What Old Testament examples show God's protection from harm, similar to John 7:1? John 7:1—A Snapshot of Divine Protection “After this, Jesus walked in Galilee. He did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill Him.” The Same Hand at Work in the Old Testament God has always shielded His people until their appointed work is finished. The following accounts echo John 7:1’s theme of protection. Moses—Spared From Pharaoh’s Edict • Exodus 2:3–6: Placed in a papyrus basket, drawn safely from the Nile by Pharaoh’s daughter. • Exodus 2:9–10: Raised in the very palace that sought his death, preparing him for future leadership. Israel at the Red Sea—Protected While Pursued • Exodus 14:19–22: “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind… and the waters were divided.” • The pillar of cloud moved behind Israel, forming a barrier between them and the Egyptians until the path was clear. David—Kept From Saul’s Spear • 1 Samuel 19:10: Saul hurls a spear; David escapes. • 1 Samuel 23:14: “Saul searched for him every day, but God did not deliver David into his hand.” Daniel—Untouched in the Lions’ Den • Daniel 6:22: “My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions; they have not hurt me.” • The conspirators who engineered the danger are the ones ultimately destroyed (Daniel 6:24). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—Preserved in Fire • Daniel 3:25: “Look! I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking in the fire…” • Daniel 3:27: Not even “the smell of fire” was on them. Elijah—Hidden From Ahab and Jezebel • 1 Kings 17:3: God directs Elijah to hide by the Brook Cherith; ravens feed him. • 1 Kings 19:5–8: An angel sustains Elijah in the wilderness when Jezebel seeks his life. Esther and the Jewish People—Delivered From Haman’s Plot • Esther 4:14: Mordecai points to divine positioning—“relief and deliverance… will arise from another place.” • Esther 7:10: The gallows meant for Mordecai become Haman’s downfall. Jeremiah—Rescued From Certain Death • Jeremiah 26:24: Ahikam protects Jeremiah from a mob demanding execution. • Jeremiah 38:10–13: Ebed-melech pulls the prophet from a muddy cistern before he starves. Key Takeaways • God’s protection is purposeful: He guards His servants so His redemptive plan moves forward. • Threats may be real, but they never outrun divine sovereignty. • Until the mission He assigns is complete, His shielding hand remains—then and now. |
    |