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?

Recognized Mourning

 Recognized Mourning

Genesis 50: ¹⁰ Then they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and they mourned there with a great and very solemn lamentation. He observed seven days of mourning for his father. ¹¹ And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a deep mourning of the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan.

 

¹² So his sons did for him just as he had commanded them. ¹³ For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place. ¹⁴ And after he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers and all who went up with him to bury his father.

 

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After leaving Egypt, Joseph and the rest of the funeral processional arrived at the burial site. The inhabitants saw the mourning. Joseph mourned an additional seven days on top of the seventy and the forty done in Egypt.

 

My Observations:

• The Philistines recognized that Joseph and the Egyptians were not trying to raid the land, rather they were in mourning.
• The locals saw that the Egyptians mourned, and were so amazed that they named the place Abel Mizraim, which means “Where Egyptians Mourn.”
• Almost a third of a year was spent mourning over Jacob.

 

When Jacob made his sons promise to go back and bury him in the place where Abraham and Isaac were buried, they may have had mixed emotions. They had to go back to the place where they plotted against Joseph and near the place where they murdered someone out of vengeance.

 

They had been gone for almost twenty years, but the feelings may have still been there. The locals saw that they were minimally armed so they left them alone. Egypt and the Philistines were not friends, so this funeral was strange. GOD provided a peaceful mourning time.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the inhabitants of the Canaanites?
• Have you ever been at odds with someone but saw that they were going through something?
• Can you recognize that someone you may be arguing with may be going through something only GOD can see?

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?

Zilpah’s Sixteen

Zilpah’s Sixteen

Genesis 46: ¹⁶ The sons of Gad were Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. ¹⁷ The sons of Asher were Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, Beriah, and Serah, their sister. And the sons of Beriah were Heber and Malchiel. ¹⁸ These were the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter; and these she bore to Jacob: sixteen persons.

 

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Leah had children, but wanted more. She became barren and decided to “own” her handmaid’s children as her own. Laban, her father had given her Zilpah as her handmaid, or property. Zilpah and Jacob had children.

 

My Observations:

• Zilpah was born in the land of the Philistines and picked up some of their ways.
• Zilpah’s beliefs influenced her children.
• Leah, Zilpah, Rachel and Bilhah all believed in magic and ancestor worship.

 

As GOD was moving the tribes of Israel to Egypt, HE also was moving a variety of beliefs. Slavery was a belief that was deep rooted. Zilpah may have considered herself as property, because she was told she was. She easily had children when Leah went barren.

 

Leah and Rachel had a sibling rivalry that also involved the handmaids. When one handmaid had a child the other was told to have another child. This rivalry and belief in slavery would shape the nation of Israel in a not so good way.  GOD knew who would truly follow HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Zilpah’s children?
• What limiting beliefs have you possibly picked up?
• Is it possible that you may have placed limits on GOD because you are forcing HIM to act a certain way versus how HE is blessing you?

Being Watched

Being Watched

Genesis 26: ²⁶ Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army. ²⁷ And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”

 

²⁸ But they said, “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you, ²⁹ that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.’ ”

 

³⁰ So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. ³¹ Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

 

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Abimelech went out to see Isaac after hearing about the quarrels and the hostility. He brought along with him Ahuzzath and Phichol, the commander of his army. Years before, Abimelech met with Abraham and did the same thing by bringing military strength with him. He cam to make a treaty.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac was being watched by his enemies.
• Isaac did nothing to make Abimelech his enemy, but since he followed GOD, Abimelech became an adversary.
• Abimelech watched Isaac to see if he was blessed like Abraham and recognized that he was.

 

During Abraham’s day, Sodom and Gomorrah was wiped out. Fear struck surrounding leaders into caution. Abimelech probably heard that his people would steal from and fight against Isaac. He may have gotten nervous about GOD so he went out to make a treaty.

 

Abimelech made his leaders swear to not harm Isaac and asked Isaac to return the favor. He did not want the wrath of GOD on him so they made a covenant. He watched Isaac and saw the he was indeed “blessed of the LORD.”

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about this conversation?
• Do you believe that you are being watched by more people than you think?
• What example of GOD are you setting to people you don’t even know are watching you?

Protected Anyway

Protected Anyway

Genesis 26: ⁶ So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. ⁷ And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” ⁸ Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, ^[a]showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. ⁹ Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?”

 

Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.’ ”

 

¹⁰ And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” ¹¹ So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

 

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Abimelech was older. He had the same conversation with Abraham about men lurking around his wife. Now Isaac was having the same problem. The men or Gerar wanted to take Rebekah. Traditionally they would kill the husband but leave the brother alive. I

 

My Observations:

• Isaac lied about Rebekah being his sister because he was afraid.
• Abimelech saw Isaac showing affection to Rebekah that was not like a brother.
• Abimelech saw through the lie and protected Rebekah despite the deception.

 

Isaac was put in a difficult spot. He wanted to find a solution to the famine so he went to the king. He was told not to go to Egypt, but Gerar was just as bad. He lied about his relationship to Rebekah, probably to keep her and him alive. Whatever the case, it was a lie.

 

Abimelech knew Isaac was related to Abraham. He may have remembered what happened when Sarah showed up. All the women became barren. He did not want something like that to happen again. He ordered every man to stay away from Rebekah. They were protected anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD explain this lie to Moses?
• Have you ever lied out of fear or insecurity?
• Can you begin your day with praising GOD for forgiving you of all your sins?

Obedient Blessings

Obedient Blessings

Genesis 26: There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar.

