being brought politically together not a unity breaking up. I do not know a way to determine how much of this tale is real events and how much folk tale. It seems to reflect serious political instability. Of course it is not a holy story or a moral lesson.

In Chinese history, we have a saying: "Separation eventually will be united; Unity eventually will be separated" or words to that effect. This is describing the cycle of a Chinese dynasty being broken down, fighting and chaos, and then being replaced by another dynasty. I think the time of Judges was a time of separation, then finally David united the kingdom before it broke in half again.

[markc]

Good entry. You are right to point out the brutality in an unvarnished way.

Thanks, appreciate the kind words.

[huckelberry]

Markc, Do you think the abuse you suffered was influenced by the Bible or perhaps a result of things in the human race much more widely spread? One can find nasty action in human history in quite a few places.

I believe all humans are capable of evil and kindness, but when to do what varies a lot. I think that's why both are widely spread. Hope I'm making sense.

Starting with Judges it is clear I think (and archeology agrees) that there was a long process of different people being brought politically together not a unity breaking up. I do not know a way to determine how much of this tale is real events and how much folk tale. It seems to reflect serious political instability. Of course it is not a holy story or a moral lesson.

In Chinese history, we have a saying: "Separation eventually will be united; Unity eventually will be separated" or words to that effect. This is describing the cycle of a Chinese dynasty being broken down, fighting and chaos, and then being replaced by another dynasty. I think the time of Judges was a time of separation, then finally David united the kingdom before it broke in half again.

Markc, My knowledge of Chinese history is limited or simplified. I am aware of big swings between order and the breakdown of order. Your phrase fits. It would fit history in other places, perhaps Europe as well, though here in the west that story template is not as popular as the collapse of an old civilization to start anew or perhaps onward journey of progress. People might read the Old Testament with these lenses. Your Chinese template might fit better.

I think the Benjamin story is so over the top I can only think of it as saying, "See how totally messed up things were at that time?" My study Bible notes propose pro-"power of kings" editing by those reformers associated with Josiah.

[markc]

I am aware of big swings between order and the breakdown of order.

You said it better; more straightforward and precise. English is not my first language after all. Appreciate it.