Judges chapter 13
Israel, after the many judges named at the end of the twelfth chapter, decided it would go after other gods again. Now it is the Philistines turn to rule over the Hebrew children. You can't help but wonder how disjointed the tribes of Israel are. They fight against one another, and then fight together against a common foe. One tribe will try to throw off their persecutors, then another tribe will not lend a hand until it looks like they are almost delivered. Many authors and scholars will talk about the burden that David and Solomon put on the other tribes in preparing and then building the temple. Many accuse their actions of causing the kingdom to split after Solomon's reign. While there may be some truth to that, it is also true that once the twelve tribes went into the land of Canaan, they were never really united until Saul reigned, and then David and Solomon. How can a people be united when they are serving other gods?
Back to this chapter. Forty years the Israelites are put under the rule of the Philistines. Now these are the people from the West, along the coast. History says they were decedents of what would eventually be the Greek people from Asia Minor. They were a seafaring people and that explains the fish like appearance of their god. God is longsuffering; and he allows us to continue in sin, but God's heart can be changed and he does not like to hear the continual lamentation of his people. God had a plan to deliver Israel, and he has a plan and a Gospel way to deliver us out of the bondage of sin.
We don't learn the name of Samson's mother, but what a God-fearing woman she must have been. It mentions Samson's father name; Manoah; but never mentions her name. The angel appears to her first, and her again the second time. We don't know her name, but we know her character, and that she was in some ways a forerunner of Mary, Jesus' mother. She was barren, like Sarah before her and Hannah after her. Also just like these two women, God had other plans for the patient souls. The angel tells her that she will not only bare a son, but will also bring him up in the vows of Nazarite found in Numbers the sixth chapter. Samson also is a forerunner for another great person, John the Baptist. John wasn't given the full Nazarite vow, at least in name, but there are similarities.
Manoah's wife is excited and tells her husband with enthusiasm what has transpired. What I like about this story is it appears that Manoah trusts his wife whole heartily and takes her for her word. Women were not always given the same respect as men; obvious in this case because we don't have her name; but Manoah trusted his wife. He is also excited because this helps their cause because it was a shame to not have any male heirs to the family. Little did they realize at this point that this bundle of joy would not only be Israel's deliverer, but do it in amazing deeds.
We soon learn of Manoah's character, too. After he gets the news, the first thing he does is pray to God. When something good happens in our lives, going to God in prayer is a fine habit to have. God hears and then answers his prayer. The angel shows up again, but he's not there, and his wife runs to give him the news of their guest. When all parties are finally together, the angel repeats the story to Manoah. Manoah wants to make a sacrifice, which is good, but the angel has to remind him that the sacrifice is for God, and that is who all the glory should go to. The same thing when Manoah asks the angels name, which I myself would have wanted to know, but the angel again deflects and says the glory goes to God. The angel goes up into the offering in dramatic fashion, leaving Manoah and his wife to bow in fear and trembling.
As the chapter ends, we get another glimpse of the wisdom of Manoah's wife. He insists that because they have seen such a great thing that now God will kill them. His wife on the other hand states the many reasons they wouldn't die now. God had made a vow with them, and for them to die now, (I don't blame Manaoh for being frightened, I would be too), would make that vow of none effect. The same goes with our lives as well. Christ made a commitment and sacrifice on the cross for our lives, why would he let us be defeated if we sought him with our whole hearts?
So Samson is born, and one of my favorite passages appears in the Bible, and 'Spirit of the Lord began to move him'. Oh that the Spirit of the Lord would move our lives in God's work.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
4th Week of July Adult Sunday School Class Judges
Judges chapter 12
We start out the twelfth chapter with more trouble for Jephthah from the tribe of Ephraim. Notice this is very similar to what happened when Gideon went after the Midianites. Gideon was able to sooth over the tribe of Ephraim with cool words, but that wouldn't happen with Jephthah.
All out war between the two tribes breaks out and Gideon and his men fresh from victory quickly take the upper hand in the fighting.We find out something interesting here about the tribes. They had different accents living in different parts of Canaan. That itself isn't so odd, because we have the same things in our own country here, but the distance between some of these tribes isn't that great. It goes to show that without mass communication and transportation short distances and cause people to vastly different. The Epraimites couldn't pronounce Shibboleth correctly. We have the same thing with Irish not pronouncing their 'th's' in that, third, or things. Irish pronounce those words with a distinct 't' sound.
