Zeev...
While I am aware of the history of the inclusion of Job in Scripture, I think it is rightly included. I have found much learning and solace at times from the book, and view it as an important book about the sovereignty of God that answers the often asked question "why do good people suffer if God is a God of love and mercy?"
We differ on Job being sinless - I do not think that is what is intended. I believe Job was a good man in the sight of both man and God, and whose sins were forgiven him through his faith in God who declared him righteous, just as he did with Abraham, David and many others, including Enos, Noah, and Daniel.
The point of the book, though, is that when evil things befall good people, the perpetrator of the evil is Satan, but it is allowed (or not) by God - sometimes it could be for sins (like David), but that is certainly not necessarily so - it could be for testing of their faith or for some totally unrelated reason known only unto God as specifically in the case of Job. That principal is reiterated in the New Testament teachings of Jesus also (John 9:1-3). Thus I came to the conclusion that it is not necessarily correct to conclude that the Jews that died in the Holocaust, Pogroms, etc., suffered solely because of their sins anymore that the same could be inferred when a tornado strikes, killing many. I also believe from a number of passages that children under the age of reason (I assume 13 in Judaic thought) are covered by the Grace and Mercy of God and are not held accountable for their sins. That is just an inference though, and not a doctrine clearly taught.
God's dealings with Israel was somewhat different, though, and their enjoyment and possession of the land ultimately was dependent on their belief in God and obedience to His commands. Blessings came through obedience and curses came through rebellion. It will only be in the Day of the Lord when He regathers them and gives them a new heart that they will occupy the whole land as an everlasting possession, a common theme found in most of the prophets.
David, in Psalm 51:5 declares "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin my mother conceived me." and he agrees completely with the concept of original sin - we are all born with a sinful nature inherited through Adam (also Psalm 58:3). I think even the anecdotal evidence of your son indicates that you had to teach him discernment of right from wrong behavior - it was not innate. Who taught the small child to throw a tantrum, or to not share his toys with other kids? It is innate, and it is doing good that has to be learned. Some are much worse than others, of course, and some are much better - but none are born sinless.
As for Numbers 14:18, I confess I copied that of a google search to save time, and did not check which translation it was (I normally use the NASV, considered the most literal translation). It is a repeat of a passage in Exodus, and I still think that it refers to both the natural consequences of a father's sins, and an either genetic or learned proclivity for the sons to commit the same offenses. In the law, it is specifically prohibited to punish the sons for the sins of the fathers, so Numbers 14:18 cannot logically be construed as God punishing the sons for the sins of their fathers - God does not contradict Himself.
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