Wilderness Warfare

Every once in a while one encounters a chapter of scripture that is far richer and deeper than it first appears. Numbers 21 is just such a chapter. Concealed in the details is the evidence that 40 years of wilderness wandering has meant death to the first generation of Israelite slaves, but the faith of the second generation is rich and deep.

For 38 years we hear of no conflict, no warfare, no battles in the wilderness; but in this chapter we find the Israelites fighting for their lives against ancient warriors and ancient nations. Truly the old hymn states this case - 'Faith is the victory that overcomes the world.'