Great history and geography here. God will terrify the people and destroy their gods. Our God is the supreme power, the ONLY God!
We’ve often heard our God is a jealous god. He doesn’t tolerate when we have other, false gods that keep us separated from him. He has waited for his people to turn away from those false gods and turn back to him, but they have not. He take matters into his own hands.
Philistia is not a new region for us. We are familiar with that people and remember them as mean and ruthless. God used this evil nation in his discipline of his own people. The cities mentioned here are on each point of the compass (North, South, East, and West). Their fate is not good: “rooted out,” “desolate,” “left in ruins.” An interesting tactic.
The focus then shifts to Moab and Ammon. These two neighbors to Judah often mocked and ridiculed God’s people. God didn’t want that behavior to go unpunished. We can be assured that God doesn’t want us to suffer persecution or ridicule because of our faith. Take comfort that he is watching, and proper punishment will be realized in God’s time.
It seems hard to imagine a time when everyone will worship our God. Yes, I look forward to the day when all nations around the world will, indeed, worship the LORD!! As in Philippians 2:11 – every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord!!! AMEN!!!
Until that day, we must take every opportunity possible to tell God’s story. Please need to hear how he sent his Son, Jesus to reveal his unending love and grace. It is through Christ we shall have life.
How are your words and actions helping to draw others closer to Jesus?
Let’s pray. Lord, sometimes your Word is a bit confusing, yet it always points to Jesus and your promise to never leave or forsake us. Lord, help clear from my heart those beliefs that are keeping me stuck and separated from you. Cleanse my heart of impure thoughts and desires. Help me not to waste the time you have given me to live my life. Thank you for guiding my path. May I keep my eyes open to see you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
