Category Archives: Bible Study

THINGS THAT DAVID SAID – 1

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I SHALL NEVER BE DIMINISHED

At least half of the psalms in the Book of Psalms are attributed to David. He was known as “the sweet singer of Israel”. He said many things that represent eternal truth, not religious platitudes. We could meditate forever on the rich truths he embraced. However, we cannot exhaust everything he espoused but we can weave some into the fabric of our own lives.

Although David lived under the Old Covenant, he said many things that rise above law and ritual, things that have eternal significance and give us a better perspective on the nature of the Father and life in the New Covenant.

Let’s examine some of the things David said, wrote, or sang as the core of his philosophy of life, beginning with the most beloved of all his psalms…

Psalms 23:1 NIV
[1] “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

Psalms 23:1 NLT
[1] “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

Psalms 23:1 CEV
[1] “You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.”

Psalms 23:1 NKJV
[1] “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Four translations…four interpretations, but all implying the same basic thought. Since the Lord is like a shepherd, I am assured of a steady supply of every physical and material thing I need.

Was that what David’s heart was saying as he chewed on a piece of grass out in the meadow, musing and watching his father’s sheep? Was he contemplating God’s goodness to him as a young lad in an Israelite family despite the way things appeared to be? Was he contrasting God’s ways with the ways of humans…who elevate themselves above others?

Did his mind range around his own role as a young sheep herder, carrying the huge responsibility of the wellbeing of his daddy’s flock? What was it that weighed on him out there on the hills? Did he consider his own inadequacy and vulnerability against the odds of weather and wild beasts? Did he turn his thoughts, with gratitude, to the faithfulness of his God who gave him strength to stand his ground even against lions and bears?

Let’s look at the words he used.
Shepherd… Hebrew “ra’ah”, meaning “one who tends”, i.e., tends a flock. As always, the meaning is in the context.

What does a “ra’ah” do? In a nutshell, he provides everything a sheep needs and he allows nothing to harm his flock. This takes wisdom, strength, and stamina, a tall order for one so young. Was he conscious of the way in which God supernaturally helped him in times of crisis? Was this God a true shepherd?

Our translators cover the first but neglect the second aspect of a shepherd’s care in the words they used. What if David was conscious that his Shepherd took great care that no psychological or emotional damage happened to him as well as physical harm or need? After all, he was the youngest of eight brothers and was often treated with contempt by his own family, as his story unfolds.

Two incidents illustrate this point.

First incident…

God gave Samuel, the prophet, instructions to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to be king in Israel in place of the disgraced Saul. Jesse presented seven sons to Samuel but, each time, God said “No”. What now?

“Do you have another son?” Samuel asked. “Oh him,” Jesse replied. “He’s looking after sheep.” Can you hear the contempt? David’s own father didn’t consider his youngest son good enough or important enough to meet the prophet and join the sacrificial ceremony.

1 Samuel 16:10-11 NLT
[10] “In the same way, all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” [11] Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

Second incident…

Israel was at war with the Philistines. Three of Jesse’s oldest sons were in the army. The Philistines’ champion, Goliath, had challenged the Israelite soldiers to a duel. Not one Israelite soldier dared take up the challenge.

1 Samuel 17:14-15 NLT
[14] “David was the youngest son. David’s three oldest brothers stayed with Saul’s army, [15] but David went back and forth so he could help his father with the sheep in Bethlehem…”

Jesse sent David to the battlefront with provisions for his brothers and to check on their wellbeing. When he arrived, his eldest brother turned on him. His accusations were cruel and belittling.

1 Samuel 17:28 NLT
[28] “But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!”

How does a teenage boy feel under the weight of such insult and contempt, especially from a member of his own family? Were these attitudes not even more damaging than any physical challenges he faced out there in the hills with the sheep?

