Many times those people who want to present the God of the Bible in very negative light portray him as one who asks his people to ruthlessly kill and drive out other people. They would quote verses like Numbers 33:52, “you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land . . . “ In reality, the Hebrew word, yarash, is a missional word. It is the same word, which is used to describe the people possessing the land (Num. 33:53). They were not supposed to destroy or drive out the people, but rather missionally possess the people, so that they turn towards the God of the Bible- the one who loves, saves and recreates.
Thanks for coming to Bethlehem Covenant! I only caught your two Sunday talks, and am wondering if you can recommend for a book on Joseph. I write as well and have been working on a small meditation. After hearing you discuss the translation/interpretation issues, I am interested in deeper research into this particular story. Wishing you all the best, clf