The Battle is the Lord's
Today’s Verse:
So, the Lord saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven. 1 Samuel 14:23
Israel was at a major disadvantage. The Philistines came upon them in three massive companies. Israel was outnumbered. In addition, they were lacking in weapons of war. The Philistines had perfected weapons of iron, and the men of Saul that were with him only had farming tools to fight with. Worst, many of the men of Israel scattered out of fear. From a human perspective, they appeared to be a pushover for defeat. It was under these circumstances that Israel learned the battle is the Lord’s.
We see the Lord used the few.
“Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.” While Saul and the other men tarried, Jonathan and his armorbearer decided to make a surprise attack on the Philistines. Together they took down 20 of the Philistines and are noted for leading the first slaughter. God uses the few. We see this with Abraham when he rescued his nephew Lot; with Shamgar and his ox goad defeating 600 Philistines; Joshua against the five kings; David against Goliath. God uses the faithful few who stand for him regardless of the odds.
We see the Lord used faith.
“And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.” Jonathan had faith: great faith! He knew of the exploits of his forefathers. He said, “it may be that the Lord will work for us.” He had faith in God’s power. He was not like the other soldiers who were afraid and decided the battle was not worth fighting. He was not like his father who was counting how many soldiers were with him. There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few. Jonathan had faith that God is, and God can!
We see the Lord used a friend.
“And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. His armorbearer went with him wherever he went into battle.” We read his armorbearer went up after Jonathan and slew after him. This young man was a friend to Jonathan. He was an encouraging friend. He told Jonathan to do all that was within his heart. He was a loyal friend. He said, “I am with thee according to thy heart.” He was with Jonathan all the way. He was a friend who shared his convictions. He was a friend who had Jonathan’s back. He was friend to the end.
We see the Lord used a furor.
“And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.” The Lord sent a tumult of confusion into the camps of the Philistine via an earthquake. Chaos ensued and the Philistines fought with one another. The tumult was so great we read “the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.” Every man’s sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture. There was no loss of blood from the Israelites. The Lord saved his people that day. The battle is the Lord’s. Let God fight for you. Don’t let the size of the enemy make you quit. The battle is the Lord’s!
Have a victorious God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ephesians 1-3