Ah, that is where I was confused.
This just popped up. I dont believe in coincidence.
https://communities.win/c/Christianity/p/12i4DNFbHe/mark-of-the-beast/
Lol bundle of sticks. Thats funny
Re demons... I think people can be possessed, absolutely. Do you have to be possessed to sacrifice to idols? I don't know. I think people are capable of unimaginable evil all by their little selves. Could go either way. Are idols demonic? Could be. Guess it depends on the specific circumstances, intent, (artist? Lol)... As in, how far are you committed to turning completely away from God? Barbecuing with another entity or altering your physique to resemble evil beings seems pretty far, but lesser things we devote ourselves to over God is a sin too.
If Solomon teaches us anything, its pretty clear that having a spouse devoted to the same God you serve is life alteringly important.
Interesting perspective. Also, well done you on the orgo. Everyone's least favorite subject in pre-med... but one of my best summers ever. I still talk to my prof on LinkedIn 15 years later lol. They do make all the difference. Shame about the genetics tho. The field is booming. But I picked it back up in a postdoc sales job, so there are ins everywhere if you still like it.
Israelites did defy God, correct. They're constantly compared to an adulterous spouse. In like every book they screw up. But if you're under a covenant, you have to hold up your end, for better or worse, til death do us part, yeah? No other nation was tied to God in the spiritually intimate extent, so they can't be held to the same standard. Can be faulted for not keeping vows to a spouse you're not even married to, right?
Re: Moses, Pharoah, put to the sword, lie: wouldn't the passover story be considered pretty uh swordy? First born of all the Egyptians seems pretty deadly to me.
Anyway, regarding Solomon: isn't demonology attributed to him via extra-Biblical texts? As is true of the NT writings, many were named after famous dudes to lend credence to the work, where it was less likely to have been noticed without a famous author (a la unabomer lite lol). I don't really put stock in pseudipigripha when the canon is already a ton to study and know well (and Lord knows apply).
Blood sacrifice was formally instituted by God in Exodus, but even in Genesis Abel provides a blood sacrifice that God preferred over Cains veggie snacks. My eyes glaze over at the sheer details God gave Moses on the construction and interior decor of the tabernacle to have it fit for His Spirit to rest there... took 40 days!
Point is, the Third Temple is normal for Orthodox Jews who don't accept (or are even forbidden from learning about... Isaiah 43 isn't even taught. Makes it pretty obvious) Jesus as Messiah. They still operate that the old religious ways are still valid, in that the Abrahamic covenant and Mosaic laws and Phariseeism are their prescribed way to get right with God. So if the old ways said sacrifice unblemished heifers for the sin of the nation, you need to do it. But first, you need a nation. Check (1948). You need unblemished heifers (breeding been going on for decades now, check-ish). You need an ark (check-ish, debatable but believable). And you need a Template (or at least a tabernacle, but they got money, why not splurge lol).
Point is, you don't have to believe in cabals, and demons, and child sacrifice conspiracies (true, false, indifferent) to recognize that the basic devout Israeli operating in a Jesus void would always end up building a temple because he thinks that's what God actually wants. I think there are some Jews who do want to get right with God (our souls all desire it at some level) and this is how they were raised to do it. Doesn't make it correct, but it is understandable in the correct context. And its sad. Imagine missing the boat on your own Messiah. God willing it is time for their eyes to be opened soon.
Interesting! Will have to try it. Cheers