Topical Bible: Protection: Not to be Found in Man

◄ Protection: Not to be Found in Man ►

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In the biblical context, the concept of protection is often associated with divine intervention and the safeguarding power of God, rather than reliance on human strength or capabilities. The Scriptures consistently emphasize that true security and refuge are found in God alone, highlighting the limitations and fallibility of human protection.

Divine Protection Over Human Strength

The Bible frequently contrasts the insufficiency of human protection with the all-sufficient protection offered by God. Psalm 118:8-9 states, "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes." This passage underscores the futility of relying on human leaders or institutions for ultimate security, directing believers to place their trust in the Lord.

Similarly, Psalm 146:3-5 warns, "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God." Here, the transient nature of human life and plans is contrasted with the enduring help and hope found in God.

God as the Ultimate Protector

Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as a fortress, shield, and refuge for His people. In 2 Samuel 22:31 , David declares, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him." This imagery of God as a shield conveys the idea of divine protection that encompasses and defends against all threats.

Proverbs 18:10 further illustrates this concept: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." The metaphor of a strong tower signifies a place of safety and security, accessible to those who seek refuge in God.

The Limitations of Human Protection

The Bible also provides narratives that highlight the limitations of human protection. In Isaiah 31:1 , the prophet warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen. But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This admonition against seeking military alliances and relying on human strength serves as a reminder of the futility of such endeavors without God's guidance and protection.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty

The biblical narrative encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, recognizing that He alone is capable of providing true protection. In Jeremiah 17:5-7 , the prophet contrasts the cursed state of those who trust in man with the blessedness of those who trust in the Lord: "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him."

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that protection is not to be found in man but in God alone. Through various passages and narratives, believers are encouraged to place their trust in the Lord, who is the ultimate source of security and refuge.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 30:7
For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

It is the Peculiar Property of Man to Know and Worship God.
... to the dumb creatures only for the protection of life ... because nothing of that kind
can be found out by ... ourselves to religion, and he who does not undertake this ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap x it is the peculiar.htm

How God Makes Trial of the Strength of Man's Will by Means of his ...
... own strength, but solely with the protection of God's ... certainly the Divine righteousness
would not have permitted ... by an equitable judgment be found in either ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xiv how god makes.htm

He Describes his Infancy, and Lauds the Protection and Eternal ...
... Describes His Infancy, and Lauds the Protection and Eternal ... as were readily understood,
truth would not be eagerly ... would it give pleasure when found."--De Ver. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter vi he describes his infancy.htm

Man Proposes, God Disposes
... if we cannot get better lodgings for you, you shall sleep at our house." I went
with him, but we found the people ... "I do not want your protection; I need ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter xiii man proposes god.htm

The Crucifixion.
... The Roman soldiers found Simon entering the city, and ... them said, Daughters of Jerusalem,
weep not for me ... by the governor himself, is no protection against it ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiii the crucifixion.htm

On the Perfection of Patience.
... a sin enjoy the benefit of solitude and the protection of a ... And yet because the storm
raised by the devil found him upon the sand, it not only drove in ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xvi on the perfection.htm

The Petition
... I found it. ... "She is hidden, and I have provided for her protection, as well as I
may, against ... For her immediate welfare I am not greatly troubled. But, alas! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxiv the petition.htm

Of the Miseries and Ills to which the Human Race is Justly Exposed ...
... Is innocence a sufficient protection against the various assaults of demons? ... driven
men to eat human flesh, and that the flesh not of bodies found dead, but ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of the miseries and.htm

A Refused Bequest
... Christ's companionship and the security of Christ's protection just as ... a miracle
upon Gentile soil, there was not the same ... Lord had done was to be found in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/a refused bequest.htm

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
... always turned to Him for guidance and protection, and He ... destroy the wise men, Daniel
said, "Destroy not the wise ... the king, with the words, "I have found a man ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 40 nebuchadnezzars dream.htm