After Jephthah and the Gileadites take the pass at the river Jordan, they use this pronunciation difference to find out who is trying to pass themselves off as a different people. It is a sad story that the tribes would fight each other, but interesting to see the tactics used against one another. Seems man is never so clever as when he is trying to perform evil on his fellow man.
I think the victories over Ammon and now also Ephraim show that Jephthah was a great general. This shows again that where you come from isn't as important as having God on your side. Jephthah only judged a short six years and after him came Ibzan. After his seven year judgment, there was Elon who judged for 10, and then Abdon for eight years. I think it goes to show that we need to be thankful to God when we have good leaders and examples because you never know who long they will be with you. Sometimes good men and women die too young and you miss their light and example. Cherish up the gifts that God gives you, especially when it is a good leader.
We start out the twelfth chapter with more trouble for Jephthah from the tribe of Ephraim. Notice this is very similar to what happened when Gideon went after the Midianites. Gideon was able to sooth over the tribe of Ephraim with cool words, but that wouldn't happen with Jephthah.
All out war between the two tribes breaks out and Gideon and his men fresh from victory quickly take the upper hand in the fighting.We find out something interesting here about the tribes. They had different accents living in different parts of Canaan. That itself isn't so odd, because we have the same things in our own country here, but the distance between some of these tribes isn't that great. It goes to show that without mass communication and transportation short distances and cause people to vastly different. The Epraimites couldn't pronounce Shibboleth correctly. We have the same thing with Irish not pronouncing their 'th's' in that, third, or things. Irish pronounce those words with a distinct 't' sound.
After Jephthah and the Gileadites take the pass at the river Jordan, they use this pronunciation difference to find out who is trying to pass themselves off as a different people. It is a sad story that the tribes would fight each other, but interesting to see the tactics used against one another. Seems man is never so clever as when he is trying to perform evil on his fellow man.
I think the victories over Ammon and now also Ephraim show that Jephthah was a great general. This shows again that where you come from isn't as important as having God on your side. Jephthah only judged a short six years and after him came Ibzan. After his seven year judgment, there was Elon who judged for 10, and then Abdon for eight years. I think it goes to show that we need to be thankful to God when we have good leaders and examples because you never know who long they will be with you. Sometimes good men and women die too young and you miss their light and example. Cherish up the gifts that God gives you, especially when it is a good leader.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
3rd Week of July Adult Sunday School Lesson - Judges
Judges chapter 11
We left the last chapter of the Judges with the Hebrews looking for someone to deliver them. As we start the new chapter we here about Jephthah the son of Gilead. The bible doesn't hide the fact that Gilead was the son of a prostitute. This was no consolation to his brothers that were 'full blooded', being children of Gilead and his rightful wife. They have no qualm with their father, the originator of this sin, but with Jephthah.
This chapter tells us that Jephthah was a 'mighty man of valor', so it wasn't anything obvious about Jephthah they didn't like except for something that was out of his control. This is an example of how we should look at those that aren't saved. We aren't better than them because we know the Savior personally, we are sanctified by Jesus, not our own works. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 2:23) putting us on equal footing in that sense. If Jesus loved us when we were yet without hope, then we should in kind to be like Christ, love those that don't know him in the free pardon of sin. How else could we show God's love?
Well, personal jealousy and pride causes this tribe of Hebrews to throw Jephthah out of there midst. It shows more about Jephthah's character than their own character that he left and did not fight them. He goes to another part of the land and becomes a leader there. This also goes to show that it is not WHO you are that makes you anything of consequence, it is WHAT you do that makes you who you are. Jephthah was successful even though he was born in a situation many considered shameful, but he was still a mighty man; then he goes off to another land and is still a mighty man. The only birthright that will ever matter in our lives is the birthright given to us by the Lord Jesus' sacrifice on the cross when we except him. Many a child has been a disappointment to there God fearing parents and many children have lived Holy lives despite having poor examples that brought them into this world.
Matthew Poole says that Jephthah made use of these 'vain' people, and not as in the sense of surrounding himself with yes men. He took their egos and used it to get what he wanted. So it appears that Jephthah was doing just fine when the elders of Gilead came to him and asked for help because the Ammonites were coming to war against the Hebrew people. Be careful who you are rude to, you might need their help down the line somewhere. God's golden rule (Matthew 7:12) will keep you having to go grovelling back to someone you said disparaging things to.
