Principles of Warfare

The Thomas Nelson Study Bible titles Deuteronomy 20, "Principles of Warfare." Moses was preparing the Israelites for their near future when they would enter the promised land and by command of the Lord drive out or destroy its current occupants.

Moses began by reminding the people that the presence of the Lord their God would go with them. His presence is more powerful than all the horses, chariots and soldiers the enemy can muster up.

 

He told them—

 

Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Deuteronomy 20:3b-4

 

The Lord our God is our Divine Warrior, "a man of war." (Exodus 15:3 NKJ)

 

Horses and chariots may be what the world trusts, but the people of the Lord trust the name of their God. He is the One who answers them in the day of trouble and comes to their defense, sending help from His sanctuary to strengthen them with His right hand. (Psalm 20)

 

Just as He went with the Israelites, He goes with us. Only we have the advantage of Him being in us.

 

This is a real advantage since our battles are not done with the weapons of the flesh. Our battles are spiritual. Our weapon is the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, spoken in prayer. Just think—it is that same sharp sword that Jesus Christ will use to strike the nations when heaven opens and He appears riding a white horse with the armies of heaven behind Him!

 

The question is—do we believe it?

 

Or do our hearts faint from fear? Or do we tremble in terror?

 

The principle of warfare that makes the difference is the opposite of fear. It is faith.

 

It is time to pick up our sword and trust in the name of the Lord our God, our Divine Warrior and Commander in Chief. It is time to move forward to drive out and destroy the enemy who is after the hearts, minds, and souls of our children.

 

So we pray for our children with the same passion that David used to plead for himself—

 

Awake and rise to ________’s defense! Contend for ________, my God and Lord.

From Psalm 35:23

 

No enemy—nothing—has the power to thwart our God.

 

Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?

Who is like You, glorious in holiness,

Fearful in praises, doing wonders?

The Lord shall reign forever and ever.

Exodus 15:11, 18 (NKJ)

 

 

The question is—do we believe it?

 

May we leave the place of fear and go forward in faith.