Nimrod

Nimrod had his strength; David had his songs. Both of these godly men relied on the Lord and used their gifts for His glory.

“Cush fathered Nimrod; he became a mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; therefore it is said, ‘Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD.’ The beginning of his kingdom was Babel.”—Genesis 10:8–10 NASB

Nimrod clearly was “mighty,” a word used three times in this passage. Many conquerors, demagogues, and dictators throughout history have followed his example, driven by the urge to dominate, achieve fame, and gain power and wealth.

But in the end, their kingdoms cannot last. Earthly might always fades away, for “the grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; the people are indeed grass! The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:7–8).

David, himself a mighty king, realized his own limits and determined that he would depend upon God. He wrote, “Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (Psalm 24:8).

The psalmist recognized, “The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not rescued by great strength … the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who wait for His faithfulness.” God can “rescue their soul from death” and “keep them alive in famine.” Instead of trusting in ourselves, we need to wait on Him, for “He is our help and our shield,” and we can “trust in His holy name” (Psalm 33:16–21).

God’s Word tells us to rely on the Lord rather than seeking to be mighty in our own strength.

Make Jesus your Lord. Depend on Him, and give Him all the praise, honor, and glory.

Reflection Question: What talents and treasures do you have to offer to Jesus?