Jephthah was a wise man and he wasn't going to end up in the same situation twice, so he made the elders vow that he would rule over them if he delivered them. Notice that Jephthah also understood that if he didn't defeat the people of Ammon, that there was no need for him to ask to be their ruler. The elders agree that he can be ruler over them if he delivers them. Notice that in a time of necessity that Jephthah parentage isn't important after all.
Not wasting any time, Jephthah sends messengers over to the people of Ammon to see what happens to be bothering them so much that they are going to war against Israel. Turns out, the Ammonites think they have been unjustly removed from their land some 300 years ago, and now they want it back because Israel looks weak. Jephthah reminds them that it is their elders' own fault that they disposed of their land. It was God's land to give, and if they wanted it back, maybe they should get the Ammonites god to help them out.
Then we read one of the best sentences repeated in the Bible and that is, 'the Spirit of the Lord came upon.... We know when we read these words that God is going to show himself mightily to everyone involved. Jephthah races to conquer the Ammonites. Curiously, Jephthah makes a vow that he ends up regretting. I can only think of James 5:12 to keep us from the same folly; but above all things, my brethen, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay lest ye fall into condemnation. Jephthah didn't have to vow this vow, and now it looks as if we will lose his daughter because of it.
Victory once again comes to the Hebrew children; delivered by an harlot's son. God is in charge and he will provide a way of escape. Let us try not to pick how and with whom God will deliver. That part is up to him, we just need to be obedient.
We left the last chapter of the Judges with the Hebrews looking for someone to deliver them. As we start the new chapter we here about Jephthah the son of Gilead. The bible doesn't hide the fact that Gilead was the son of a prostitute. This was no consolation to his brothers that were 'full blooded', being children of Gilead and his rightful wife. They have no qualm with their father, the originator of this sin, but with Jephthah.
This chapter tells us that Jephthah was a 'mighty man of valor', so it wasn't anything obvious about Jephthah they didn't like except for something that was out of his control. This is an example of how we should look at those that aren't saved. We aren't better than them because we know the Savior personally, we are sanctified by Jesus, not our own works. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 2:23) putting us on equal footing in that sense. If Jesus loved us when we were yet without hope, then we should in kind to be like Christ, love those that don't know him in the free pardon of sin. How else could we show God's love?
Well, personal jealousy and pride causes this tribe of Hebrews to throw Jephthah out of there midst. It shows more about Jephthah's character than their own character that he left and did not fight them. He goes to another part of the land and becomes a leader there. This also goes to show that it is not WHO you are that makes you anything of consequence, it is WHAT you do that makes you who you are. Jephthah was successful even though he was born in a situation many considered shameful, but he was still a mighty man; then he goes off to another land and is still a mighty man. The only birthright that will ever matter in our lives is the birthright given to us by the Lord Jesus' sacrifice on the cross when we except him. Many a child has been a disappointment to there God fearing parents and many children have lived Holy lives despite having poor examples that brought them into this world.
Matthew Poole says that Jephthah made use of these 'vain' people, and not as in the sense of surrounding himself with yes men. He took their egos and used it to get what he wanted. So it appears that Jephthah was doing just fine when the elders of Gilead came to him and asked for help because the Ammonites were coming to war against the Hebrew people. Be careful who you are rude to, you might need their help down the line somewhere. God's golden rule (Matthew 7:12) will keep you having to go grovelling back to someone you said disparaging things to.
Jephthah was a wise man and he wasn't going to end up in the same situation twice, so he made the elders vow that he would rule over them if he delivered them. Notice that Jephthah also understood that if he didn't defeat the people of Ammon, that there was no need for him to ask to be their ruler. The elders agree that he can be ruler over them if he delivers them. Notice that in a time of necessity that Jephthah parentage isn't important after all.
Not wasting any time, Jephthah sends messengers over to the people of Ammon to see what happens to be bothering them so much that they are going to war against Israel. Turns out, the Ammonites think they have been unjustly removed from their land some 300 years ago, and now they want it back because Israel looks weak. Jephthah reminds them that it is their elders' own fault that they disposed of their land. It was God's land to give, and if they wanted it back, maybe they should get the Ammonites god to help them out.
