What role does faith play in achieving victory, as seen in Judges 20:35? Text Under Consideration “The LORD defeated Benjamin before Israel, and on that day the Israelites slaughtered 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords.” (Judges 20:35) Observations from Judges 20:35 • The subject of the verb is “the LORD”; He is explicitly credited with the victory. • Israel’s armies fight, but the decisive action belongs to God. • The outcome is certain and measurable—25,100 Benjamites fall—illustrating that divine intervention produces tangible results. The Role of Faith in Securing Victory • Confidence in God’s sovereignty – Israel believes the LORD both can and will act (cf. Deuteronomy 20:4). • Dependence that leads to perseverance – Two prior battles had gone against Israel (Judges 20:21, 25). Faith keeps them seeking God rather than quitting. • Alignment with divine instruction – Israel repeatedly consults God at Bethel (Judges 20:26-28); genuine faith listens before acting. • Expectation of God’s timing – “Tomorrow I will deliver them into your hands” (Judges 20:28). Faith waits until God says “go,” rejecting self-reliance. Scriptural Echoes Confirming the Pattern • Joshua 6:2, 16 – Faith-filled obedience brings Jericho’s walls down. • 2 Chronicles 20:20-22 – “Believe in the LORD your God and you will be upheld.” Praise-saturated faith precedes victory over Ammon and Moab. • Hebrews 11:32-34 – Gideon, Barak, Samson, and others “through faith conquered kingdoms.” • 1 John 5:4 – “This is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.” Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Begin every battle by acknowledging God as the ultimate warrior. • Seek His guidance before strategizing; faith consults Scripture and prayer first. • Persist even after setbacks, trusting that God’s purposes often unfold progressively. • Act when He says “move,” believing He is already at work on the field. |
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