Category: victory

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #13

Sunday, November 24, 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?

Concerning Israel’s military loss at Ai: “And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled [lied] also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you” (Joshua 7:10-13).

“And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it” (verses 20-22). Achan, his family, and his possessions were all destroyed (verses 23-26).

Like all heathen or Gentile cities, Jericho’s religious heritage went back to the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)—devil worship and sin. Hence, when Achan and his family (and, thus, national Israel) aligned themselves with the accursed thing (treasure from Jericho), Israel had no victory. Interestingly, one of the items Achan stole was a “Babylonish garment.” See the connection to Babel/Babylon! As long as Israel sins with false religion, she will not win….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #12

Saturday, November 23, 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?

Every Bible student is acquainted with Israel’s first victory in the land of Canaan—the fall of the city of Jericho, just west of the Jordan River, as chronicled in Joshua chapter 6. Basically, the LORD commanded Israel to go about defeating Jericho in a most unusual way. They were to walk around the city one time for six consecutive days, and on the seventh day walk seven times. Of course, this is absurd to the human mind, and so many needlessly struggle with it trying to figure it out. If we submit to the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit, however, it makes perfect sense to us. Mark it well, dear friends: there was no military merit or strength in walking, so Israel had no choice but to see it was really God’s power that broke down Jericho’s wall! Never could they boast about what they did, because the real might was in the LORD who commanded them to walk.

Yet, in chapter 7, when Israel reached the next Gentile city, Ai (much smaller than Jericho), the Israelites were defeated. Joshua was horrified and embarrassed! Eventually, the reason for the loss is revealed to them. “And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD” (Joshua 6:18,19). “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing [from Jericho]: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel” (Joshua 7:1).

In the day of Ai’s victory, Israel learned how to lose….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #11

Friday, November 22, 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?

Now that we have surveyed three-dozen references to the LORD fighting for Israel of old, how He secured for them a victory that they would have never achieved on their own, we turn our attention away from history and glance over at prophecy. After all, the various and sundry wars of time past were mere “dress rehearsals” (practices, drills, preparations) of a far more significant battle in the ages to come.

Zechariah 14:1-4 foretells something beyond our day: “Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled [robbed], and the women ravished [assaulted]; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.”

The Prophet Zechariah sees how, in the ages to come, the Antichrist and his political-military allies assemble for the purpose of annihilating Jerusalem. Such violence prompts the LORD Jesus Christ to leave Heaven and return to Earth (His Second Coming). Zechariah 14:3 again: “Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.” The expression “day of battle” loops back to all those historical references of JEHOVAH God engaged in warfare to save Israel over and over and over and over. Yet, before Israel can ultimately win, she will have to lose over and over and over and over….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #10

Thursday, November 21, 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?

Once, believing King Jehoshaphat of Judah foolishly aligned himself in battle with unbelieving King Ahab of Israel. Jehoshaphat found himself under attack from the Syrian troops! “And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him” (2 Chronicles 18:31).

After King Hezekiah of Judah noticed how King Sennacherib of Assyria threatened to conquer Jerusalem, Hezekiah encouraged his troops: “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah” (2 Chronicles 32:7,8).

“[Hezekiah prayed about Sennacherib] Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only…. [The LORD’S answer through Isaiah the Prophet] For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake. [The outcome of the historical narrative follows.] And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore [80] and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh” (2 Kings 19:19,34-36; cf. 2 Chronicles 32:20,21; cf. Isaiah 37:32-37). “[The LORD again talking to Hezekiah through Isaiah] And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city” (Isaiah 38:6).

Let us condense our comments thus far….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #9

Wednesday, November 20, 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?

“Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the LORD preserved [protected, guarded him in war] David whithersoever he went…. And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David’s servants. And the LORD preserved [protected, guarded] David whithersoever he went” (2 Samuel 8:6,14). “And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:…. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (2 Samuel 22:1,4).

“And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him” (2 Chronicles 18:31). “And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD…. And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s…. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you…. Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies…. And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel” (2 Chronicles 20:4,15,17,27,29).

There is still more….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #8

Tuesday, November 19, 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?

“And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited [embarrassed, defeated] them; and they were smitten before Israel” (1 Samuel 7:8-10).

“[Samuel speaking to Israel] And the LORD sent [judges, or military and political heroes, or deliverers] Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered [saved] you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe” (1 Samuel 12:11). “[Little David addressing giant Goliath] And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47).

“And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all” (1 Samuel 30:8). “And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand” (2 Samuel 5:19). “[The LORD talking to David] And I was with thee [as a protector, guardian] whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth” (2 Samuel 7:9).

There are still plenty more occasions where the LORD fights for Israel and secures her victory….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #7

Monday, November 18, 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?

“And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. And the LORD discomfited [embarrassed, distressed] Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet” (Judges 4:14,15). “So God subdued [conquered, defeated] on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel” (Judges 4:23). “Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel” (Judges 5:1-3).

“And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host” (Judges 7:14). “God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that” (Judges 8:3). “And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers” (Judges 8:7). “And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country…. So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands” (Judges 11:21,32).

There is even more….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #6

Sunday, November 17, 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?

“And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough [cut hamstring of] their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them. And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them,…” (Joshua 11:6-8).

“And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that hath fought for you…. One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you” (Joshua 23:3,10). “For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved [protected] us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God” (Joshua 24:17,18).

“And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him [Othniel], and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim” (Judges 3:10). “But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab…. And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand” (Judges 3:15,28).

Still, there is more….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #5

Saturday, November 16, 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?

“And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city [Jericho] after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city” (Joshua 6:15,16).

“Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel” (Joshua 10:12-14).

“And stay ye not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God hath delivered them into your hand” (verse 19). “And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight” (verse 25). “And the LORD delivered it [Libnah] also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel; and he smote it with the edge of the sword,…” (verse 30). “And the LORD delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel, which took it on the second day, and smote it with the edge of the sword,…” (verse 32). “And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel” (verse 42).

There is still more….

If Not For the LORD On Our Side #4

Friday, November 15, 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?

“And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:21,22).

Deuteronomy chapter 7: “[1] When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; [2] And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:…. [23] But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed. [24] And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under heaven: there shall no man be able to stand before thee, until thou have destroyed them.”

“When the LORD thy God shall cut off [destroy] the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land;…” (Deuteronomy 12:29). “When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you” (Deuteronomy 20:1-4).

There is still more….