Song of Triumph Part 4 – GOD has Won the Next Battle

Song of Triumph Part 4 – GOD has Won the Next Battle

Exodus 15 ¹⁴ “The people will hear and be afraid;
Sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.
¹⁵ Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed;
The mighty men of Moab,
Trembling will take hold of them;
All the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away.
¹⁶ Fear and dread will fall on them;
By the greatness of Your arm
They will be as still as a stone,
Till Your people pass over, O Lord,
Till the people pass over
Whom You have purchased.
¹⁷ You will bring them in and plant them
In the mountain of Your inheritance,
In the place, O Lord, which You have made
For Your own dwelling,
The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.

¹⁸ “The Lord shall reign forever and ever.”

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Moses ends the song with encouragement that GOD is more powerful than the enemies the children of Israel will face.

 

My Observations:

• Even though GOD wiped out the Egyptians, the children of Israel knew there were other groups who were similar to their recent defeated enemy.
• Moses mentioned that GOD’s demonstration of power would put fear in all the surrounding enemies.
• Moses sung about GOD “purchasing” the people as a reference to what JESUS would do to redeem humanity.

 

As the promised land was to the children of Israel, heaven is to you and me. The mountain of GOD’s inheritance could represent HIS eternal rewards for those who cling to their faith and persevere through tribulation.

 

GOD inspired Moses to sing about facing the immediate near future opposition from all sides. The promised land was heavily guarded and was supernatural. It produced fruit larger and more plentiful than anywhere else. Very strong people found this treasure on earth and would fight anyone who wanted to take the land. GOD had already defeated this enemy before the battle began. HE shall reign forever and ever. amen

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about other enemies of the children of Israel?
• Have you ever faced victory and then immediately faced fear because of the existence of other enemies?
• Are you replaying fear of the future in your mind, or remembering GOD’s powerful performance?

I Swear by MY Name

I Swear by MY Name

Exodus 6: Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh. For with a strong hand he will let them go, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”

 

² And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am the Lord. ³ I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them. ⁴ I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, in which they were strangers. 

 

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Moses went back to see GOD, possibly on Mount Horeb. He told GOD that Pharaoh had turned up the cruelty after he said to Pharaoh, “Let MY people go.” GOD responded to Moses by telling him the promise HE made and restated HIS name.

 

My Observations:

• GIOD told Moses that not only will Pharaoh let the people go, he would force them out.
• GOD restated HIS name “YHWH” meaning Yahweh, meaning “I AM WHO I AM.”
• GOD restated the promise that the land of Canaan would be given to HIS people.

 

Problems with the plan immediately popped up when Pharaoh showed some resistance. GOD told Moses that HE met with generations of people, so Pharaoh cannot outlive HIM. HE also states that HE is GOD and that nothing can stop HIS plan.

 

GOD swore by HIS own name that HIS promise would be kept. Nothing can stop the great I AM. Moses was having a hard time being the spokesperson for GOD. You may feel the same way. BUT GOD promises are never broken. HE is who HE says HE is.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE was going to do with HIS deliverance?
• Has GOD promised you anything and swore by HIS name that it would happen?
• Will you believe in GOD’s promises because HE swore by HIS name that it would happen?

Jacob’s Final Instructions

 

Jacob’s Final Instructions

Genesis 49: ²⁹ Then he charged them and said to them: “I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, ³⁰ in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite as a possession for a burial place. ³¹ There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. ³² The field and the cave that is there were purchased from the sons of Heth.” ³³ And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.

 

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After blessing his sons, Jacob gave his final instructions on where to bury him. After giving the instructions, he immediately passed away.

 

My Observations:

• Ephron was a Hittite who lived in the land of the Philistines
• Abraham insisted on buying the land when Sarah died because he wanted ownership versus ambiguous terms that would eventually allow some other family to reclaim the property.
• Leah was the only wife buried in the cave with Jacob’s ancestors.

 

There are significant things going on with Jacob’s final instructions. First, he insisted on being buried in the cave with Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah and Leah. Abraham moved to the land of the Philistines and dealt with Abimelech. When Sarah died, he bought the land that had a cave on it. Jacob wanted to be buried there.

 

But in his dying statement, he mentions Leah. Wow! She is the mother of Judah which is the tribe of David and JESUS! Jacob did not want Leah for many reasons. He desired Rachel, who ended up dying in the birthplace of JESUS. Leah ended up being very special to Jacob and her prayers were answered.

 

The Philistines would become the ultimate enemies of GOD as they fought against the tribes of Israel over and over because of their belief in GOD. Samson would fight the Philistines and David fought Goliath, a famous Philistine. The Hittites believed in many gods. Ephron was a Hittite who owned land amongst the Philistines. GOD seemed to bring together the people who worshipped HIM and those who opposed HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Jacob insisting to be buried with his ancestors?
• Are there some things that you fought against GOD that were beneficial to you?
• Will you surrender anything that you are fighting GOD for, to get your own way?

