Scripture: Psa.118:10-12
Supporting Scripture: 1 Sam.17:45
Hello “Fan” – tastic Passengers,
An old tactic of the Devil in his evil designs to resist the people of God in building His kingdom, is to surround them, like a swarm of bees, leaving them with no way of escape but to look upward. Consequently, in all of his struggles, David knew that, though the enemy might attack him like bees, the Lord would miraculously give him victory (Psa.118:10-12). Satan, on the other hand, knowing that David was God’s anointed instrument for leading His chosen people, opposed him, on numerous occasions and sought to destroy him on every side. Notwithstanding, even though David was surrounded by enemies, numerous as bees, it was faith in the name of the Lord of Hosts and courage, which carried him through to victory (Psa.118:5-7; Heb.13:6).
Of great significance in Scripture, is the moment when David first arose to the throne, as King of Israel, all the nations which were adjacent to Israel, set themselves to give disturbance to him and to the chosen people of God. The Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, Ammonites, for example, were all against the king. Therefore, he says, “All nations compassed me about…” (Psa.118:10). These enemies were confederate against David, and thought to cut off all help from him. Interestingly, the psalmist’s constant repetition of how his enemies “compassed him about” intimates that they were virulent, as well as violent, and, for a time, prevalent, in their attempts against him. The psalmist also describes the enemies that surrounded him by saying, “They compassed me about like bees” (Psa.118:12). This denotes that, they were so numerous, noisy, and vexatious; such that they came flying upon the king, in swarms; and with their malignant stings. Nevertheless, this aggressive act was to their own destruction, as the bee, they say, loses her life with her sting.
Deliverance
Consequently, David’s rescue from his enemies who were confederate against him came about in the following ways:
“…they are quenched as the fire of thorns…” (Psa.118:12)
Quenched as the fire of thorns -This simile has two sides. On one side, we must understand this fact - thorns, with their sharp points are apt descriptions of an enemy, who with cruel hate, is aimed at injuring his prey. On the other side, however, thorns also burn very quickly in the fire, much like an enemy running away when confronted by the presence of God, as Scripture says, “A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about” (Psa.97:3). Therefore, when God arose to help David, his enemies were quickly “quenched as the fire of thorns” as in Scripture he says, “I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place” (Psa.118:5)
“…for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them” (Psa.118:12). Why is there such authority in the name of the LORD, that can destroy the enemies that revolted against the psalmist?
Exaltation – Denotes the action of elevating someone in rank, power, or character. The time of Jesus’ humiliation was at an end, and God the Father had exalted Him above all, as Scripture says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil.2:9–11)
Authority - Denotes having the power or right to give orders make decisions or to enforce obedience. God the Father has given Jesus Christ Absolute sovereign authority—lordship over all—“in heaven and on earth, Jesus says, “…All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” {Matt.11:27; 28:18; John 3:35}
Captain of the Host of the Lord – As Joshua the servant of the LORD was preparing to enter Jericho, there appeared to him, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Eternal Word, as Captain of the LORD’s Host. Joshua gave Him divine honours, as he received Him, which a created angel would not have done. He is also called Jehovah, in Joshua 6:2. To Abraham Jesus appeared as a Traveler and here to Joshua as a Man of War. This tells us that, the Lord Jesus Christ will be to His people what their faith needs in any given situation. We must also note that, as Joshua was about to embark upon a hostile battle to dispossess the nations from the Promised Land, Jesus Christ had His sword drawn. This encouraged Joshua to carry on the war with great vigour. Jesus Christ's sword drawn in His hand, denotes how ready He is for the defence and deliverance of His people. His sword turns every way. Joshua will know whether He is a friend or a foe. Joshua's inquiry shows an earnest desire to know the will of Christ, and a joyful readiness and resolution to do it. Every born-again believer must fight under Christ's banner, and they will conquer by His presence and assistance
His name alone is holy (Psa.105:3-5; Luke 1:49)
His name alone is excellent (Psa.8:1; 148:13)
Demons fear and tremble - demons believe that God exist and that Jesus Christ died and rose again. However, belief in God is not the same as placing one’s faith and trust in Him. Consequently, demons do not willingly submit to God’s will or eagerly put their destiny in His hands. They therefore, fear and tremble at the power and authority, that is wrapped up in just the mention of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has all authority even over them (Acts 19:11-17; James 2:19}
In spite of the numerous enemies that came against him, David was confident that he would see all of them defeated in their designs against him, as he says, “In the name of the Lord I will destroy them” (Psa.118:10-12). It is this same David, who; when he confronted the Philistine’s giant, Goliath, on the battlefield, who was much bigger than David in size and who also came out to battle in his own name; David, however, came to battle in the name of the Lord of all the hosts and won the victory, as he slew Goliath (Deut.20:1-5; 1 Sam.17;45)
Born-again believers, even though at times we might be surrounded by the enemy on all sides, like David, should trust in the name of the Lord of Hosts, as they do battle with the enemy. Ultimately, as we look up to God for help, in the name of the Lord of Hosts and in His name only, you and I will destroy those who rise up against us. We must be confident and courageous, as we go forth against the enemy, depending on God’s strength; and with an eye to his glory, not confiding in ourselves; while leaving all vengeance to Him (Deut.32:35; Rom.12:19).
Your Conductor,
Joy
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