There’s a tendency to discount the Bible because of odd verses in the Old Testament that don’t fit modern ideas. But one of the basic rules of understanding is that you have to look at the whole story, not just isolated parts. So, for example, the Moabites were considered the enemies of God, but then comes the story of Ruth, the Moabite, who became a heroine and the grandmother of King David. Likewise, the people of Uz were said to be evil. But then comes the story of Job, from Uz, ‘the most righteous man on earth.’ God’s people were supposed to hate Samaritans, but Jesus told a story about a Good Samaritan whose goodness put everyone else to shame.
The message is clear, the story may start with prejudice and animosity; but the Spirit of Jesus moves us to openness, welcome, and acceptance.