Deal with them as with Midian, as with Sisera, as with Jabin at the Brook Kishon. (Psalm 83:9)
In the verses leading up to this statement, Asaph lists ten nations who entertained thoughts of taking for themselves “the pastures of God for a possession” (Psalm 83:12). As he sees this great conspiracy taking shape, he appeals to Heaven to do to them what was done to past enemies who had the same goals. In the days of Gideon, the Midianites, along with Amalekites and other tribes from the area, came against Israel forcing God’s people to hide in caves and mountain strongholds. In time however, with the help of God, these invaders were routed by a small band of men. As they fled from Gideon, panic swept through the Midianite camp, causing the enemy to turn on one another. As it is written, “the Lord set every man’s sword against his companion throughout the whole camp” (Judges 7:22).
In the days of the Judges, Jabin ruled as king of Canaan, with one known as Sisera serving as the commander of his army. After twenty years of oppression, God raised up the prophetess Deborah who inspired Barak and his army to defeat an invasion led by Sisera at the Brook Kishon. With the promise that “the Lord has gone out before you,” Barak led his men into battle against their enemies. It is recorded that “The Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army with the edge of the sword before Barak; and Sisera alighted from his chariot and fled away on foot” (Judges 4:15). Before the day was finished, Sisera had a tent peg driven through his temple.
Through the ages, there have always been those who thought it wise to steal, kill and destroy when it came to God’s people. Yet, time and again we see that this policy is never wise and never ends well for those who embrace it. The armies of Israel have often been small when compared to their adversaries, but when God is on your side, that doesn’t matter — 300 against thousands is sufficient. The enemy may possess an intimidating force of iron chariots, but they are nothing when God fights from the heavens, as in the case of Sisera. God sent heavy rains which caused massive flooding thus making 900 heavy chariots useless in the mud. As it is written, “The torrent of Kishon swept them away” (Judges 5:21).
The point is that it doesn’t matter how powerful our foes are when God is fighting for us because, as it is written, “Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight” (Leviticus 26:8). It is as Paul said: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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