Then we read one of the best sentences repeated in the Bible and that is, 'the Spirit of the Lord came upon.... We know when we read these words that God is going to show himself mightily to everyone involved. Jephthah races to conquer the Ammonites. Curiously, Jephthah makes a vow that he ends up regretting. I can only think of James 5:12 to keep us from the same folly; but above all things, my brethen, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay lest ye fall into condemnation. Jephthah didn't have to vow this vow, and now it looks as if we will lose his daughter because of it.
Victory once again comes to the Hebrew children; delivered by an harlot's son. God is in charge and he will provide a way of escape. Let us try not to pick how and with whom God will deliver. That part is up to him, we just need to be obedient.
Friday, July 6, 2012
2nd Week of July Adult Sunday School Lesson - Judges
Judges chapter 10
It is not certain but it does appear as if the judgments of Tola for twenty three years and then another twenty two years under Jair, the Israelites served God. After they pass away, it appears as if they find other gods to occupy their time.
These chapters in Judges, and again during the kings period of Israel, show how merciful and patient God is with his people. Lamentations 3:22, 23 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. God did not deal with the Hebrew children according to what they deserved, and he extends the same mercy to us today. He is long suffering and very patient with us.
It appears that Israel didn't just give up on God to serve another god, but worshiped many gods. They seem to take up with the closest god of the nearest people to them, or whatever was popular or convenient. You make some sense out of them choosing a single God, but it was as if they knowingly went after whatever fit their fancy of the day.
There was a price to pay for this, and that was to worship other gods soon meant to be in subjection to the people who's god they worshiped. This is not by accident, and make no mistake that the world knows which god you say your worship, and they also know which god you actually worship. We are not hiding anything from the world and who we put first place in our lives is evident to all.
When the Hebrews finally cry out to God, he reminds them of all he has done for them, and then tells them he will not give his forgiveness. He tells them to get deliverance from the gods they serve day by day. Israel pleads with him and says to do what he will. This is interesting, because we not truly saved and redeemed by Jesus' blood unless we FULLY acknowledge our sin and need for his salvation. Saying your sorry is one thing, but proving it by your actions is another.
Israel finally composes themselves and gather an army to fight enemies of God. What is interesting here though, is they do not yet have a leader. They do not yet have someone who is going to show himself strong in the Lord to lead them to battle. That we will find out more about in the next chapter.
It is not certain but it does appear as if the judgments of Tola for twenty three years and then another twenty two years under Jair, the Israelites served God. After they pass away, it appears as if they find other gods to occupy their time.
These chapters in Judges, and again during the kings period of Israel, show how merciful and patient God is with his people. Lamentations 3:22, 23 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. God did not deal with the Hebrew children according to what they deserved, and he extends the same mercy to us today. He is long suffering and very patient with us.
It appears that Israel didn't just give up on God to serve another god, but worshiped many gods. They seem to take up with the closest god of the nearest people to them, or whatever was popular or convenient. You make some sense out of them choosing a single God, but it was as if they knowingly went after whatever fit their fancy of the day.
There was a price to pay for this, and that was to worship other gods soon meant to be in subjection to the people who's god they worshiped. This is not by accident, and make no mistake that the world knows which god you say your worship, and they also know which god you actually worship. We are not hiding anything from the world and who we put first place in our lives is evident to all.
When the Hebrews finally cry out to God, he reminds them of all he has done for them, and then tells them he will not give his forgiveness. He tells them to get deliverance from the gods they serve day by day. Israel pleads with him and says to do what he will. This is interesting, because we not truly saved and redeemed by Jesus' blood unless we FULLY acknowledge our sin and need for his salvation. Saying your sorry is one thing, but proving it by your actions is another.
Israel finally composes themselves and gather an army to fight enemies of God. What is interesting here though, is they do not yet have a leader. They do not yet have someone who is going to show himself strong in the Lord to lead them to battle. That we will find out more about in the next chapter.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
1st Week of July 2012 Sunday School Lesson - Judges
Judges chapter 9
Gideon decided he wanted a lot of wives. He was not content with that, but had at least one but probably more concubines. Gideon had 70 sons by his wives and another by a concubine named Abimelech. Having an appetite for more than what God intends us to have will never lead to God's purpose. He can still work with us and through us, but we can change the original intent of our lives for him. This is exactly what Gideon did.
