Guys,
Is everyone so "biased" as to not even try and give the benefit of the doubt? The command came from a man. Also what a stretch to imply rape was the obvious result of keeping these women. They were no doubt honorably assimilated into Israelit culture and families. I'm not saying I like it, but that's what took place. God after all only has so much control- as is obvios by the innumerable times "his people" didn't do what he wanted or what was right. Don't fault the history book if history isn't all cleaned up first. Also, is it not the height of arrogance to presume to know more than God. If God spoke to me and asked me to do something odd (being a modern opinionated person) I would probably ask him why, but if he said to do it (schizo being ruled out) I'd do it! But that's the only way I'd do it. If some man told me that God told him to tell me- screw you- get the picture. Those were unique times, literal physical manifestations of God's presence were visible to all, miracles happened on a national level for all to see (deliverance from Egypt, pillar of fire, manna, clothes not wearing out, no diseaseetc). Does not have the right to make a "call" and have it done? Again I'm not saying that this gives "religion" the green light to tell us what to do. But genocide? Man with all his limitations does no less in extreme circumstances ie. hunting down terrorists. I think some people just can't stand that God CAN actually make a judgement call and not have to answer to anybody for it(although he usually does).
Be good little humans, and we've got nothing toworry about!
U/D