David turned to the God he was getting to know. He was learning that the God of his fathers, the God of covenant, was not only a reliable source of supply, but also a God who never put him down, or let him down no matter what his circumstances. Young as he was, his confidence in the character of God gave him the courage to trust Him when he needed Him. With this kind of confidence in God who never failed, this stripling teenage boy faced, challenged, and killed the Goliath his brothers feared.

Psalms 3:3 NIV
[3] “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”

The Hebrew word, “rum”, means “to be high, or exalted.” David was aware of the way God lifted him up and supported him when others put him down, insulted him, and treated him with contempt. “I shall not be in want…” also helped him to treat others the way God treated him.

David’s habit was to “enquire of the Lord” for guidance in every tough situation, and to follow His instructions because he knew that God would always support or vindicate him.

Such was David’s confidence in God that he could tell the world, through his songs, that no matter what, he would never be diminished. What a way to live!

In turn, David took care not to diminish others. He had the power to eradicate the members of Saul’s family in case they threatened him as king. However, instead, he stepped in to lift up Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, in his distress, to the position of a member of his household. As a recipient of God’s mercy, David extended mercy to others.

People think nothing of diminishing others. It happens in families, in workplaces, and in society. In fact, people love to diminish others, even in the most drastic of all ways, by taking another’s life, with hardly a thought.

What if we take a leaf from David’s book? What if we rely on God never to diminish us when the chips are down? What if we resolve never to put anyone else down even if it costs us?

What a way to conduct our lives! As the object of God’s immeasurable mercy…

Psalms 103:9-11 NIV
[9] “He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; [10] he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. [11] For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him…”

…We owe God the same attitude of mercy to others as He has shown us. He steps in to support us in times of trial. Now let’s do the same for others.

Micah 6:8 NIV
[8] “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

THE MIRACLE OF JOB

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Job 23:10 NLT
[10] “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.”

In the midst of his extreme suffering, Job uttered immortal words that expressed his unshakeable confidence in God. Notice the words I have chosen…extreme suffering… Immortal words…unshakeable confidence!

How was it possible, in circumstances as puzzling as Job’s, for this man who did all in his power to stay within the boundaries of his knowledge and experience of God, to be so strong in his faith when everything had gone haywire? He, a wealthy and blessed man, had lost everything in a heartbeat. He had gone from affluence and influence to abject poverty, contempt, and abandonment. For what reason?

He had done nothing different, in his home and community, from his godly lifestyle and yet…here he was, sitting on a heap of ashes, smelling like a sewer, painfully fingering his festering sores, and groping for an answer!

From the mouth of this man, in the face of terrible suffering and cruel accusations from so-called “friends”, came words of affirmation that have brought comfort and hope to many down the generations.

Let’s examine just three of his statements.

Job 13:15 NIV
[15] “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him…”

Death stared Job in the face. In his day, there was little hope in doctors and no medical science. His physical state was so bad that no one came near him. He was an outcast from home and society. Even his visitors kept their distance, physically and emotionally. Job had only the mercy of God.

It seems that Job didn’t fear death. In fact, death was a pleasant prospect to relieve his suffering and give him peace. So, he made it clear that not even physical death could shatter his faith in God. He would trust Him to his final breath.

Job 19:25-27 NIV
[25] “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.”

These are the words of a man who lived centuries before the coming of Jesus and the New Covenant He came to establish. How did Job know about death, the resurrection, and eternal life? How could he declare with such confidence…

[26] “And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; [27] I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”

Despite the foolish philosophies of unbelieving people centuries later, who believe and hope for annihilation, King Solomon expressed his own commitment to the truth.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV
[11] “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Both these men expressed their hope in the eternal truth written in their hearts that death is not the end but the transition to a new and better life…

People have tried to dodge accountability to God by devising their own version of eternity, a life of indulging all their fleshy lusts, but, in whatever form it may take, they cannot escape what God had done. He has indelibly inscribed both His law and eternity on our hearts.

