This chapter contains prophesies of judgement and consequences upon Israel’s neighboring nations.
” ‘ I will give [Moab / Seir] along with the Ammonites to the people of the East as a possession, that the Ammonites may be remembered no more among the nations, and I will execute judgments upon Moab. Then they will know that I am the Lord… And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel… and they shall know my vengeance, declares the Lord God… I will execute great vengeance on [Philistia] with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I lay my vengeance upon them.’ ” (v10-11, 14, 17 abr)
There is a resounding theme in this chapter. God’s vengeance, which is the direct consequence of the peoples’ sin, serves one purpose: to let the people know that He is the Lord. Why does God bless and redeem people? So they know He is the Lord. Why do we need both blessings and consequences to remind us that our Almighty Creator God is the Sovereign Lord of the universe? Because we are a broken (and blind) people, and tend to forget / ignore God.
The Lord longs for us to remember Him in all circumstances, whether we are experiencing blessing or consequence. I strongly encourage us to spend regular time in prayer, humbling ourselves, and remembering who God is: the Sovereign Lord and Creator of all (that includes you and I, by the way).
People need oxygen whether they remember it or not, and our need for God is just as critical. Like oxygen, God is easy to forget and take for granted, and we’re in serious trouble if our Lord / oxygen is no longer present. Interesting note: the Hebrew word rûaħ or ruach has a double meaning; it refers to both ‘the Holy Spirit’, and ‘breath’, so the breath God provides it both physical, and spiritual.
Father God, our Sovereign Lord and Mighty Creator, you are the breath in our lungs. Please gently humble us and remind us daily that You are critical in our lives. May we learn not to take You for granted, and to share You with others, so they too may thrive with the life only You can provide. We strive to honor, praise and glorify You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training