(This article reflects the viewpoints of another and does not necessarily reflect the understanding of Qumran Bet Community or AmYHWH. Perhaps truth would be better served if you added your contribution to this piece.)
Ken Graydon
We
have the assurance, as we shall see, that ETERNAL is our shield and protector.
He does not prevent the difficult circumstances coming upon us but He uses them
to bring about positive results.
Abram,
later Abraham, was obedient to ETERNAL. He left his family home and familiar
surroundings to travel to a strange land at the request of ETERNAL. In Genesis
15:1 ETERNAL speaks to Abram, in a vision, saying, “Fear not Abram, I am a
shield to you; your reward shall be very great.” The blessings to Abram were
for him and his descendants for all time, so they apply to us now.
Moses,
in his last prophecy before his death explains, in Deuteronomy 33:29 ‘O happy
The
prophecy is for all
In
the story of David and Goliath we see ETERNAL’s protection of His chosen one.
David, who is only a teenager and is on the scene because he was delivering
lunch to his brothers, who are in the army of Saul, is appalled that Goliath, an
uncircumcised pagan dares to defy ETERNAL. [He is probably also appalled that no
Israelite will stand up against Goliath]. You know the story. Saul offers David
the best armour and sword but David uses only his slingshot. Goliath is killed
with a single stone and has his head cut off with his own sword. Read the words
of faith spoken by David spoken before the final action [1 Samuel 17:47] “And
this whole assembly shall know that ETERNAL can give victory without sword or
spear. For the battle is ETERNAL’s and He will deliver you into our hands.”
ETERNAL
usually acts in unexpected ways to bring about the results He desires. It is not
always the biggest and best weapons that bring victory.
Saul
and Jonathon were killed in battle. They had lost the protection of ETERNAL so
their legendary fighting skills and anointing of their shields did not save
their lives. Saul had been constantly disobedient to ETERNAL.
David
succeeds Saul as king and writes a wonderful song. You can read it all in 2
Samuel 22:1-51 and you should! I just want to share a couple of verses with you.
ETERNAL,
my crag, my fastness, my deliverer! ETERNAL, the rock wherein I take shelter: my
shield, my mighty champion, my fortress and refuge! My saviour, You who rescue
me from violence! All praise I called on ETERNAL and I was delivered from my
enemies.
You
ETERNAL are my lamp; ETERNAL lights up my darkness. With you I can rush a
barrier. With ETERNAL I can scale a wall. The way of ETERNAL is perfect. The
word of ETERNAL is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
When
you are obedient to ETERNAL you are entitled to His protection and shielding. It
is an absolute promise of blessing. You will find that He will bring the best
outcomes from each and every event. It is not that you will be immune to every
trial, illness or test. You do have to demonstrate that you will live out your
obedience. [“Walk the walk, not just talk the talk”] You may expect to be
constantly amazed at the ways ETERNAL will find to bless you through, what
initially appears to be, really difficult circumstances.
It
is these blessings that will demonstrate the absolute truth of this walk to you
and to the many people who see the way your life is lived.