As primitive as Job’s faith might have been in his time, he knew that his destiny was entwined with the God he trusted. It was written in his heart before he was born. Despite his ignorance of all God’s ways, of this he was certain. Death would not be the end of his life. Death would be the beginning of something much bigger and better. He would shed his mortal skin and with it, his limitations. In a new and resurrected body, he would “see” God, and how he longed for that moment.

Job’s issue was not about dying. His agony was about not knowing why he was being subjected to such suffering while he was living. He has done all he could, he had ticked all the boxes, and yet, it seemed, God was not satisfied! Why? To crown it all, God was silent. He refused to answer him.

And yet, Job’s trust in God held steady. With the same confidence that expressed hope in the resurrection, he could say…

Job 23:10 NIV
[10] “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

Did Job finally recognise that all this suffering was a test, not a punishment? Did this notion bring a new perspective to his hope?

Again, Job uttered immortal words. “He knows…” God knows! Didn’t this make all the difference? Did he suffer alone? Did his pain mean nothing to God? Others could criticise and condemn without pity, but not God! He knows…not only the agony of physical suffering but also the mental torture of “Why, God, why?”

The way Job took, the way we take, may be a tortuous journey to discover the meaning of our pain. God knows! We may agonise over our doubts and fears. God knows! We may trespass into bitterness and unbelief. God knows! We may accuse and blame. God knows!

God may never give an explanation but He always has a reason, and a purpose. Testing! God is testing…will our faith hold under fire?

In the end, through all the questioning and arguing, we slowly shed the dross of our misunderstandings and misperceptions, like gold in the crucible of refining. And, like gold, Job knew that he would come out of his fire, refined and pure. And, like gold, we will come out of the fire without dross…if we trust Him.

If faith in God is all that is left after we have exhausted every question, and every reason and argument in our favour, we will have passed the test.

Notice this! Although the devil was the cause, Job never factored him into his catastrophe. God never did, either! This mess was between God and Job. The devil was but a tool to be tossed aside with no mention when the matter was concluded. He may have set the whole process going, but only within God’s permissive will, and only within the boundaries of God’s purpose. He should never get credit or accolades for what he had done. His judgment is already sure.

Despite God’s refusal to answer Job, He did answer him eventually,…with a presentation of His God-ness far higher and greater than Job’s previous notions. After God’s rugged disclosure of His power and glory, with the frightening challenge, “Where were you…?”, Job fell on his face in humility and godly fear, where he belonged… and God lifted him up.

Perhaps the greatest lessons we learn from Job’s story are simply these…

Don’t tangle with God! You’ll never win.
Don’t question God! You may never get an answer.
Don’t stand up to God! He’ll beat you down.
Fall down before God! He will lift you up.

God does not respond to arrogance…or defiance…or rudeness!!! He responds to the humility that bends to His will with gratitude that He is, after all, both light and love. Whatever He does, be it unfathomable or distasteful to us, always meets the criteria of His light and love, and fulfills His two great purposes, our good and His glory.

So dear reader, take comfort from and follow the path of our spiritual ancestor. He blazed a trail of faith we can follow with absolute confidence, for the outcome is as sure as God Himself.

WHAT IS GOD DOING IN SOUTH AFRICA? – 3

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There is a third element in the unfolding revelation of God’s way of dealing with the nations. Through the same Jehoshaphat who witnessed the death of Ahab, God’s dealings with Moab and Ammon, two of Judas enemies, show us the way to work with Him, not against Him, through wise leaders.

2 Chronicles 20:1, 3-6, 10-12 NIV
[1] “After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat…
[3] Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. [4] The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. [5] Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard [6] and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you…
[10] “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. [11] See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. [12] Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Through Jeshoshaphat’s faith and leadership, God destroyed the coalition of Israel’s enemies.

2 Chronicles 20:21-24 NLT
[21] “After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” [22] At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. [23] The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. [24] So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.”

Did God accomplish His purpose?

