And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king’s high way, until we be past thy borders. And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel(Num. 21:21-23).
Scripture has recorded very little of the children of Israel’s dealings with the outside world since their triumphant exodus from Egypt. Most of our readings have focused on the budding relationship between God and His fledgling nation. Today’s reading temporarily turns that focus outward, allowing us to bear witness to the Israelites' initial interactions with the nations that bordered the Promised Land to which they were once again traveling after over 37 years spent in the wilderness. While many of the nations allowed them safe passage, there were several that instead met them with deep distrust and hostility.
Ironically, the first nation to forbid them passage was Edom, a nation with whom they had blood ties through the lineage of Jacob’s (Israel’s) brother, Esau (Gen. 36:1). This bad blood between the nations had been prophesied by God centuries before when He had spoken to a heavily pregnant Rebekah. And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger (Gen. 25:23). After taking the long way around Edom, the wanderers arrived at the land of the Amorites, where they were again denied passage. This time, they were met with a show of outright aggression. Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel. Unified under the banner of God, Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong (Num. 21:24). Following this undisputed victory, Israel moved on to face a similar engagement with Og, the king of Bashan. Once again, the Israelites were attacked, and once again, the army of God prevailed.
The nation of Israel belonged to God; it was set apart and holy (Deut. 7:6). The Amorites, Edomites, and Bashanites each represented the people of the world. The conflicts that Israel had with these nations symbolized the inherent conflict that exists between the people of God and all those devoted to the world (James 4:4). As we stand firm upon the principles of the Lord, we must never forget that the battle is His, and victory is already assured (I Sam. 17:47; II Chr. 20:15). All that is left for us to do is to stand as one with Him, never faltering in our resolve to give our all for His righteous cause.
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God(Acts. 14:22).
Thought for Today: Being one of God’s soldiers does not mean seeking out conflict to obtain victory in His name. It means standing with Him when conflicts arise, knowing He is already victorious.
Christ Portrayed:By Moses, who prayed for God to save the people (Num. 21:7). Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house (family, i.e. the Isra- elites) (Heb. 3:1-2).
Word Studies:21:2 utterly = completely; 21:4 compass = go around; 21:5 soul loatheth = people detest, intense dislike; 21:11 the sunrising = by the eastern border; 21:18 staves = staffs; 21:23 suffer = permit, allow.
Pray For Staff:Judy McCrary • Government Officials: Rep.Hillary Scholten(MI), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI), Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (NY) • Country: Slovakia (5,443,583) Central Europe • Major Language: Slovak • Restricted Religious Freedom • 62% Roman Catholic; 8.2% Protestant; 3.8% Greek Catholic; 12.6% Other/Unspecified; 13.4% None • Prayer Suggestion: The promises of God should be an encouragement to you to seek God in prayer (Amos 5:4,6).
Optional Reading Luke 9