06.24.09
Isaiah - Day 292
Scripture: Isaiah 15:9 (NIV): "Dimon's waters are full of blood, but I will bring still more upon Dimon--a lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon those who remain in the land."
Thought: To me, God controls the "lion" of agression--both yesterday and today.
Question: Have I resisted Satan as he seeks to devour my soul?
Quoting from Hand-book of Bible Geography by George Henry Whitney, published in 1871, the original copy from Oxford University, "Dibon is a town east of Jordan [the Jordan River, that is], assigned to Gad, Numbers 21:30; 32:3 and 34; but afterward assigned to Reuben, Joshua 13:9 and 17. Later it was held by Moabites, Isaiah 15:2, Jeremiah 48:18 and 22. In Numbers 33:45 it is called Dibon-Gad, and doubtless is the Dimon of Isaiah 15:9. About three miles north of the Arnon [River, that is], exist extensive ruins, bearing the name 'Diban,' which are believed to be the site of Dibon." He describes its literal meaning as "river-place."
"Dimon's waters are full of blood..." This is reminiscent to me of the plagues of Egypt where, through Moses' staff, God filled the Nile River with blood, contaminating the waters, making it unfit for the Egyptians to drink. But here, the blood is from the victims of war--a conflict with Assyria allowed by God to come upon the wicked Moabites. There is, however, one element in common: both Egypt and Moab were idol-worshipping nations, and for their rejection of God they both received the pollution of bloodied waters in judgment of their sin.
"...but I will bring still more upon Dimon..." Though the water streams at Dimon/Dibon were already red with the blood of dying soldiers and battle victims, God would not relent and cease His process. "I will bring still more..."; the fighting would escalate until, like "a lion upon the fugities", the enemy would pursue and bear down upon them! Any "fugitives"--any of "those who remain in the land"--they will not escape. The lion, so-called "king of the beasts", will pursue and conquer until every last soul is hunted, found and destroyed.
God allows a "lion" to be released among us today, too, sometimes. "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (I Peter 5:8). Is this not happening by God's permissive decree? Is not God speaking in the first person in our verse here in Isaiah today? "...but I will bring still more upon Dimon..."! True, one is a planned judgment (Moab) and the other an allowed activity (I Peter), but both are under the controlling hand of God Almighty. One destroys condemned idolaters (Moab) and the other tests saved Christians (I Peter), but both have in common the sovereignty of God over all. If Moab were to repent, they could be saved! If Christians successfully "resist him [Satan], standing firm in the faith..." (I Peter 5:9), they, too, will be saved! God is in control! Let us worship Him alone!
Prayer: Powerful Father, I know You are controlling every movement of history, past and presently being made. Help me to yield to You as You would have me do, that I may please You, Lord, in all I undertake. Help me to resist the evil enemy, flee him and seek Your help and strength always! Amen.
