When Evil Attacks

Scripture: And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” Exodus 1:9-10

Observation: We learn elsewhere that there were three generations between Levi and Moses. Therefore, assuming large families of 10-14 children for every generation (since the bible says they were "fruitful and increased greatly"), the Israelites could number more than 20,000-25,000 by now. That would certainly be a large population given a time in history when cities were rare and certainly nowhere near this size. Add in one more generation of kids, and they are at a quarter million ... truly huge for that era.

That said, one interesting element is that the Israelites in this time have become their own people-group. They arrived in Egypt simply as Joseph's family - a (very rich) father with 11 other sons, at least 1 other daughter, and all the attendants that come with that. Even though the new Pharaoh doesn't know Joseph, he acknowledges these people as an independent group ... a separate nation that is independent from Egyptians and therefore could pick sides against Egypt in the event of war.

This delineation requires a behavioral prerequisite - that the decedents of Jacob have themselves isolated from Egypt and refused to marry or even associate with others. Given the fact that, after the Exodus and when they enter the promised land, the Hebrews refuse to obey God when he orders just such behavior, it is telling that now they comply with that behavior without any such instruction from God.

Application: Why is it that, as soon as God gives us a rule, defying that rule is EXACTLY what we seek to do?

This is of course the source of original sin - rebellion against God. We are perfectly happy to ... live in a garden, marry our own people, live within our means, be happy among others. At least right up until God says not to eat the fruit, or intermarry, or steal, or lie and covet. Then we immediately do it. I do too. I know God's teaching, and I know the wisdom of it, and I break his teaching daily anyway.

To me, this is all evidence of Satan. Satan has no interest in leading us astray UNTIL there is a law from God to define what 'astray' looks like, and THEN he is quick to get to work. When God says "do" or "don't", now Satan whispers "don't" or "do". The fact mankind rebels not at random but directly against God's teaching proves that there is evil at work in the world, and it gives me resolve to know that I must resist it even more.

Prayer: Lord, please renew my strength daily in my personal battle against evil. You are my protector - my sword and my shield - and I know I cannot succeed if I only depend upon my own willpower. I am a flawed and weak human. You are the almighty God, sitting on your throne, in command of all things. In my freewill, I grant you full authority to command me ... to guide me, control me, lead me, teach me, and make me as you see fit according to your purposes. I love you and trust you. Please help me. Amen, and amen.