>>> Again, what I'd really like to know is whether I'm correct to view the Old Testament as a book of parables, not to be taken literally.
No, you are not correct.
It really does not matter what 'proof' may be presented to you.
We, as humans' are NOT capable of 'generating/validating/accepting' our Faith.
It is a gift from GOD, given to us by His Holy Spirit, through his Word (commonly called the Bible) - not something that comes from our own understanding.
To GOD be ALL the Glory - none of it is my own doing.
◄ Jeremiah 13:23 ►
King James Bible
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good ...