A Coalition of Enemies

As they prepared to enter the Promised Land, the Israelites faced strong opposition. But Moses urged them to realize that they would face not just one group but “seven nations greater and stronger than you.” These people might have been rivals but would be united together against them.

This coalition would fight them in military confrontations, psychological warfare, and spiritual opposition. They would seek to seduce them to follow their gods and religions, and lure them into abandoning everything God had taught them. Faced with these facts, they needed to be ready, vigilant, and on guard. There could be no compromises.

At times, the Israelites remembered these warnings. But at other times, they forgot. Sometimes they were vigilant, yet sometimes they compromised, tolerating the beliefs and lifestyles of these nations. Violating God’s command, they would even make agreements with people for whom God said they should make no covenants.

We face similar challenges. The world around us is filled with many types of people. Many religions and beliefs. Many lifestyles and values. While these people and beliefs may be in conflict, they often stand united against God’s people. They encourage toleration while God still wants a people who are pure and holy, who will not compromise, but a people who will stand strong in their commitment to Him.

No matter how strong our opposition may appear, we need to remember that God is on our side. Our enemies may appear to be “greater and stronger” than we are. But we need to remember that “if God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NLT).