We see with the wives and the concubines, Gideon in some ways lived like the king for Israel he said he wouldn't be. He should have taken his own advice, lived simply, and just judged Israel. After Gideon dies, it appears to leave a great vacuum in leadership in Israel. The bible records that they were already following after Baalim again. In this godless vacuum, Abimelech rises up with the support of his direct bloodline through his mother, and attacks and kills all of his half brothers but one. Jotham, the youngest of Gideon's sons, escapes, and prophecies the troubling end to Abimelech's life. Abimelech is not a full blooded son of Gideon, and Jotham makes sure everyone knows it.
Abimelech doesn't have a peaceful reign in Israel for his 3 years of rule. There are those that don't want him to rule and it causes a civil war of sorts with the surrounding cities and villages. They rise up against him, and then he strikes out at them. This goes back and forth for some time until you can almost see, as if you are waiting for the other shoe to drop, the end of Abimelech coming.
After all of this fighting, and during an attack on a raised tower of sorts, a woman drops a great rock on his head. He doesn't want the dishonor of being finished by a woman and asks that one of his men run him through. In the end the people of Shechem and Abimelech got exactly Jotham said would come. God fulfills his word.
Gideon decided he wanted a lot of wives. He was not content with that, but had at least one but probably more concubines. Gideon had 70 sons by his wives and another by a concubine named Abimelech. Having an appetite for more than what God intends us to have will never lead to God's purpose. He can still work with us and through us, but we can change the original intent of our lives for him. This is exactly what Gideon did.
We see with the wives and the concubines, Gideon in some ways lived like the king for Israel he said he wouldn't be. He should have taken his own advice, lived simply, and just judged Israel. After Gideon dies, it appears to leave a great vacuum in leadership in Israel. The bible records that they were already following after Baalim again. In this godless vacuum, Abimelech rises up with the support of his direct bloodline through his mother, and attacks and kills all of his half brothers but one. Jotham, the youngest of Gideon's sons, escapes, and prophecies the troubling end to Abimelech's life. Abimelech is not a full blooded son of Gideon, and Jotham makes sure everyone knows it.
Abimelech doesn't have a peaceful reign in Israel for his 3 years of rule. There are those that don't want him to rule and it causes a civil war of sorts with the surrounding cities and villages. They rise up against him, and then he strikes out at them. This goes back and forth for some time until you can almost see, as if you are waiting for the other shoe to drop, the end of Abimelech coming.
After all of this fighting, and during an attack on a raised tower of sorts, a woman drops a great rock on his head. He doesn't want the dishonor of being finished by a woman and asks that one of his men run him through. In the end the people of Shechem and Abimelech got exactly Jotham said would come. God fulfills his word.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
4th Week of August Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges Chapter 8
Gideon find himself in a political situation with the descendants of Ephraim. They want to know why there were not in on the original battle hoping to get some of the first fruit of the glory from that fight. Gideon handles the situation well, saying that he only started the battle, but the children of Ephraim have slayed the princes of the enemy and done a far more glorious deed.
Now the tired and thirsty men of Gideon come upon Succoth and ask for refreshments. The people of Succoth probably cannot believe their eyes when they see the small band he has and the comparing them with the things he is insisting. We see here an example for our own lives; in that no matter how great or impossible the promises in God's Word might seem, they are still worth believing in because he will see them through. His ways are not our ways.
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.
Be careful which side of the fight you end up on; God's side will triumph in the end. Gideon warns the people of Succoth that he will return. In Penuel he finds the same answer to his requests and he gives the same promise upon his return.
We learn that there has been an awesome and terrible battle. What makes it so profound is the fact that almost all of these people have killed one another. The tenth verse records that there have been over one hundred and twenty thousand men killed in the flight from Gideon. Now Zebah and Zalmunna are taking a short rest with 15 thousand men; when at the same time Gideon comes another way and slays even more men. Upon hearing this Zebah and Zalmunna flee.
Before the night is over, Gideon finds and captures Zebah and Zalmunna, and then returns while it is still dark to Succoth to keep his word and put the city to waste.
Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
He does the same in Penuel, so keeping his word. After this is all over he slays Zebah and Zalmunna, but first he tries to get his young son to do the dead, and he has no part in it. I suppose this was to make their shame even greater. After his son refuses, he does the execution himself.
Here starts a curious thing that this great leader does. Israel asks him to be king and he refuses. He holds to what God wants and wishes, but as a parting shot, he takes all the earrings of enemy and makes an idol. No of us are perfect or without sin, but this seems so out of character for Gideon. We are to always be on guard against the wiles of the devil. Ego and pride can cause us to do things we might not otherwise do if we don't intentionally stay humble and close to God.
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention:.....
We are given some foreshadowing of some of the things to come. His son from a concubine, Abimelech, will come up again in the next chapter. We also see that as soon as Gideon dies, the Hebrews quickly forget to follow God and follow after Baal.
Gideon find himself in a political situation with the descendants of Ephraim. They want to know why there were not in on the original battle hoping to get some of the first fruit of the glory from that fight. Gideon handles the situation well, saying that he only started the battle, but the children of Ephraim have slayed the princes of the enemy and done a far more glorious deed.
Now the tired and thirsty men of Gideon come upon Succoth and ask for refreshments. The people of Succoth probably cannot believe their eyes when they see the small band he has and the comparing them with the things he is insisting. We see here an example for our own lives; in that no matter how great or impossible the promises in God's Word might seem, they are still worth believing in because he will see them through. His ways are not our ways.
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.
Be careful which side of the fight you end up on; God's side will triumph in the end. Gideon warns the people of Succoth that he will return. In Penuel he finds the same answer to his requests and he gives the same promise upon his return.
We learn that there has been an awesome and terrible battle. What makes it so profound is the fact that almost all of these people have killed one another. The tenth verse records that there have been over one hundred and twenty thousand men killed in the flight from Gideon. Now Zebah and Zalmunna are taking a short rest with 15 thousand men; when at the same time Gideon comes another way and slays even more men. Upon hearing this Zebah and Zalmunna flee.
Before the night is over, Gideon finds and captures Zebah and Zalmunna, and then returns while it is still dark to Succoth to keep his word and put the city to waste.
Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
He does the same in Penuel, so keeping his word. After this is all over he slays Zebah and Zalmunna, but first he tries to get his young son to do the dead, and he has no part in it. I suppose this was to make their shame even greater. After his son refuses, he does the execution himself.
Here starts a curious thing that this great leader does. Israel asks him to be king and he refuses. He holds to what God wants and wishes, but as a parting shot, he takes all the earrings of enemy and makes an idol. No of us are perfect or without sin, but this seems so out of character for Gideon. We are to always be on guard against the wiles of the devil. Ego and pride can cause us to do things we might not otherwise do if we don't intentionally stay humble and close to God.
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention:.....
We are given some foreshadowing of some of the things to come. His son from a concubine, Abimelech, will come up again in the next chapter. We also see that as soon as Gideon dies, the Hebrews quickly forget to follow God and follow after Baal.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
2nd Week of June 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges the 7th Chapter
Now that Gideon has his assurance that he is on the right path, he gathers up his men, over 30,000, and prepares for war.God tells Gideon something interesting, that is that he has too many men for the victory. God wants Israel to know that it is God that delivers them and not their own might. So he tells Gideon to ask who doesn't want to fight. Twenty two thousand men leave. A couple of things here; one is you don't want people in battle that don't want to fight, they can cause the battle to turn against you; the second thing is think how demoralizing it would be if you were trusting in numbers and not God when two-thirds of your group walked away. That is something that we would do well to remember, that God can have a greater victory when HE is in charge than when we're relying on numbers.
A pessimistic person would not enjoy what happens next. God informs Gideon that he still has too many men for God to show himself strong. He tells Gideon that he is to only take those that lap water like a dog when they go down to a brook for a drink. I know what I would be thinking, I would be thinking that I hope everyone gets down and drinks water like a dog. The eight chapter tells us that the Midianites had over 120 thousand men, because by the end of the day, that is how many were killed. Gideon and his men probably had some idea of how large the host of Midian and their allies was. If Gideon was looking for everyone to drink like a dog, that is not what he got; instead he got 300 left out of 10 thousand. To be blunt and honest, those circumstances would probably cause me to have a twisting stomach. Gideon though, holds fast and does as God commands, taking with him only the 300.
