How does Moab's fear compare to Israel's trust in God in Exodus 14? Setting the Scene • Israel has marched from Egypt to the borders of Moab. • God’s covenant people have already seen the plagues, the pillar of cloud and fire, and the parting of the Red Sea—proof that the Lord literally acts in history to keep His word. • Moab, watching this same nation advance, reacts very differently. Moab’s Fear Exposed – Numbers 22:4 “Moab said to the elders of Midian, ‘Now this horde will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.’ ” • The picture is total devastation—Moab imagines Israel devouring the land like a hungry ox. • Fear drives King Balak to hire Balaam to curse Israel (22:5–6), revealing: – A view of God as manipulable through magic. – Total disregard for God’s covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:3). • Moab’s fear is rooted in unbelief. They never ask, “Who is Israel’s God, and what has He promised?” They only ask, “How can we stop them?” Israel’s Trust Demonstrated – Exodus 14 “Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today.… The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.’ ” (14:13–14) • At the Red Sea the Israelites see the Egyptian army, yet God commands confidence, not panic. • They obey Moses, walk between walls of water (14:22), and watch God literally drown Egypt’s forces (14:28). • Result: “Israel saw the great power that the LORD had unleashed…and the people feared the LORD and put their trust in Him and in His servant Moses.” (14:31) Contrasting Reactions: Fear vs Faith • Object of Fear – Moab: the visible threat of Israel’s numbers. – Israel: initially Egypt’s chariots, but they shift their gaze to the Lord. • Source of Security – Moab: human schemes—hiring Balaam, forming alliances (22:4b). – Israel: God’s covenant faithfulness and proven power. • Outcome – Moab: spiraling anxiety leads to futile resistance; Balaam ends up blessing Israel (Numbers 23–24). – Israel: obedient trust leads to deliverance and deeper worship (Exodus 15). • Supporting Scriptures – Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” – Isaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Why the Difference? • Covenant Relationship: Israel stands inside God’s sworn promises; Moab does not (Exodus 2:24; Deuteronomy 2:9). • Revelation Accepted vs. Rejected: Israel has witnessed God’s acts; Moab suppresses the testimony (Romans 1:18–21). • Leadership That Points to the Lord: Moses says, “Stand firm.” Balak says, “Find a sorcerer.” The voice a people heed shapes their response. Timeless Takeaways • Fear flourishes where God’s word is ignored; faith grows where His past works are remembered. • Attempting to curse what God has blessed is futile; no weapon formed against His people can stand (Isaiah 54:17). • The same sovereign God who split the sea defeats every modern “Balak” that rises against believers today. • Our call mirrors Moses’ counsel: “Do not be afraid… The LORD will fight for you.” |
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