Today’s devotion comes from Judges 8:18-21.
“Then he said to Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men were they whom you killed at Tabor?” And they said, “They were like you, each one resembling the son of a king.” He said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if only you had let them live, I would not kill you.” So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, kill them.” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a youth. Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and fall on us; for as the man, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments which were on their camels’ necks.” Judges 8:18-21.
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These Scriptures (from Judges chapter 6 through today’s Scripture which detail God’s deliverance of Israel over Midian) are not only history, but they are summarized in Psalm chapter 83 as a song of praise and as a prayer for God’s protection.
Before we consider a quote from Psalm chapter 83, let us use the next two Scriptures to meditate more generally the importance of recounting the works of the LORD. We can use these summaries to remember the works of the LORD. We can use them to praise the LORD. We can use them to build our faith in the LORD. We can use them to pray to the LORD for continued guidance, protection, and blessing.
Other doctrine likes to preach and teach what man should do.
But, Reformed Doctrine loves to preach and teach what the LORD has done.
“The LORD has brought about our vindication;
Come and let us recount in Zion
The work of the LORD our God!” Jeremiah 51:10.
“Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart,
In the company of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
They are studied by all who delight in them.
3 Splendid and majestic is His work,
And His righteousness endures forever.
4 He has made His wonders to be remembered;
The LORD is gracious and compassionate.” Psalm 111:1-4.
“9 Deal with them as with Midian,
As with Sisera and Jabin at the torrent of Kishon,
10 Who were destroyed at En-dor,
Who became as dung for the ground.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb
And all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 Who said, “Let us possess for ourselves
The pastures of God.”
13 O my God, make them like the whirling dust,
Like chaff before the wind.
14 Like fire that burns the forest
And like a flame that sets the mountains on fire,
15 So pursue them with Your tempest
And terrify them with Your storm.
16 Fill their faces with dishonor,
That they may seek Your name, O LORD.
17 Let them be ashamed and dismayed forever,
And let them be humiliated and perish,
18 That they may know that You alone, whose name is the LORD,
Are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:9-18.