Daily Devotions
Exodus
"You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word." Psalm 119:65
Text: Exodus 23 : 30
APPRECIATING THE WISDOM OF GOD
Israel learned many vital lessons even as the plans for the conquest were laid out! The plans of God truly reflected the great wisdom of God.
“Little by little I will drive them out from before you,
until you have increased, and you inherit the land.”
EXODUS 23:30
Israel would do well to take careful note of all the things that God had told them. When seen as a whole, the plans were truly magnificent. Everything was logical and in good order!
1. “Little by little I will drive them out from before you”
Canaan would be conquered slowly! More than the inhabitants need to be conquered! Israel must master the land too.
a) The inhabitants of the land
They played a vital role! They had “tamed the land”. If all were conquered too quickly, Israel would not be able to master the land!
b) The wild beasts that shared the same land
There were wild beasts! There were lions and bears, among other wild animals. Israel would have another major problem on their hands if the land were conquered too quickly.
What thought God gave to His plan for the conquest of Canaan! Israel must not be naive as to what conquest entailed!
2. “Until you have increased “
While God would not fail to do His part in the conquest of Canaan, Israel must remember that the Lord had existing natural laws that were already in place.
a) Increase of Israel’s population
God would do His part by helping the women folk with their pregnancies (Exodus 23:25-26). But it would still take time for Israel to become strong as a nation.
b) Proving of Israel’s faithfulness
Israel must also be put to the test. God desired obedience from Israel before pouring out the fullness of His blessings!
3. “And you inherit the land”
God would see to the fulfillment of His promise made to Abraham! He had proven Himself most faithful in keeping His word! The challenge now was for Israel to show faithfulness in keeping God’s word!