What can we learn about obedience from Israel's actions in Numbers 21:35? Setting the Scene Numbers 21:34–35 records Israel’s encounter with King Og of Bashan: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon.’ So they struck him down, along with his sons and his whole army, leaving no survivors. Then they possessed his land.” The Command and the Response • God’s directive was simple and clear: “Do not fear… I have delivered him into your hand.” • Israel’s response was immediate and complete. They acted exactly as commanded, leaving “no survivors” and taking possession of the land. • The people neither paused to negotiate nor devised an alternative strategy. They trusted the LORD’s word and moved. Lessons on Obedience • Obedience is rooted in trust. Israel believed that God had already “delivered” Og into their hand before the battle began (cf. Hebrews 11:1). • Obedience is total, not partial. Israel left “no survivors,” fulfilling the instruction precisely (cf. Deuteronomy 4:2). • Obedience dispels fear. God’s “Do not fear” became reality because obedience aligned Israel with divine victory (cf. 2 Timothy 1:7). • Obedience brings inheritance. “Then they possessed his land.” The promised blessing followed their compliance (cf. Joshua 1:3). • Obedience echoes previous victories. God told them to act “as you did to Sihon,” reminding them that faithful obedience yesterday equips faithful obedience today (cf. Psalm 77:11). Crossover Scriptures • 1 Samuel 15:22 — “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings… as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Walking It Out Today • Trust His promises before you see results. • Obey completely, not selectively. • Remember past deliverances to fuel present faith. • Expect God’s inheritance on the other side of obedience. |
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