2 Chronicles 20:29-30 NLT
[29]” When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. [30] So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.”

How can we, God’s people, get the victory over the coalition of people and demons ranged against us? Through believing prayer, on the strength of what God has done in the past, we shall also see the gods of this nation destroyed, the glory of God revealed by what He does for us, and the nations watching us turning to the Lord because of what He has done.

Genesis 18:14 NLT
[14] IS ANYTHING TOO HARD TO FOR THE LORD?

Now, instead of jumping ship, let’s pray, watch, and see what God can do.

To be concluded…

WHAT IS GOD DOING IN SOUTH AFRICA – 2

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Now, let’s examine another record in Scripture to confirm the way in which God accomplishes His will by His dealings with unbelieving rulers … the story of Ahab.

God predicted King Ahab’s death because of his disobedience. He was instructed to defeat the Arameans and kill their king. However, instead, Ahab saved King Ben-Hadad’s life and made a treaty with him.

1 Kings 20:34 NIV
[34] “I will return the cities my father took from your father,” Ben-Hadad offered. “You may set up your own market areas in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Ahab said, “On the basis of a treaty I will set you free.” So he made a treaty with him, and let him go.”

God’s judgment fell on Ahab.

1 Kings 20:42-43 NLT
[42] “The prophet said to him, (Ahab), “This is what the Lord says: Because you have spared the man I said must be destroyed, now you must die in his place, and your people will die instead of his people.” [43] So the king of Israel went home to Samaria angry and sullen.”

After this incident, there followed Ahab’s theft of Naboth’s vineyard, bringing God’s final judgment down on his head.

1 Kings 21:18-19 NLT
[18] “Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be at Naboth’s vineyard in Jezreel, claiming it for himself. [19] Give him this message: ‘This is what the Lord says: Wasn’t it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!’”

How did God fulfill this prophecy? I Kings 22 tells the story.

Ahab, together with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, planned a reprisal war against the Arameans.

In order to lure Ahab to his death through a lying spirit, the false prophets of Baal predicted victory against the Arameans. Behind the scenes, God planned, through His divine council, the course and outcome of this battle.

After all the favourable prophecies of victory, God’s prophet, Michaiah, called in to tell the truth about the outcome of this battle, revealed God’s plan to King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

1 Kings 22:17, 19-23 NLT
[17] Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.’”…

How did the Lord get Ahab to go to war against the Arameans to fulfil this prophecy?

[19] Then Micaiah continued, “Listen to what the Lord says! I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven around him, on his right and on his left. [20] And the Lord said, ‘Who can entice Ahab to go into battle against Ramoth-gilead so he can be killed?’ “There were many suggestions, [21] and finally a spirit approached the Lord and said, ‘I can do it!’ [22] “‘How will you do this?’ the Lord asked. “And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all of Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’ ‘You will succeed,’ said the Lord. ‘Go ahead and do it.’ [23] “So you see, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all your prophets. For the Lord has pronounced your doom.”

Angry and defiant, Ahab disregarded the prophecy, tried to outwit the Aramean army by disguising himself as an ordinary soldier, and was hit by a random Aramean arrow that pierced him through a joint in his armour, killing him as predicted.

1 Kings 22:29, 34-38 NLT
[29] “So King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah led their armies against Ramoth-gilead….
[34] An Aramean soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. “Turn the horses and get me out of here!” Ahab groaned to the driver of his chariot. “I’m badly wounded!” [35] The battle raged all that day, and the king remained propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. The blood from his wound ran down to the floor of his chariot, and as evening arrived he died. [36] Just as the sun was setting, the cry ran through his troops: “We’re done for! Run for your lives!” [37] So the king died, and his body was taken to Samaria and buried there. [38] Then his chariot was washed beside the pool of Samaria, and dogs came and licked his blood at the place where the prostitutes bathed, just as the Lord had promised.”

The conclusion? God did exactly as He predicted through Ahab’s own decision.

