“This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. It contains the speeches of Moses to the Israelites, as they were about to enter the Promised Land after their forty years of wandering in the wilderness.
Historical Background:In this verse, Moses recounts the time when the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness, and they approached the territory of the Ammonites and Moabites. Moses sent messengers to Sihon, the king of Heshbon, asking for permission to pass through his land. However, Sihon refused and gathered his army to fight against the Israelites.
The Dread and Fear of Israel:In Deuteronomy 2:25, God speaks to Moses and promises to intervene on behalf of the Israelites. God declares that He will “begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven.” This means that God will instil fear and terror in the surrounding nations when they hear about the exploits and victories of the Israelites.
Divine Intervention:God’s promise to put fear and dread upon the nations highlights His involvement in the affairs of His people. The Israelites were not to rely on their own strength alone but to trust in God, who would fight for them and make them victorious.
The Purpose of God’s Action:The purpose of God putting fear and dread in the hearts of the nations was twofold. Firstly, it was to protect the Israelites and ensure their safe passage through the lands of their enemies. Secondly, it was to establish the reputation of the Israelites as a formidable nation, chosen and protected by God. This would serve as a deterrent to other nations who might consider attacking them in the future.
Lessons for Today:
- Trust in God’s Protection:Just as God promised to protect the Israelites, we can trust in God’s faithfulness and protection in our own lives. He is our defender and fights on our behalf.
- God’s Sovereignty:This verse reminds us of God’s sovereignty over all nations and His ability to intervene in human affairs according to His purposes. Nothing is beyond His control, and He can use various means to accomplish His plans.
- The Power of God’s Reputation:The reputation of the Israelites struck fear in the hearts of their enemies. As followers of God today, our lives should reflect His character and values. Our testimony and actions can influence others and bring glory to God.
In summary, Deuteronomy 2:25 shows us that God promised to put the fear and dread of the Israelites upon the surrounding nations as they journeyed through the wilderness. This verse reminds us of God’s protection, sovereignty, and the power of His reputation. As we study this passage, we can trust in God’s faithfulness, recognise His authority over all nations, and strive to live lives that bring glory to His name.
