This chapter is the third prophesy of destruction – this time against Moab, another long-term enemy of Israel/Judah.
“We have heard of the pride of Moab – he is very proud – of his loftiness, his pride, and his arrogance, and the haughtiness of his heart. I know his insolence, declares the Lord; his boasts are false, his deeds are false. Therefore I wail for Moab; I cry out for all Moab… Gladness and joy have been taken away from the fruitful land of Moab… Moab shall be destroyed and be no longer a people, because he magnified himself against the Lord.” (v29-31, 33, 42 abr)
The primary reason for Moab’s destruction is their pride. They thought more highly of themselves than they thought of the one true God. Types of pride commonly include superiority and arrogance. Pride is extremely dangerous – it creeps in slowly over time, and blinds a person to its presence; a proud person rarely thinks of themselves as being proud. Pride is devious, like the lord of lies himself (Satan). The key reason pride is so damaging is it elevates one’s thoughts about themselves, and decreases how one values others.
The opposite of pride is humility – having a realistic view of oneself in light of God’s truths and His word. Humility isn’t thinking that you’re worthless or trash; on the contrary, humility is finding and defining our value in accordance with how God defines our value. Humility is knowing we are God’s people, made in His image, worthy of honor and respect. Humility is also knowing that we are sinful and deserving of sin’s consequences, yet God’s grace and mercy redeem us. The humble also value others as much as themselves, for we are all equally precious in God’s eyes.
Father God, our Merciful and Gracious Lord, You have blessed us with Your love, kindness and forgiveness. Holy Spirit please humble us gently, teaching us to not think more highly of ourselves than we should, and to view others through the eyes of Jesus. May we honor and respect everyone, just as we are deserving of respect, and do this in light of Your teachings and truths. Father thank you for guiding us, and loving Your children through us, as we speak and act in Your name. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training