Laura,
Again, very apposite observation about not embracing the view of God as articulated by Job’s friends. Yes, I’d add that qualification, that the context confirms or affirms that “I’m God and I approved this message” in some form or fashion.
(Thinking about your observation about Job… it occurred to me just now that Job’s friends were essentially committing the “affirming the consequent” fallacy. If a then b; b, therefore a. Deuteronomy and Proverbs affirm “if sin, there will come suffering.” Eliphaz et al fallaciously reasoned “Suffering. Therefore, sin.”)
Also, Randy was asking some thoughts and I started a discussion about inerrancy and its relation to the “genocide apologist” question. Since you’ve clearly given it serious thought, I would very much appreciate your insight on that topic as we discuss it further, if you are so inclined.