devotional post # 2225

Numbers 1:7-9

Num 1:7  from Judah, Nachshon the son of Amminadab;
Num 1:8  from Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar;
Num 1:9  from Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon;

fighting for the right reasons

The LORD warned his people of the wrong motives for warfare through the names of these leaders. Judah’s general was Nachshon, which seems to have been associated in some way with the magic arts. Perhaps God was getting them ready to see a pure magic from his hand, which would encourage them to stay away from the dark arts for good. Issachar’s general was Nethanel, whose name says “given by God.” The Lord wanted his people to trust him to give them what they need, not to just try to take it on their own, or to trust some foreign god for it. Zebulun’s general was Eliab, whose name said “my God is a father.” This name encouraged a religion not based on fear, and a warfare not based on possessing a kingdom, but on spreading a family.

LORD, keep us from fighting for the wrong reasons.