Israel Moves to Egypt

Israel Moves to Egypt

Genesis 46: ⁵ Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. ⁶ So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. ⁷ His sons and his sons’ sons, his daughters and his sons’ daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt.

 

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GOD promised Abraham that HE would make him a great nation. GOD also promised Isaac and Jacob the same thing. Jacob had twelve sons and one daughter. He also had many possessions and livestock.

 

My Observations:

• The move to Egypt was a focus on lineage rather than an inventory of people who went to Egypt.
• The herdsmen and personal servants must have stayed in the land of Canaan when Jacob’s family left.
• The famine had five more years, so there was probably no argument about leaving to go to a better place.

 

Moving can be difficult. BUT GOD wanted Israel to be in another place. HE moved this young nation to Egypt for HIS purpose. HE knew the nation was about to experience a period of plentiful living because HE chose this family to bless mankind with a Savior.

 

Not only was Judah blessed, but all of the families that came from Israel. Israel’s children, grand children and great grand children packed up and went to Egypt. This was the birth of a great nation, just as GOD promised. Humans may think it’s about numbers or race, BUT GOD saw it as a way to bring everyone back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention Jacob as Jacob and Jacob as Israel in the same sentence?
• Are you missing GOD’s plan because you cannot see why HE is moving you?
• Has GOD moved you to a temporary place to grow you and prepare you for the promised land?

Can’t Look the Other Way

Can’t Look the Other Way

Genesis 37: Now Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. ² This is the history of Jacob.

 

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. And the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father.

 

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Jacob listened to GOD and returned to the land where Isaac and Rebekah lived. But the people there did not believe in GOD. Jacob was a “stranger” in the land, probably because he refused to do what everyone else was doing. Joseph was seventeen. He went out to feed the flock with Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph seemed to be raised differently than the deceiver Jacob was.
• Joseph saw something that Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher were doing that he could not look the other way by ignoring it.
• Joseph told Jacob about what they were doing, possibly because he had a pure heart.

 

Bilhah was Dan and Naphtali’s mother. She may have been influenced by the people of Canaan when she slept with Reuben, Jacob’s oldest son. Somehow Dan may have been influenced by Bilhah or the Canaanites or both. Dan would eventually lead one of the twelve tribes of Israel into idolatry.

 

Dan’s name is not mentioned in Revelation or in some of the other genealogies listed in the prophetic books. Whatever Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher were doing, Joseph could not look the other way. The division between Joseph and his brothers was beginning.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention that Jacob was a stranger in the land of Canaan to Moses?
• Have you ever been put in an uncomfortable position where you had to choose character by saying something is not right?
• Are you willing to follow GOD even when it is not popular?

Split Up Repeated

Split Up Repeated

Genesis 36: ⁶ Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the persons of his household, his cattle and all his animals, and all his goods which he had gained in the land of Canaan, and went to a country away from the presence of his brother Jacob. ⁷ For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together, and the land where they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock. ⁸ So Esau dwelt in Mount Seir. Esau is Edom.

 

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When GOD told Abraham to leave his father’s land and “go to a place where I will show you” Abraham obeyed. He look Lot, his nephew, with him. The land could not handle all of their wealth so they had to split up. Lot chose poorly and went to Sodom and Gomorrah. Esau and Jacob found themselves in a similar dilemma. Their weal was too great and Esau decided to move, similar to Lot.

 

My Observations:

• Esau was a powerful influential hunter.
• Esau forgave Jacob, but never turned to the GOD of Jacob.
• Esau was the father of the Edomites, which would cause problems for the Israelites later on.

 

Refusing to follow GOD would be Esau’s downfall. Human success was more appealing than surrendering to GOD, who provides true success. On the surface Esau seemed ordinary. He had multiple wives, similar to Jacob. He had sons and daughters similar to him as well. But the one thing that was missing was a loving relationship GOD.

 

Esau knew about Isaac’s relationship with the LORD and went the opposite direction. Esau was treated very well by Isaac. In fact, Isaac preferred Esau’s skills over Jacob’s deception. Esau simply chose to follow the ways of the Canaanites. He chose to create a group of people who would not follow GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Esau becoming Edom?
• Have you ever rebelled against GOD?
• Is there a part of you that needs to surrender to GOD so HE can guide you back to HIS fruit bearing life today?

 

Outside of the Garden

Outside of the Garden

Genesis 33: ¹⁸ Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city. ¹⁹ And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. ²⁰ Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.

 

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Jacob wanted to settle down peacefully in the land GOD told him to return to. He paid one hundred pieces of money, or silver to the children of Hamor. Hamor was the founder of Shechem.

 

My Observations:

• GOD allowed humans to own discipline when HE promised that HE would never flood the earth.
• Noah cursed Canaan, causing him to try to become powerful to avoid the curse.
• Many followers of Canaan settled in areas where Jacob bought his land.

