It Works
Blue v18-36 Ch 20 JudDownload | Duration: 00:03:58
Fighting an unrepentive enemy-*after several bisexuals raped the concubine
v12 The tribes of Israel sent men throughout the tribe of Benjamin, saying, "What about this awful crime that was committed among you?" v13 Surrender those wicked men...but the Benjamites would not listen (v14), they came together to fight (instead).
The First Battle Encounterv18 Israel sought God in prayer but it didn't work? The Benjamites took the upper hand using 26,000 skilled soldiers with 700 being skilled mercenary killers (v16). Israel lost 22,000 men in battle that day (v21) yet encouraged one another as they took up their positions again.
v23 Israel goes back in prayer, weeps, saying, "What should we do?" God said, "Go up against them."
The Second EncounterIt doesn't look like prayer and all this God seeking stuff works! Wicked aggressive Benjamites out manuevered to where Israel lost another 18,000 men. It's getting discouraging both naturally and spiritually speaking. God is telling you to go do something and to do it means you think it ought to work.
hmmm...?
v26 ...they sat weeping before the LORD, fasting and making offerings, asking (v27), "Should we go up again or not?"
They didn't give up on God just because they lost twice (Ro 4:18). God never said He was going to let them win the first 2 times He spoke directionally:
v18 The LORD replied, "Judah shall go first."v23 The LORD answered, "Go up against them."
Do not add or take from His words, rather listen (Pro 30:6).
Do not give up trusting in Him because it's hard to understand loss (1 Cor 13:7).
Listen and wait for the third day~
God's Pattern : Resurrection3rd Encounter
v28 The LORD responded (to their prayers), "Go for tomorrow I will give them into your hands."
v29 Israel sent an ambush on the 3rd Day but (v31) the Benjamites began to inflict causalties as before and didn't realize God Had Spoken so assumed, "we are defeating them as before (v32)," but as the Israelites drew them away from the city 10,000 made a frontal attack- the fighting was so heavy (v34) that the Benjamites did not realize how near disaster was.
Lion Salt
Doesn't matter what's known or how prepared/skilled it appears, once the LORD speaks there exists final say so.If God is for you, who can be against you and win for real~
v35 The LORD defeated Benjamin... that day the Israelites struck down 25,100 Benjamites.
Fighting to defend any position after being wicked (raping/abusing concubine) is really the rebel fighting without a cause, without the willingness to be corrected, left only in his unconfessed lie that will not prosper in the end (Pro 28:13).
36=Enemy
v36 Then the Benjamites saw that they were beaten.WWI Victory Medal
Comments