What other Bible stories show God preventing harm to His chosen people? Numbers 22:12 — God Stops Balaam’s Curse “ But God said to Balaam, ‘Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.’ ” • Threat: A paid prophet intends to curse Israel. • God’s action: Direct command forbidding Balaam; later, an angel blocks the road. • Result: Israel remains blessed and untouched. Genesis 12 & 20 — Sarah Protected in Foreign Courts • Threat: Pharaoh (Genesis 12) and later Abimelech (Genesis 20) take Sarah. • God’s action: – “The LORD struck Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues …” (Genesis 12:17). – “I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her.” (Genesis 20:6). • Result: Both rulers release Sarah and enrich Abraham. Genesis 31:24 — God Warns Laban About Jacob “But that night God came to Laban … and warned him, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ ” • Threat: Laban pursues Jacob, intending confrontation. • God’s action: Divine dream restrains Laban. • Result: A peaceful covenant; Jacob leaves unharmed. Exodus 12:23 — The Destroyer Passes Over Israel “When the LORD … will pass over the doorway, and He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.” • Threat: Death of every firstborn in Egypt. • God’s action: Blood of the lamb marks each Hebrew home; the destroyer is turned away. • Result: Israel spared; the exodus begins. Exodus 14:14 — A Path Through the Sea “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” • Threat: Pharaoh’s army traps Israel at the Red Sea. • God’s action: Sea parts, pillar of cloud blocks Egyptians, waters return on the pursuers. • Result: Israel crosses safely; enemies drown. 2 Kings 6 — Chariots of Fire Around Elisha • Threat: Aramean army surrounds Elisha at Dothan. • God’s action: – “The hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (6:17). – The soldiers are struck with blindness (6:18). • Result: No harm to Elisha or the city; host returned safely. 2 Chronicles 20 — Enemy Armies Destroy Themselves “You need not fight this battle. … see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf.” (v 17) • Threat: A vast coalition marches on Judah. • God’s action: Worship-led advance; God sets ambushes, enemies turn on one another. • Result: Judah gathers spoil for three days, untouched by war. Daniel 3 — Safe in the Fiery Furnace • Threat: Blazing furnace for refusing idolatry. • God’s action: A divine figure walks with the three men; “the fire had had no effect … not a hair of their heads was singed” (v 27). • Result: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego emerge unharmed; decree honors God. Daniel 6 — Lions’ Mouths Shut “My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not harmed me …” (v 22) • Threat: Death in the lions’ den. • God’s action: Angel closes lions’ mouths. • Result: Daniel lifted out without injury; accusers perish. Esther 9 — Haman’s Plot Reversed “On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but the tables were turned …” (v 1) • Threat: Royal edict authorizes genocide. • God’s action: Providential rise of Esther and Mordecai; second decree empowers Jews. • Result: Jews prevail, celebrate Purim. Acts 12 — Peter Walks Out of Prison “Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared … ‘Quick, get up!’ … and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.” (v 7) • Threat: Herod’s intention to execute Peter after Passover. • God’s action: Angelic deliverance, iron gate opens by itself. • Result: Peter reunited with believers; Herod soon judged by God. Acts 23 — A Death Plot Thwarted for Paul “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! … you must testify in Rome.’ ” (v 11) • Threat: Forty assassins vow not to eat until Paul is dead. • God’s action: Paul’s nephew overhears; Roman commander moves Paul under heavy guard. • Result: Plot fails; Paul continues his mission toward Rome. |
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