 

² Then the Lord appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. ³ Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. ⁴ And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; ⁵ because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”

 

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A second famine in history was wiping out all food. Like Abraham, Isaac went to the king, looking for answers. He may have wondered if there was a plan that could warrant him moving to Gerar. BUT GOD appeared to HIM.

 

My Observations:

• GOD caused a second famine.
• GOD told Isaac to stay away from Egypt unlike what HE allowed Abraham to do.
• GOD spoke to Abraham through HIS voice, providing HIS charge, HIS commandments, HIS statutes and HIS laws.

 

Laws? What laws? Commands? What commands? Before Moses, Abraham was given information to live according to the LORD. I believe it was JESUS who delivered the message regarding how to live a Godly life to Abraham.

 

He obeyed everything told to him and was not manipulated into doing so. Many humans have tried to manipulate GOD’s words today. But Abraham heard directly from the LORD so he received full truth. Isaac followed in Abraham’s footsteps. His obedience to GOD would bring him blessings.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the second famine and Abraham’s prior obedience, to Moses?
• Have you ever struggled obeying GOD?
• Is obedience to GOD something that is valuable or a barrier to you?

Blessings Passed Down

 

Blessings Passed Down

Genesis 25: ⁷ This is the sum of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred and seventy-five years. ⁸ Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. ⁹ And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, ¹⁰ the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. There Abraham was buried, and Sarah his wife. ¹¹ And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi.

 

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Abraham’s father, Terah, lived two hundred five years. His grandfather lived one hundred nineteen years. And his ancestor Seth lived five hundred years. Terah may have heard directly from Seth regarding the Garden of Eden and the flooding of the earth. Terah passed this information to Abraham who took it another step by believing everything GOD said. He passed this information on to Isaac.

 

My Observations:

• Ismael must have gotten word that his father, Abraham, died.
• Ismael worked with Isaac to bury their father.
• Isaac grew up listening to Abraham and heard about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

Hearing about the miracles of GOD seemed to place a fire in the heart of those who could receive it. This fire guided each person’s actions. GOD promised that Abraham would be the father of many nations and he lived his entire life as the chosen one.

 

Isaac would now accept the responsibility of being the chosen one to give birth to nations. But what about Ismael. He too was blessed with forming nations. GOD’s blessings cascaded down to generations to follow. Abraham was buried in the same cave as Sarah. The deed was passed to Isaac.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention Abraham’s age so descriptively to Moses?
• Do you worry about age?
• If you measure your accomplishments, will you stop so you can focus on GOD’s blessed calling for you right now?

Untainted Relationship

 Untainted Relationship

Genesis 21: ³² Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. So Abimelech rose with Phichol, the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines.  ³³ Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. ³⁴ And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines many days.

 

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Growing up in the land of the Chaldeans, Abraham learned the ways of a group that was on the move. He learned how to protect sheep and cattle from wild animals and thieves. But this was his father’s choice of residence. GOD told Abraham to move to a place where HE would show him. Abraham obeyed without question.

 

He ended up in a land that had a famine. He went to Egypt to avoid the famine. There he was given Hagar who later birthed him a son at the request of his wife Sarah. Abraham saw Sodom and Gomorrah get destroyed. He moved to Gerar where he settled amongst a group of people known for taking what they wanted, when they wanted.

 

My Observations:

• No place that Abraham moved was ideal, yet GOD was with him.
• Abraham lived around people who would lie and steal, yet Abraham’s relationship with GOD remained the same.
• Abraham settled down in a place that did not follow GOD, but he did.

 

Having a relationship with GOD was not dependent on the people around Abraham. He seemed untainted by their actions and followed GOD anyway. Most people would probably fold and follow the surrounding culture. By following GOD, the leaders came to him asking to be protected from GOD’s wrath.

 

They had seen what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah and knew Abraham was special. They would not change their ways, nor would Abraham change his. He would follow GOD until he died.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention the “land of the Philistines” to Moses so many times?
• Have you ever been in a place where you were the only follower of GOD?
• Can you follow GOD without letting your surroundings cause you to fear, falter or fall?

Not Acting Like It

Not Acting Like It

Genesis 20: ⁸ So Abimelech rose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid. ⁹ And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.” ¹⁰ Then Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you have in view, that you have done this thing?”

 

¹¹ And Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife. ¹² But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. ¹³ And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.” ’ ”

 

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After his encounter with GOD, Abimelech got up “early” in the morning, bringing “all” his servants with him to talk with the men. A town hall meeting was brought together to hear what GOD said to Abimelech. When everyone heard what was said, they became afraid. Abimelech was young and the king.

 

My Observations:

• Abimelech heard from GOD that Abraham was a prophet and Sarah was protected by HIM.
• Abraham had not lied, in Egypt or in Gerar when he said Sarah was his sister.
• Abraham feared, by the actions of the people, that Sarah would be taken

 

It seemed that women were more desirable if they were married to someone. Kings would take the best for themselves and his henchmen would take the rest. This city seemed to be doing the same. They did not seem to fear GOD in any way.

 

Abraham finally came out with the truth about Sarah. Her father was Terah, Abraham’s father. But she had a different mother. He feared being killed because the men of that city acted like they would commit murder to take the wife, permanently. GOD intervened to protect Sarah.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Abraham tells the truth about Sarah to Abimelech and not to the Pharoah of Egypt?
• Have you ever gone through so much that you realized the truth is the best way?
• Are you acting like you belong to CHRIST who is all knowing and all powerful?