Do Not Fear Man
Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people. Numbers 22:1-3, ESV
The Bible is so rich with lessons! I love when I sit with God and He just gives me a verse and breaks down tons of lessons from just one word of it. I was reading the verse above and the word “dread” clung to me. The king of Moab, Balak, was in dread of the Israelites because of what they had done to the Amorites. The Israelites had taken all their land and had backed up to the land of Moab. The people of Moab were in great fear of them because of their success and large number.
The King of Moab had the same issues as the King of Egypt. Pharaoh was so in dread of the Israelites because of their large size that he put them under bondage and treated them ruthlessly. But God delivered the Israelites and that fear and dread that Pharaoh had towards them lead to the downfall of Egypt and ultimately the death of Pharaoh’s son.
The King of Moab summoned the prophet Balaam to come to Moab and to put a curse on his enemies who were the people of Israel. When the prophet received the summons, he went and spoke with God. God told Balaam to tell those who the king sent to go back to their land, for the Lord refused to let him go with them. When the princes went and reported to King Balak, he sent another group to Balaam. This time God tells Balaam to go but he could only give them the instructions that God instructed him to. Three times King Balak shows the prophet where to curse the Israelites and all three times God gives Balaam the oracle of blessings for the Israelites. In the final oracle God tells Balaam to tell King Barak what Israel will do to Moab. He says that a scepter shall rise out to of Israel, and that it would crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.
Fear and dread will only lead to our demise if we allow it to cling to us. Scripture tells us to not fear, because God is with us. We are not to be dismayed, for our God will strengthen help and uphold us with His righteous right hand (Psalm 91:1-2). Listen, God has not given us a spirit of fear. If we are walking in fear, it is not from God - it is from Satan and nothing good comes from him. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).
Father,
Thank you that you are our God, and we are your children! Hallelujah! Praise God that when fear comes, we have the authority to cast it off and praise you in victory no matter how we feel. Thank you that as we praise you, your presence overtakes any oppressive spirit of fear! Hallelujah! To you be glory and praise. Amen!
Affirmations; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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