Conquest of Bashan
387
In their contest with Og and Sihon the people were brought to the
same test beneath which their fathers had so signally failed. But the
trial was now far more severe than when God had commanded Israel
to go forward. The difficulties in their way had greatly increased since
they refused to advance when bidden to do so in the name of the Lord.
It is thus that God still tests His people. And if they fail to endure the
trial, He brings them again to the same point, and the second time the
trial will come closer, and be more severe than the preceding. This is
continued until they bear the test, or, if they are still rebellious, God
withdraws His light from them and leaves them in darkness.
The Hebrews now remembered how once before, when their forces
had gone to battle, they had been routed, and thousands slain. But they
had then gone in direct opposition to the command of God. They had
gone out without Moses, God’s appointed leader, without the cloudy
pillar, the symbol of the divine presence, and without the ark. But now
Moses was with them, strengthening their hearts with words of hope
and faith; the Son of God, enshrined in the cloudy pillar, led the way;
and the sacred ark accompanied the host. This experience has a lesson
for us. The mighty God of Israel is our God. In Him we may trust, and
if we obey His requirements He will work for us in as signal a manner
as He did for His ancient people. Everyone who seeks to follow the
path of duty will at times be assailed by doubt and unbelief. The way
will sometimes be so barred by obstacles, apparently insurmountable,
as to dishearten those who will yield to discouragement; but God is
saying to such, Go forward. Do your duty at any cost. The difficulties
that seem so formidable, that fill your soul with dread, will vanish as
you move forward in the path of obedience, humbly trusting in God.
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