Deuteronomy 2 -- Who We Avoid

Moses skipped over all of the details of the 38 years the Israelites wandered through the desert.  “During those years, Israel was out of God’s covenant favor, and there’s no record that they observed the Passover or even circumcised their sons,” my commentary said.  Yet God was still leading them onward, blessing them despite themselves, and preparing them for the conquest of the Promised Land.

It’s interesting hearing God’s orders regarding the people of Moab and Ammon – both relatives of the Israelites.  God specifically forbade any actions against them as the Israelites travelled through their land, and even told the Israelites to pay for the food and water they consumed in the process!

“Neither the Moabites nor the Ammonites deserved this kindness, but the Lord sometimes blesses people because of their relationship to other people,” my commentary noted.

When they came to the land of the Amorites, though, the instructions were different.  “I am giving you the power to defeat Sihon the Amorite, and I am giving you his land … the Lord your God had made him stubborn.  The Lord wanted you to defeat Sihon, and now this has happened,” Moses wrote.

All of the Amorites were destroyed.  They had worked against God and His patience had run out.

Father, I pray that You will be clear in showing me those I should avoid, and those You direct me to encounter.  Help me to see them as You see them, and to know the effect they will have on me if I engage them.  I do not want to give sin an opportunity to grow in my life from any relationships which You do not approve.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford