3. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword. The Lord alone was exalted in bringing his people to the land which
flows with milk and honey. He had put a difference between Canaan and Israel,
and therefore by his own effectual power he wrought for his chosen and against
their adversaries. The tribes fought for their allotments, but their success
was wholly due to the Lord. The passage is a beautiful parable of the work of
salvation; we are not saved without prayer, repentance, etc., but none of these
save us; salvation is altogether of the Lord. Neither did their own arm save them. They could not ascribe their memorable victories to themselves. A
negative is put both upon their weapons and themselves as if to show how ready
people are to ascribe success to second causes. But thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance. The divine hand
actively fought for them, the divine arm powerfully sustained them with
more than human energy, and the divine smile inspired them with
dauntless courage. Who could not win with such triple help? Because thou hadst a favor unto them. Here is the fountain from whence every stream of
mercy flows. The Lord’s delight in his people, his peculiar affection, his
distinguishing regard—this is the mainspring which moves every wheel of a
gracious providence. Israel was a chosen nation, hence their victories and the
scattering of their foes; believers are an elect people, hence their spiritual
blessings and conquests. There was nothing in the people themselves to secure
them success; the Lord’s favor alone did it. Our hope of glory must not rest on
anything in ourselves, but on the free and sovereign favor of the Lord of
Hosts.
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