God gives Gideon instructions though, just in case he has doubts, to go down into the enemy camp and God will let him hear about the mighty victory ahead. Gideon does as God asks and is blessed for it. It seems to me to be the same in our modern Christian lives, if we will just obey God, go that extra step, he'll not only give us victory, but give us a glimpse on how he will perform it. Gideon returns and tell his 300 brave God fearing men how they will have victory. He more or less tells them to do as he does and God will take care of the rest. Oh what God can accomplish with a God fearing leader that puts all his trust in the one that can perform ALL miracles.
Now imagine if you are the enemy, what a surprise it would be if in the middle of the night, in the middle of your camp, 300 men broke pitchers, shining light on everything, and then blowing trumpets. You probably wouldn't believe there were just 300 men, you would probably assume that you are surrounded, infiltrated and about to be consumed. No doubt, the Midian and the Amalekites start attacking each other, and causing more damage by their fleeing, then the 300 could have caused alone. Like a stampede or an out of control mob running for the exits, the chaos causes more harm then the event that prompted the excitement.
Now the tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh are all joining in for the chase to put to defeat the people who held the Hebrews under their thumb. What a rout it must have been to see and behold as what God ordained comes to pass in a chase leading away from God's people. To show that God gave them total victory and not just half victory, the princes of the enemy's people are beheaded and brought to Gideon. You don't get the heads of the leaders unless it is a total victory.
Next week, the fighting continues, and there is a price to pay for not being on God's side.
Now that Gideon has his assurance that he is on the right path, he gathers up his men, over 30,000, and prepares for war.God tells Gideon something interesting, that is that he has too many men for the victory. God wants Israel to know that it is God that delivers them and not their own might. So he tells Gideon to ask who doesn't want to fight. Twenty two thousand men leave. A couple of things here; one is you don't want people in battle that don't want to fight, they can cause the battle to turn against you; the second thing is think how demoralizing it would be if you were trusting in numbers and not God when two-thirds of your group walked away. That is something that we would do well to remember, that God can have a greater victory when HE is in charge than when we're relying on numbers.
A pessimistic person would not enjoy what happens next. God informs Gideon that he still has too many men for God to show himself strong. He tells Gideon that he is to only take those that lap water like a dog when they go down to a brook for a drink. I know what I would be thinking, I would be thinking that I hope everyone gets down and drinks water like a dog. The eight chapter tells us that the Midianites had over 120 thousand men, because by the end of the day, that is how many were killed. Gideon and his men probably had some idea of how large the host of Midian and their allies was. If Gideon was looking for everyone to drink like a dog, that is not what he got; instead he got 300 left out of 10 thousand. To be blunt and honest, those circumstances would probably cause me to have a twisting stomach. Gideon though, holds fast and does as God commands, taking with him only the 300.
God gives Gideon instructions though, just in case he has doubts, to go down into the enemy camp and God will let him hear about the mighty victory ahead. Gideon does as God asks and is blessed for it. It seems to me to be the same in our modern Christian lives, if we will just obey God, go that extra step, he'll not only give us victory, but give us a glimpse on how he will perform it. Gideon returns and tell his 300 brave God fearing men how they will have victory. He more or less tells them to do as he does and God will take care of the rest. Oh what God can accomplish with a God fearing leader that puts all his trust in the one that can perform ALL miracles.
Now imagine if you are the enemy, what a surprise it would be if in the middle of the night, in the middle of your camp, 300 men broke pitchers, shining light on everything, and then blowing trumpets. You probably wouldn't believe there were just 300 men, you would probably assume that you are surrounded, infiltrated and about to be consumed. No doubt, the Midian and the Amalekites start attacking each other, and causing more damage by their fleeing, then the 300 could have caused alone. Like a stampede or an out of control mob running for the exits, the chaos causes more harm then the event that prompted the excitement.
Now the tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh are all joining in for the chase to put to defeat the people who held the Hebrews under their thumb. What a rout it must have been to see and behold as what God ordained comes to pass in a chase leading away from God's people. To show that God gave them total victory and not just half victory, the princes of the enemy's people are beheaded and brought to Gideon. You don't get the heads of the leaders unless it is a total victory.
Next week, the fighting continues, and there is a price to pay for not being on God's side.
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