Monday, November 25, 2024
“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:…” (Psalm 124:2,3 KJV).
Where is true victory for Israel?
Exactly as God promised, constant pagan idolatry (violating the Law of Moses) caused Israel military losses to invading Gentile armies: “And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you…. and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies” (Leviticus 26:17,37). “And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 8:19,20). “The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth” (Deuteronomy 28:25).
Instead of turning to JEHOVAH God in faith and obedience, idolatrous Israel simply sought help in men—Gentile military allies. King Ahaz sent treasure to Assyria for support, but Ahaz was sorely disappointed when no aid came (see 2 Chronicles 28:1-25). Israel also asked Egypt for military assistance—to no avail (Isaiah 30:1-7; Jeremiah 37:1-10)! “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity. Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together” (Isaiah 31:1-3).
Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….
333 Words of Grace 