SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 20
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you…. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” [Deuteronomy 20:1,4] OK, I am choosing to focus on the part that inspires me, the first part. The part about how God is with them when they face enemies bigger than them. This is very encouraging in our own battle against sin and Satan and whatever ways they seek to defeat me.
I am reminded of Jesus’ words to His disciples, when He sends them out as His missionaries: “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” [Matthew 10:19-20] The Spirit of God fights for Israel, the Spirit of God speaks for His missionaries. We do not do what we do alone, the Lord is our strength, our confidence, our reason for persevering even against great odds.
The part about offering peace to the distant nations, but totally eradicating the people in the cities of Canaan, technically makes sense, but it is so harsh. In fact the people were at risk of being distracted and defeated by the people in the land; that is in fact what happened – read the book of Judges. I see this as the equivalent of a stern warning to a recovering alcoholic NOT to hang around with their drinking buddies, because they will be led astray. Separate yourself, it’s too dangerous.
But totally destroy them? I am not sure how I could have done this. Could I have used a sword against a mother and her child, cowering in fear before me? Would I be tempted, if she pleaded with me, to let her live? OK, this is gut-wrenching. I understand the danger, but. What if they were contagious with the plague, would I let them live out of compassion, even if that meant risking my own family?
As I wrestle through this, I need to cling to the Lord, to go through this with Him. This is big, this is hard. But He will help me through it. This is the message that the first part of this reading gives me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I find this hard. A passage like this can easily discourage a sceptic or seeker or new believer. Please help those who struggle with these passages, help them to cling to You even through these tough questions.