I would have said, “I will dash them in pieces, I will make the memory of them to cease from among men,” Had I not feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should misunderstand, lest they should say, “Our hand is high; and it is not the Lord who has done all this.” (Deuteronomy 32:26-27)
Throughout the song, Israel is reminded that all the disasters that befell them were recompense for their conduct. Yet the nations should not make the mistake of thinking that Israel is helpless and abandoned –- God has always and will continue to intervene on their behalf. The verses above address this, accentuating the fact that those who look for Israel’s demise should beware. Moreover, they shouldn’t think too highly of themselves and misinterpret His correction of Israel as being the result of their own might. In a sense, He wanted it to be clear to His people, and to the nations, that it was He — and He alone — who had dealt thus with His people.
If the nations had their way, Israel would have already been destroyed a long time ago. But if God allowed that to happen, who would serve as a light in the darkness? Therefore, God will not allow Israel to disappear entirely; even though He has punished them, He continues to preserve them for “His holy name’s sake.” As it is written, “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people” (1 Samuel 12:22).
Now let us apply this concept to our own lives: no doubt God has measured out correction for each of us according to our past transgressions. However, He never chastens us with the intent to destroy; He chastens in order to provoke repentance and restoration. Though He may allow our adversaries to inflict pain and suffering, He will not allow them to destroy us. Job was subjected to a great deal of suffering but, throughout the entire process, Satan was kept on a leash — he could only go so far. Likewise, God will not allow our enemies to gain the upper hand to the degree that they can destroy us; He only permits them to be used as His rod of chastening. In the end, all will know and understand that the LORD reigns over all — His people and their enemies.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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