When it came to the Israelite army, all men over twenty were enlisted. However, Israel’s victories were not contingent on its military number and power; instead, their triumphs came through the presence of God.
Because victories were contingent on Him, exemptions were given: the building of a new home, the planting of a vineyard, the betrothal to a wife, and even to those who may still be fearful.
Why? If a warrior’s heart were looking back, deeply engrossed by things behind him, he would not be passionate about the task at hand—and the Lord (as always) desired undivided hearts for His battle.
Even though the Scripture is silent as to what took place, the dedication of their home has excellent meaning to an Israelite.
Matthew Henry writes,
“It was the laudable practice of the pious Jews, and, though not expressly appointed, yet allowed and accepted, when they had built a new house, to dedicate it to God, Deut. 20:5. David did so when his house was built, and he took possession of it (2 Samuel 5:11); for royal palaces do as much need God’s protection, and are as much bound to be at his service, as ordinary houses. Note, the houses we dwell in should, at our first entrance upon them, be dedicated to God, as little sanctuaries. We must solemnly commit ourselves, our families, and all our family affairs, to God’s guidance and care, must pray for his presence and blessing, must devote ourselves and all ours to his glory, and must resolve both that we put away iniquity far from our tabernacles and that we and our houses will serve the Lord both in the duties of family worship and in all instances of gospel obedience.”
Today would be an appropriate day to inventory what steals peace from our homes. And with any list, it should begin with us as individuals.
Where should our inventory begin? Righteousness.
Isaiah penned,
“And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting-places” (Isaiah 32:17-18 AMPC).
That Prophet also penned,
“… and all our righteousness (our best deeds of rightness and justice) is like filthy rags or a polluted garment…” (Isaiah 64:6 AMPC).
Thus, our best deeds of rightness and justice can’t produce the peace we find in His righteousness.
“But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin]” (1 Corinthians 1:30 AMPC).
Taking inventory through the lens of Christ, our wisdom and righteousness is to know the peace of being in right standing with Him and to know the wisdom of His Word in battling the thieves of personal peace.
Who are those thieves?
1) Regret over yesterday’s mistakes.
2) Anxiety over tomorrow’s problems.
3) Ingratitude for today’s blessings.[1]
Let’s all have homes of quiet resting!