 

After the flood, people were looking for pieces of the Garden of Eden. Gold was highly sought after and so was sliver, a lesser metal. Jacob used one hundred pieces of money to procure the land in Canaan. While it looked like Canaan avoided Noah’s curse, this purchase would become pivotal in history.

 

Canaan was told that his descendants would serve the descendants of Shem, who is in the lineage of JESUS. Canaan had no idea what Noah’s curse was about. Those who would cause havoc on humans because of their rebellion against GOD would eventually serve those who believe in CHRIST as their Savior. This prophecy does not seem to mean, CHRIST followers would be slave owners, rather, all evil will fall subject to GOD’s judgment.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think this transaction was important enough for GOD to tell Moses?
• Have you ever thought one place was less cursed than another, even though GOD cursed all of creation?
• Can you remember GOD’s promise to be with you always, even to the end of the age?

 

Stolen Departure

Stolen Departure

¹⁴ Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? ¹⁵ Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. ¹⁶ For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.”

 

¹⁷ Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels. ¹⁸ And he carried away all his livestock and all his possessions which he had gained, his acquired livestock which he had gained in Padan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. ¹⁹ Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father’s. ²⁰ And Jacob stole away, unknown to Laban the Syrian, in that he did not tell him that he intended to flee. ²¹ So he fled with all that he had. He arose and crossed the river, and headed toward the mountains of Gilead.

 

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Jacob described how GOD’s hand was involved with the acquisition of his flocks from Laban. Rachel and Leah both replied, that Laban had no intention in sharing any wealth with them and they were no longer considered family to him.  Jacob prepared to leave, but something happened.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel travelled for three days to go into Laban’s camp, steal gods and return on a three-day journey.
• Rachel stole Laban’s household gods that she was used to worshipping.
• Rachel must have believed that the gods had some power.

 

Almost a week passed after the conversation with Jacob. She may have convinced him that she had to get something important, but did not tell him what she was getting. Rachel was able to go into Laban’s camp easily because people were used to seeing her there. This is the first mention of teraphim, or ancestor worship. This belief would plague the eleven sons of Jacob for centuries.

 

Jacob “stole away”, meaning he left without telling anyone he was leaving. He, his wives, and his children left with riches. Little did Jacob know, he also left with idols. This belief in idols may have originated from Canaan. Humans were worshipped versus GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give Moses the details of Rachel stealing the household idols?
• Is there anything in your possession that you are afraid to depart with?
• Is GOD your protector and leader over your situations?

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

Genesis 23: Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. ² So Sarah died in Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.

 

³ Then Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying, ⁴ “I am a foreigner and a visitor among you. Give me property for a burial place among you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”

 

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Thirty-seven years after Isaac was born, Sarah died in the land of Canaan. Abraham spoke to the descendants of Heth, son of Canaan, asking for a place to bury Sarah.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham mourned Sarah’s death.
• Abraham lived among people who did not believe in following GOD’s ways.
• Abraham had to humbly ask for a place to bury Sarah.

 

Living in a place that had people who did not follow beliefs in GOD seemed difficult, yet Abraham was able to do this with humility. He seemed like he did not try to change the people, rather live for GOD. He moved to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites without worry of being tainted away from GOD.

 

He was getting older and had learned that fighting was not the answer. He did not just gran the first place and bury Sarah, rather he asked for a place that could be recognized as her grace.  Abraham showed tremendous humility.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the conversation between Abraham and the Sons of Heth?
• Have you ever felt like a foreigner in a group of people you may even be familiar with?
• Can you know and understand that GOD is with you even when you feel alone?

A Change of Scenery

A Change of Scenery

Genesis 11: ³¹ And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there. ³² So the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran.

 

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Grief stricken; Terah may have felt as if he could no longer stay in the land where his son Haran was born. Perhaps there were too many reminders of how life used to be. Terah seemed to be close to Abram and Lot. Nahor seemed to also be close to Terah. He married his niece Milcah, Haran’s daughter, to possibly bring joy to Terah. Now Terah wanted to take care of Lot.

 

Terah moved with Abram, Sarai and Lot to a new place. This was possibly a new beginning. He named the place after his deceased son, Haran. There, they would start over.

 

My Observations:

• Terah learned a lot from the Chaldeans, but did not follow all of their ways.
• Terah seemed to break traditions by having children at an older age and moving away from the land of his ancestors.
• Terah seemed to have suffered a great loss, so he named the territory after his deceased son.

 

Abram seemed to watch his father go through a serious grieving period. Terah’s wife was never mentioned, so she may have died after delivering Haran. When Haran died, it may have been too much. But he was surrounded by his son Abram, his daughter in-law Sarai, and his grandson Lot.

 

Terah seemed to use his talents herding sheep and cattle. He may have taught this talent to Abram and Lot. He may have wanted to make a place where they could live in peace all of their lives. BUT GOD had a different plan for Abram.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention again who surrounded Terah to Moses?
• Have you ever needed a change of scenery?
• Will you consider listening to the LORD so HE can guide you to where HE needs you today?