Dread and Fear

The disobedience of the first generation of Israelites to leave Egypt has cost them God’s promised land. Now a second generation of Israelites is preparing to enter the land. Deuteronomy 2:7 tells us, “These forty years the LORD your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing. (NASB).” God has provided for them. He has remained true to his word. Now he is about to give them possession of the land he promised them.

He tells the Israelites, “Arise, set out, and pass through the valley of Arnon. Look! I have given Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land into your hand; begin to take possession and contend with him in battle (Deutaronomy 2:24.” Before they embark on a campaign to conquer kingdoms and take possession of the land, God gives them reassurance: “This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples everywhere under the heavens, who, when they hear the report of you, will tremble and be in anguish because of you (2:25).” We see this promise played out later as Joshua plans his assault on Jericho.

The spies Joshua sent are being hidden by Rahab on her roof. Rahab tells them, “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed (Joshua 2:10).” Long before the Israelites showed up, God’s promise was fulfilled. Rahab adds, “When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” God remains true to his word.

The same God who kept his promises to the Israelites is the same God who keeps his promises to us. “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).” He seeks our faithfulness, desires us to follow Him, longs to give us good things. “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments (Dueteronomy 7:9).”

© 2023 Chris G. Thelen

O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. – Isaiah 25:1