And the outcome?

God was glorified – His determined plan in everything He does to accomplish His will on earth in and through people. One thing is sure…

Isaiah 42:8 NIV
[8] “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.”

What of South Africa?

I see two things happening in the current scene. The whole world is watching little, insignificant South Africa because of two things…

First, South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ.

Egged on and paid for by Iran, so it is alleged, South Africa initiated a massive attack on Israel through the International Court of Justice, sparking global outrage against Israel. Bad decision!

Second, South Africa’s insane internal policies, for example, its NHI plan, its Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC) bill, and its foreign policies, alienating the west, especially the USA, and climbing into bed with pro-terrorist countries like Russia, China, and Middle Eastern nations has angered our allies.

Third, by alienating our country from our historical allies, the ruling party is setting us up for isolation from Western trading partners.

With the spotlight on South Africa, God can show the world what He will do with arrogant, stubborn rulers who are espoused to demonic spirits and who refuse to listen to reason and wisdom.

Just as Pharoah entrenched his antagonism towards the Israelites, so our leaders are entrenching their policies against Israel and the poor masses in South Africa, enriching themselves through corruption instead of taking care of the nation.

God’s ultimate plan is twofold, to destroy the gods of the nation and to reveal His glory to the whole world by destroying its wicked rulers just as He did to Egypt and King Ahab.

Habakkuk 2:14 NIV
[14] “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

To be continued…

WHAT IS GOD DOING IN SOUTH AFRICA? – 1

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Many of God’s children are running or thinking of running away from South Africa because of the things that are happening in our country right now. Is this the correct way to handle the challenges we face? Is the grass greener on the other side of the fence? Is this what God wants us to do, to abandon the country of our birth, the land where our roots go down deep, for an unknown land and, unfortunately and inadvertantly, to miss out on what He is doing here?

It’s time for us, God’s children, to have a NEW perspective on what God is doing in our country. If, on the surface, it seems that God has left us to our own devices or handed this land over to His enemies, is this the truth?

Before we begin, let’s consider one thought. I have heard many people suggest that we pray for the salvation of certain politicians who are charismatic and persuasive in their political aspirations. “What if so-and-so gets saved. What a power for good he/she would be in our country!”

This may be true and perfectly possible for the Lord but, is this necessarily His purpose for that person? What if the Lord created that person specifically to get glory through his/her behaviour?

Romans 9:17-18 NLT
[17]”For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth.” [18] So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen.”

God is sovereign and He is also just. He gave Pharaoh the opportunity to repent. Five times, Pharaoh hardened his heart. Five times God hardened his heart and confirmed Pharaoh’s decision to defy Him. God allowed Pharaoh to be his own judge.

Let’s turn to the Bible to get God’s pattern for His dealings with nations.

A recent discussion with my son brought me face to face with this issue. His concern is that South Africa is ruled by and given over to demonic powers. If so, how does God feature in a seemingly insoluble problem, a power struggle between God and Satan?

I asked the Lord to show me what He is doing in South Africa so that I can partner with Him, through prayer, in doing His will on earth as it is done in heaven.

This is what He revealed to me.

Let’s begin at the beginning.

First…to whom does South Africa belong? Does this country belong to the highest bidder?

Psalms 24:1 NLT
[1] “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”

The entire world and all its people belong to God, not to us and not to the spirit beings who rule over us.

Second…who rules our nation?

Psalms 2:6-9 NLT
[6] “For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.” [7] The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. [8] Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. [9] You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.’”

Although South Africa is not in covenant with Jesus, He owns and rules over our nation and every nation on earth by divine decree as the Father’s coronation gift. God has given Him the right to decide who will govern our nation, why, and how He directs our affairs to achieve His purpose for South Africa.

So, this settles these two questions…who owns the nations and who rules the nations? God owns the nations. He gave them to Jesus as His coronation gift. Jesus rules the nations with an iron fist and He is guiding us towards His predetermined purpose.

