The Israelites are nearing the end of their time in the Wilderness. The events in chapter 20 took place after 37 years of wandering and now, in chapter 21, we find the Israelites once more at Hormah. 38 years earlier, they had suffered a terrible defeat there at the hands of the Canaanites. This time, the outcome was the opposite. In fact, from this time onwards, the people of God begin to experience many more victories.

In our own lives, we might also find ourselves facing the same enemies or challenges again and again. We may struggle in an area of our lives for many years until we can’t imagine ever seeing a victory in that area. We may think we have overcome a problem, only to have it appear in front of us again.

So, what can we learn from the experiences of the Israelites? Well, the first time they fought the Canaanites at Hormah, they were acting in direct disobedience to the Lord. Although the Lord had promised them victory, they had lacked faith. Only when they realised the terrible consequences of their disobedience did they decide, against the Lord’s direction, to fight. They suffered defeat because they didn’t go fight their battle in the Lord’s way or at the Lord’s time.

The second time they fought their enemy, the Israelites made a promise to be obedient to the Lord before they even began the battle. We can see from the rest of this chapter that they weren’t always a faithful and obedient people, but it does seem as though they have learned something during their long years in the wilderness.

Proverbs 21:31 tells us, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” If we are to enter into battle against the enemies and challenges in our own lives, we need to rely on the Lord for our victory, and make sure we are in his time and doing it in his way. God gives us victory through the Lord Jesus Christ, not through our own efforts. Submit to him and he will be with you.

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH