IV. The prospect it afforded them in all their future conflicts —
[Many conflicts yet remained for them, before the whole land would be completely subdued. But, however numerous or severe these conflicts might be, the people had no reason " to fear or be dismayed," since every enemy should be sub- dued before them in like manner, and be, as had long since been foretold, mere " bread for them1."
In like manner are we also taught to regard our victories as pledges of future and greater conquests. Whilst we are in this militant state, we shall find many enemies to encounter. Sometimes they may appear so formidable as almost to defy Omnipotence itself : but we need not fear : there are at all times " more with us than with them : " we shall always have Jehovah himself on our side : and " if God be for us, who can be against us?" Our own weakness is no ground of fear ; be- cause God " will perfect his own strength in our weakness :" " instead of breaking the bruised reed or quenching the smoking flax, he will bring forth judgment unto victory." In this light then let us view the menaces and assaults of all our enemies : they shall only be the means of displaying and magnifying the power of our God. Only let us remember that encouraging direction, " Call upon me in the time of trouble, and I will hear thee, and thou shalt glorify me ; " and then may we rest assured, that "no weapon which is formed against us shall prosper ; " yea, we may defy all the powers of earth and hell ever " to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lordu."]
Application —
1. To those who put discouragements in the way of repenting sinners —
[Few will acknowledge themselves to be persecutors of the Lord's people, though there is scarcely a more common character to be found. But know, that mocking is as painful
r Rom. xvi. 20. ■ Ps. xviii. 4—10, 1G— 19, 36—40, 50.
4 Numb. xiv. 9. u Isai. liv. 17. Rom. viii. 35 — 39.