Exodus 34:11“Be sure to observe what I am commanding you this day: behold, I am going to drive out the Amorite before you, and the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite.
This is a new thing for the Hebrews. The Lord is speaking about bringing them into the promised land. He tells them that they will encounter people already in the land. He further tells them that He will take care of evacuating that land. This would be a major confrontation. Much like the one they had witnessed in Egypt three months prior. A people won’t leave their homeland without force. It won’t be a gentle, diplomatic affair.
The Hebrews were a subjugated people; enslaved for 400 years. They aren’t experienced with this type of self representation and war. They would advocate for themselves in Egypt, but they weren’t in a position of power. They didn’t have the option of taking up arms. This was a new dynamic with God’s present system of guidance. He’s taken over and they were to follow Him. He will fight these particular battles.
When they entered the land, the Lord did drive out the people, but the Hebrews did do some fighting. It was a partnership. Jericho was a good example. God performed a miracle in destroying their defenses. Once that blow was struck, the Hebrews finished the job.
This is a model of how God works in our lives. There are big battles and large enemies and influences that would destroy us. God goes before us and clears the way. I am certain that 90% of this we aren’t even aware of. Just like when a parent exposes their toddler to the world, everything is controlled. The toddler isn’t aware of how much the parent is dictating circumstances.
The Hebrews had to pick the sword and fight. They lost men. People died. Yet, it was minimal and it was a victory. We will have trials and tribulations in life. Romans 5:3,4 says “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.” Our difficulties build character and patience within us.
God wanted the Hebrews to have a part in the battle. It gives them ownership, experience and gratitude for the help that God provided. We also have a part in our trials. In fact, sometimes we don’t recognize God’s hand. It’s there. We need to trust Him with the outcome. Sometimes the results aren’t what we would have wanted. If we’ve commited the circumstance to God and we are doing our best, we are to accept the result as God’s will. Part of the process is to learn to loosen our control. This can be disapointing. But this is where we trust that He knows better.
Lord, thank You that You drive out the enemy. Thank You for Your great guidance and for the lessons that You teach. Help us to trust You in the process.