Sigh. Paul, You are right!
These are commands given to the Israelites at specific times and places for specific purposes. Absolutely correct!
But what specific purpose? This is what the bible says:
“Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.” 1 Samuel 15:3
Isn’t that a command for sheer violence?
For what specific purpose could anyone order the killing of camels and donkeys? cattle and sheep? and ….. Children and infants? what possible sins could an infant have committed that would justify his murder?
And if such verses in the bible ordering sheer violence can be justified by invoking “specific purpose” and “specific times” then in all fairness give the Muslims a chance to invoke “specific purpose” and specific times”. If you have read the Quran, does it specifically order the murder of infants and children, just as the bible seems to be doing in the verse quoted above?
I simply cannot imagine any specific purpose that would justify murdering infants. Your post suggests that you can.