ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a small part of the classic rabbinic debate that allows this interpretive erasure. It suggests that this outworking of the problem of textual violence allows possibilities for alternative understandings of the links between scripture and violent command, in which human ideas about peace become even more powerful and determinative than the apparent instructions given in the scriptural text itself. The chapter helps the reader to understand the power of scriptural violence, and begin with this case, the destruction of the condemned city. It also helps the reader to listen an ancient debate among scriptural interpreters about how to think about a difficult text where violence is divinely commanded—an idea that was troubling to the rabbis, and troubling and terrifying to us today. There are texts of violence, to be sure, but there are always dissenting voices arguing for peace. Thus, the transformation from violence to peace is shown to be possible, both textually and existentially.
