Psalm 147:14

Psalm 147:14

Peace to our borders

When Israel first entered the Promised Land, they encountered nothing but trouble. Canaan was occupied by hostile, pagan tribes and kingdoms, and the Lord’s command was to take the land, subdue their enemies and seek to live peaceably thereafter. It was a tall order, not least because even after the interior had been taken there was the constant threat of raids from their surrounding neighbours but, peace did eventually come, under the reign of King David. 2 Samuel 7:1 says, “After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him…..” David had succeeded where others had failed and the land rested from its wars and conflicts. It is the Lord’s will that we fight our battles but that, maybe towards the end of our time on earth, we rest from our labours and enjoy peace on our borders. What’s the point of the spiritual battles if we do not learn from them and eventually stop fighting and allow the Lord to grant us peace?

We talk about the “fruits of our labours” and for David and his successors, this meant that their time and energy could at last be devoted to the land, to raising families and crops and to serving the Lord. David’s first thought was to build a Temple, as 2 Samuel 7 goes on to tell us. You see, he had learned that defence and prosperity are secured by the Lord and whilst we have to cooperate with Him, the true blessings are God-given, not earned. He is with us in our battles, but He is also with us when we rest in green pastures. And let’s not be satisfied with any old crop but only the finest of wheat. Hallelujah! 

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