In the last post we looked at fear as a personal enemy; today we will see it as our ally.
Really!?!
The fear and dread to be avoided in Israel will not be evaded by the enemy; it will be used in their destruction:
“Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased” (Exodus 15:16 KJV).
The words found in Exodus 23:20-33 thematically parallel to Deuteronomy 7:20; however, it will behoove us to remember that what the Lord said in Exodus was some 40 years prior, and, to a different generation than the Deuteronomy speech.
Yet, God’s promises were the same.
Also remember that the venue for the Exodus discourse was Mt. Sinai, whereas the Deuteronomy dialogue took place on the plains of Moab by the Jordan and with the seemingly impenetrable Jericho looming in the distance.
Quite a contrast in location and audience; however, the Word was consistent and steadfast.
As you compare Exodus 23:27-28 with Deuteronomy 7:20-21, notice particularly what the Lord will do: He will send fear before Israel that will bring victory, and the enemy that runs and hides will not be immune, for He will send hornets to destroy those who “think” they have retreated to safety.
How encouraging is that? Not only will the enemy be defeated in a frontal attack, those that retreat to regroup will be crushed as well.
Join with me and let’s commit to memory Exodus 23:20 (KJV), “Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.”
