Violent Deaths in the Bible

Book excerpt: Irreverent and profane content litters the pages of Scripture. Stories of stabbing, beheading, dismemberment, defenestration, trampling, burning, and mauling are commonplace. The violence of the Bible can’t be ignored. It can’t be swept under the rug. But every violent story adorning the pages of Scripture is there for a reason. Each shocking tale of judgment and redemption teaches us something about the nature of God and humans. If we’re willing to go where our Sunday school picture Bibles refuse to go, we might be rewarded. The R-rated stuff might prove instructive. Violent Deaths in the Bible promises to offend and disrupt, even as it guides us to the most meaningful death of all—the death of Jesus on the cross.