of the offsetting issues directly from Old Testament materials that are puzzling to say the least: Uzzah reached out instinctively to save the Ark of the Covenant when stumbling oxen endangered the ark of God, but who was nevertheless struck dead for doing so (2 Sam. 6:6–9). Forty-two children were mauled by two bears for mocking the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 2:23–25).2 These, and more, are often given as evidence that the God of the Old Testament is rather heavy-handed, swift to judgment, and beyond