Today’s devotion comes from Numbers 20:14-22.
“From Kadesh Moses then sent messengers to the king of Edom: “Thus your brother Israel has said, ‘You know all the hardship that has befallen us; that our fathers went down to Egypt, and we stayed in Egypt a long time, and the Egyptians treated us and our fathers badly. But when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice and sent an angel and brought us out from Egypt; now behold, we are at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory. Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through field or through vineyard; we will not even drink water from a well. We will go along the king’s highway, not turning to the right or left, until we pass through your territory.’”
Edom, however, said to him, “You shall not pass through us, or I will come out with the sword against you.” Again, the sons of Israel said to him, “We will go up by the highway, and if I and my livestock do drink any of your water, then I will pay its price. Let me only pass through on my feet, nothing else.” But he said, “You shall not pass through.” And Edom came out against him with a heavy force and with a strong hand. Thus Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through his territory; so Israel turned away from him.
Now when they set out from Kadesh, the sons of Israel, the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor.” Numbers 20:14-22.
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We may think we are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Israel was stuck between the rock of Edom, so to speak, and the hard place of Meribah where there was no water.
But, God …!
But, God did provide water at Meribah: “and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beasts drank.” Numbers 20:11.
But, God delivers us out of every trouble.
Moses and Israel could remember God’s deliverance of them from Egypt what probably seemed a long time ago..
Moses and Israel could also remember Moses’ own confession of faith a few seconds ago. “But when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice and sent an angel and brought us out from Egypt; now behold, we are at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory.” Verse 16.
“Now when they set out from Kadesh, the sons of Israel, the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor.” Verse 22.
“4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.” Psalm 34:4-7.
“17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:17-19.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.