Ethical Unity and Moral Failures in the Old Testament

ARTICLE GUIDE

At a Glance

The perceived moral disparity between the Old and New Testaments remains one of the most persistent hermeneutical challenges in biblical studies. Skeptics and some critical scholars cite ethically offensive traits and actions of Old Testament figures—ranging from Abraham’s deception and David’s adultery to Elisha’s curse and corporate executions—as evidence of an irreconcilable rupture within the canon.