For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but Thy right hand and Thine arm and the light of Thy countenance, because Thou hadst a favour unto them.

God the source of all success

The subject of this verse is the conquest of Canaan by Israel. It teaches that--

I. The co-operation of God is essential to the success of all right work. See this in husbandry; in the spread of the Gospel.

II. The spirit of true godliness will ever be ready to own this.

III. Such recognition helps our own success. Praise, like prayer, helps us as it honours God. Our success in all good work depends partly on using our own sword, upon using our arm and making it bare; but it equally depends on our trusting in neither. “Trust ye in the Lord for ever, for in,” etc. Apply the text retrospectively to all success we have had; prospectively to all we hope for, and let us rely upon God’s love, for without that we have no strong confidence. (S. Martin, M. A.)

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising