1 Kings 20:13-21 slowly and repeatedly.
The main content of the text: In the face of the invasion of the Aramean army, the prophet brings an oracle. God helps the Israelite army achieve a great victory by giving them specific strategies to fight against the unwary Aramean army.
Verses 13-15 The Israelites changed, but God did not change. Israel changed the reality of God into idols, but the reality of God did not change. The God of Israel, who still says, “You will know that I am the Lord,” sends a prophet to King Ahab, who persecuted the prophets and drove out Elijah. He has mercy on Israel and teaches them the strategy and order of battle. It is a war to make it known that Jehovah, not Baal, is the true God of Israel. He orders to send out inexperienced young men, not generals skilled in war. Neither the number of people nor the state of weapons nor experience in battle are conditions for victory; it is a war fought only in the way of Jehovah God. This is also the way Israel fought when it was occupying Canaan. In this way, the Lord works not only on the faithful but also on the undeserving. So, He gives them and the nations an opportunity to realize that Jehovah is the only true God.
Verses 19-21 When Israel simply obeyed in a war where the only way was to obey, God allowed Israel to win as promised. King Benhadad of Aram and his soldiers were cruelly defeated by the sword of Israel. We won not because of advanced tactics, nor because we were good at tactics. It was ‘God’s war’ in which no one in Israel could claim credit. ‘Word’ won. Instead of trying to overcome the various problems in our lives today, let us experience the victory that God gives us by obeying His Word.
What lesson does God give me?
Verses 16-18: Noon is not the right time to fight. Benhadad and his kings, who have been drunk since broad daylight, trust their military power and let down their guard. As a group of young men approach, Benhadad, thinking he has the absolute upper hand, orders them captured. He has no idea that there is another army behind him. It is impossible for all 30 kings to have failed to judge properly without God’s providence. God controls and guides all these situations. So, when engaging in spiritual warfare, it is important to know the enemy, but it is most important to examine ourselves and rely on God.
Community Prayer – Living God, help us not to forget that victory does not lie in our own strength or ability, but only in relying on God and obeying His Word.
Prayer for the nations – The number of Asian students studying abroad, which had decreased due to the coronavirus pandemic, is gradually increasing. Let us pray that churches in Korea and other countries will welcome international students and open mission opportunities.