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

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of God's power to save, whether by many or by few, is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, illustrating His sovereignty and might. This principle underscores the belief that God's ability to deliver and save is not limited by human constraints or numbers.

Biblical Instances

1. Jonathan and His Armor-Bearer: One of the most striking examples of this principle is found in 1 Samuel 14:6, where Jonathan, the son of King Saul, expresses his faith in God's power to save. He says to his armor-bearer, "Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. For nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few." . This statement precedes a miraculous victory over the Philistines, achieved by just Jonathan and his armor-bearer, demonstrating that God's deliverance does not depend on the size of the army.

2. Gideon's Army: In Judges 7, God reduces Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men to defeat the Midianites. The LORD tells Gideon, "You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’" (Judges 7:2). This account highlights that God's power is made perfect in human weakness, ensuring that the glory of victory belongs to Him alone.

3. David and Goliath: The account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 further illustrates this theme. David, a young shepherd, confronts the giant Goliath with only a sling and a few stones, declaring, "The battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:47). David's victory over Goliath serves as a testament to God's ability to save through seemingly insignificant means.

Theological Implications

The power of God to save by many or by few emphasizes His omnipotence and the futility of relying solely on human strength or numbers. It calls believers to trust in God's providence and to recognize that His plans and purposes transcend human understanding. This principle encourages faith and reliance on God, rather than on human resources or strategies.

New Testament Reflections

In the New Testament, the theme continues with Jesus' ministry and the early church. Jesus feeds the five thousand with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21), demonstrating that God's provision is not limited by material scarcity. Similarly, the early church, though small and persecuted, spreads the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to trust in God's power and not be discouraged by seemingly insurmountable odds. Whether facing personal challenges or engaging in ministry, the assurance that God can save by many or by few provides hope and confidence. It reminds Christians that success is not measured by human standards but by faithfulness to God's calling and reliance on His strength.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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