144. Enemies Smitten
Deuteronomy 28:7 The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up aginst thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
In the first place, this promise is historical and earthly; it is for the children of Israel in the days of Moses, Joshua, Judges and Kings. But in the second place, this promise is eternal and heavenly; it is for us in our own day. The promise of victory in battle applies to our spiritual enemies, sin, death, and Satan. We may, like Joshua, take courage and comfort from this promise. Our spiritual enemies will relentlessly attack, tempt and scare us daily; they will rise up against us, and they will come out against us one way. Fear not! The Victor and Overcomer, Jesus Christ, has smitten them once for all, and He will continue to smite the Enemy every time they rise up and threaten to attack. “Before your face” means that in your very presence these enemies will show up. Fear not! You may watch the “Smiter” do His work in your presence.
The wonderful promise is also that they will flee before you seven ways. One word from the Lord of armies out of the sword in His mouth drives them away. “One little word can fell him.” James 4:7: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” I Peter 5:8-10: “Your adversary the devil prowls around…. Resist him, firm in your faith…. the God of all grace…will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Use the faith you have been graciously given, and watch evil flee before you seven ways. This encouraging promise of Peter comes in the context of v. 7, “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Anxiety comes from the devil. Care comes from God.
God did not give us faith only just to go to heaven when we die, but faith is valuable for everyday anxiety. We see anxiety as an enemy that rises against us, and we see Jesus who smites it before our face, and it flees before us. Faith may be the most practical and useful gift we have received from God. Use it according to His promise. “Cast your cares!”