Highlights In Today's Reading:
Even kings are not above the laws of God as revealed in His Word. Every Israelite king was commanded to read the Law of God (the Five Books of Moses) all the days of his life (17:19). See how to know if a prophet is true or false (18:22).
The Canaanites were idolaters who worshiped false gods inspired by Satan. They became involved in many sins that God hates. God warned the Israelites: When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one . . . that useth divination (fortunetellers), or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits (from the dead). . . . For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God (18:9-13).
The Israelites were not motivated by selfish aggression or greed to enter and possess Canaan. Judgment against the wicked Canaanites was already pronounced by God. The Israelites were just the instruments God used to execute His judgment upon them.
Christians are also in a warfare, but our spiritual battle is against a far greater enemy than the Canaanites. Satan, the enemy of our souls, seeks to defeat, defile, and destroy every true worshiper of the One True God (John 10:10; I Pet. 5:8).
Moses foretold of the coming Messiah Jesus: The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken. . . . And the Lord said. . . . I . . . will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him. And . . . whosoever will not hearken unto My words . . . I will require it of him (meaning: "I will hold him responsible for his thoughts and actions) (Deut. 18:15,17-19). In order to fulfill the will of God during our spiritual warfare, we are commanded to put on the whole armour of God (not an option), that (we) may be able to stand against the wiles (deceptions) of the devil (Eph. 6:11).
If we hold up the shield of faith and use our defensive weapon of prayer and supplication in the Spirit while wielding our offensive weapon of the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (6:16-18) we have the promise of the Lord: Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you (James 4:7-8).
Thought for Today:
God has provided us with spiritual weapons, but it takes practice to know how to use them. Just like using a sword, reading the Word of God only once is not enough.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Old Testament animal (without blemish) sacrifices which were made (Deut. 17:1). Christ was perfectly pure from all sin. Christ . . . without blemish and without spot (I Pet. 1:19).
Word Studies:
17:2 transgressing His covenant =sinful conduct; 17:4 wrought =done; 17:12 presumptuously =arrogantly, haughtily; hearken unto =listen to and obey; 17:15 stranger =foreigner; 18:3 due =right; 18:6 sojourned =has been residing; 18:8 like =equal; patrimony =father's estate; 18:10 maketh . . . to pass through the fire =burns his child alive as an offering to an idol; divination =enchantment; 18:11 familiar spirits, wizard, necromancer =various activities of fortunetelling, consulting the dead, etc.; 18:13 perfect =blameless; 19:4 ignorantly =inintentionally; 19:5 helve =handle; lighteth =strikes; 19:18 make diligent inquisition =investigate thoroughly; 20:11 tributaries =forced laborers
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Officials: Rep. Jason Altmire (PA), Rep. Brian Baird (WA), and Rep. Elton Gallegly (CA) • Country: Colombia (38.6 million) in northwestern South America • Major language: Spanish • New government has declared religious freedom • 93% Catholic; 4% Protestant; .5% Tibal; .2% Muslim; .1% Baha'i; .1% Jewish; 2.1% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Continually watch and pray so that you won't yield to temptation in a moment of weakness (Matt. 26:41).
Optional Reading: Luke 22
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11