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Let’s clarify a couple passages of Scripture. These have been misinterpreted for a while and I’d like to share why I disagree with some of those conclusions.
Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127: 3-5
Children are a blessing, but using this passage to support why we should have as many as possible is irresponsibly applying the Word. In this passage, children are a blessing in terms of military protection; weapons to defend your land/family/self.
Then Judah said to Onan, “Lie with your brother’s wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to produce offspring for your brother.” But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he lay with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so he put him to death also.
Genesis 38: 8-10
This isn’t a passage about birth control, refusing to have children, or masturbation. This is a passage about Onan rebelling against God by disobeying Levitical law telling him that he was to marry his dead brother’s wife and give her children. Period.
