The strictness and seeming strangeness of some Old Testament laws, like the prohibition against mixing linen and wool, were primarily intended to reinforce Israel's covenant identity and demand total, radical separation from paganism.

David was forgiven not because his sin was minimized, but because his repentance was immediate, deep, and sincere. However, he still faced devastating, lifelong consequences for his actions.

God accepted animal sacrifices to provide temporary atonement for sin and to powerfully teach the principle that sin requires death, thus preparing people for the final sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Circumcision was the physical, identifying mark that God required to designate Abraham’s descendants as His chosen, separate people, set apart to receive the promises of the covenant.

The laws concerning "slavery" in the Old Testament were not an endorsement of barbaric chattel slavery, but highly regulated laws governing indentured servitude designed to protect the poor.