Opus 2017-284: Digging into Deuteronomy: Don’t Assume

(Deuteronomy 2:15 KJV)  For indeed the hand of the LORD was against them, to destroy them from among the host, until they were consumed.

Here is a point that Christians and Jews need to mark down.  Although it is good to be the chosen people, that does not guarantee that all will be milk and honey.  God’s “hand” (3027) was against them even though they were the chosen ones. 

Some people think that America has replaced Israel as God’s chosen people.  I don’t see any Biblical evidence for that.  At the same time we have been blessed by God because until recently we at least paid lip service to His standards. 

Remember that God can, and will, turn His hand against us if we continue to live in perversion and rebellion.

homo unius libri

Opus 2017-246: Digging into Deuteronomy: Fear Factor

(Deuteronomy 2:4 KJV)  And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:

This verse presents an interesting bit of advice.  The Children of Israel  are told to “take heed” (be careful NASB) (8104) because the others will be “afraid” (3372a).  When you think about it there is some truth.  People are the most dangerous when they are afraid, not when they are secure. 

Have you ever been startled in such a way that you lashed out?  Someone sneaks up behind you and thinks it will be funny to make you jump.  As you jump, you swing.  If you had seen them coming it would not have ended that way.  Many tragedies involving people shooting family members happen in the dark when the person with the gun panics.  

Bullies tend to look for people that are insecure.  They generally don’t bother people who look confident and strong. 

So a word of wisdom for you.  Be careful when you are around people who are afraid.

homo unius libri