Third… What is nature of His rule?

Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT
[6] “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”

Justice, righteousness,and peace! Wherever Jesus rules, He will overcome everything that does not fit in with His rule and standards.

1 Corinthians 15:24-25 NLT
[24]”After that, the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. [25] For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.”

God’s desire for all nations is expressed in Paul’s instruction to Timothy…

1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV
[1] “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Fourth… How does He rule? Here is the principle and the method. God is perfectly just. He carries out His will by working through the way people think and act. People choose their own behaviour and their destiny.

Proverbs 21:1 NLT
[1]”The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.”

Now this is an interesting slant! Does this verse mean that the heart of a king, a ruler, moves along specific paths of thinking, directed by God, towards a certain goal? What if God allows rulers to think and do what they want to do, even if the outcomes are destructive and wicked, to serve His purpose?

Fifth…God predicts what will happen and then carries out His Word through people’s choices and actions.

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 NIV
[1] “This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:…
[4] For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. [5] I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, [6] so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.”

Now let’s examine two situations in Scripture to test this idea.

First, Egypt.

Exodus 2:23-25 NLT
[23] “Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God. [24] God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. [25] He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.”

Egypt was steeped in idolatry. What was God’s intention?

Exodus 7:1-5 NLT
[1]”Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pay close attention to this. I will make you seem like God to Pharaoh, and your brother, Aaron, will be your prophet. [2] Tell Aaron everything I command you, and Aaron must command Pharaoh to let the people of Israel leave his country. [3] But I will make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn so I can multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. [4] Even then Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you. So I will bring down my fist on Egypt. Then I will rescue my forces—my people, the Israelites—from the land of Egypt with great acts of judgment. [5] When I raise my powerful hand and bring out the Israelites, the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.”

How did God accomplish His purpose?

Exodus 3:19-20 NLT
[19] “But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand forces him. [20] So I will raise my hand and strike the Egyptians, performing all kinds of miracles among them. Then at last he will let you go.”

Exodus 5:1-2 NLT
[1] After this presentation to Israel’s leaders, Moses and Aaron went and spoke to Pharaoh. They told him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Let my people go so they may hold a festival in my honor in the wilderness.” [2] “Is that so?” retorted Pharaoh. “And who is the Lord? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don’t know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go.”

Pharaoh persisted in his stubborn resistance…

Despite Moses’ demonstration of God’s power to Pharoah, he refused to do what Moses told him.

Exodus 7:13 NLT
[13]”Pharaoh’s heart, however, remained hard. He still refused to listen, just as the Lord had predicted.”

Until God confirmed Pharaoh’s choices ..

Exodus 9:12 NLT
[12] “But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and just as the Lord had predicted to Moses, Pharaoh refused to listen.”

God’s intention was, in the final plague, the death of every firstborn son of people and animals, to demonstrate His power over the gods of Egypt.

Exodus 12:12 NLT
[12] “On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord!”

Finally, after destroying the land of Egypt, God glorified His own name by annihilating the Egyptian army…all through Pharaoh’s resistance to God’s command.

Exodus 14:2-4 NLT
[2] “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. [3] Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’ [4] And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told.”

Exodus 14:8-9, 17-18, 23-25, 28 NLT
[8]” The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance. [9] The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army—all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon…
[17] And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. [18] When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!”
[23] Then the Egyptians—all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and charioteers—chased them into the middle of the sea. [24] But just before dawn the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion. [25] He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. “Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the Egyptians shouted. “The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!”…
[28] Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers—the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived.”

Can you see, then, how God used Pharaoh’s own choices to destroy the nation and free His people from slavery?

Through Pharaoh and the plagues, God poured out His judgement on Egypt’s gods. He revealed His glory by annihilating Egypt’s ruler and his army, showing the people of Egypt that He is God.

How does this story show us God’s pattern for dealing with ungodly leaders?

To be continued…