Topical Bible: Power of God: Can Save by Many or by Few

Bible > Topical > Power of God

◄ Power of God: Can Save by Many or by Few ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of God's power to save by many or by few is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the sovereignty and omnipotence of God in delivering His people regardless of human limitations. This theme underscores the belief that God's ability to save is not constrained by numbers, resources, or human strength, but is solely dependent on His divine will and purpose.

One of the most illustrative examples of this principle is found in the account of Jonathan and his armor-bearer in 1 Samuel 14. Facing the Philistine army, Jonathan expresses his faith in God's power, saying, "Come, let us cross over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few" (1 Samuel 14:6). This declaration of faith is followed by a miraculous victory, as God confounds the Philistines, leading to their defeat.

Similarly, the account of Gideon in Judges 7 further exemplifies this theme. God reduces Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men to ensure that Israel recognizes that their victory over the Midianites is due to divine intervention rather than human might. The LORD says to Gideon, "You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands. Israel might boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me’" (Judges 7:2). Through this reduction, God demonstrates that His power is sufficient to save, irrespective of human strength or numbers.

The New Testament continues to affirm this principle. In the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus uses five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude, showcasing that God's provision and power are not limited by scarcity (Matthew 14:13-21). This miracle reflects the truth that God's ability to save and provide transcends human understanding and limitations.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to this theme in his letters, emphasizing that God's power is made perfect in weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This statement highlights that God's strength is most evident when human ability is lacking, reinforcing the idea that God can save by many or by few.

Throughout Scripture, the power of God to save by many or by few serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority and capability. It encourages believers to trust in God's provision and deliverance, regardless of the circumstances or apparent odds. This theme calls for faith in God's sovereignty and a recognition that His plans and purposes will prevail, irrespective of human limitations.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 14:6
And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Salvation
... God gives repentance unto life;' nor because he believes, for no one can believe
except ... out faithful to the end, for we are kept by the power of God.' It is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/4 the absolute godhood of.htm

The Gospel the Power of God
... soon find out that there is only one power, one name given under heaven among men
whereby we can accomplish what ... who is even at the right hand of God, and also ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the gospel the power of.htm

Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen.
... to that measure of effort which lies fully within her power. ... do more than she does
at present, then God would accomplish ... He can save by few as well as by many. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iii guilt of neglecting.htm

The Wisdom of God's Counsels
... using every means which is in their power, to enlarge ... making you more and more dead
to God, and more ... treasures on earth!" They gain all they can, honestly and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 68 the wisdom of.htm

God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being
... in him the glory and excellence of his power, goodness, holiness ... that he doth to
the glory of God, but it is ... of a man,"the greatest accession that can be to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture i gods glory the.htm

Waiting on God
... of God Himself, in His righteousness, His holiness, His authority, His presence
and His power. He can save completely those who come to God through Him! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iii waiting on god.htm

The Intercessory Prayers of Christians
... Himself through the convicting and convincing power of the ... the bread of life obtained
from God to save ... understand that our importunate praying can overcome our ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 8 the intercessory prayers.htm

Causes of the Inefficacy of Christianity
... Never was there before a people in the Christian Church, who had so much of the
power of God ... I do, blessed be God, gain, and save, and give all I can. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 116 causes of the.htm

Witnessing in Power.
... And with many other words did He testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from ...
in the Church, is because there is not in them the power that God can use ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/witnessing in power.htm

'Fit, Though Few'
... Therefore God is careful to save us from self ... No doubt, many who had flocked to Gideon's
standard felt ... is uppermost, the door by which God's power can enter to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/fit though few.htm