Originally posted: 09/07/2019
“The Mighty One, God, the LORD, the Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows, and may Israel itself know,” (22:22).
There is rest from war and after fulfilling their obligation to assist their brothers in subduing the land; the two-and-a-half tribes are sent back, with a strong admonition and blessing, to take possession of the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan, (22:1-6).
But when word comes to the sons of Israel that the two-and-a-half tribes have constructed for themselves a large altar, it is perceived they have ignored the warning and established their own system of worship. Struck with fear at the possible ramifications for the entire nation, the sons of Israel are ready to go to war over this horrific act, (22:10-20).
By far outnumbered, the two-and-a-half tribes call on the Name of their God; dependent on Him Who knows the thoughts and intents of man.
“The Mighty One, God, the LORD, the Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows, and may Israel itself know,” (22:22).
Consider Him, The Mighty One, God, the LORD
This Name cried out by the two-and-a-half tribes is repeated and each Name is noteworthy in its significance. It will be helpful to consider these Names in the Hebrew language from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
- The Mighty One: “410. אֵל ʾēl: A masculine noun meaning God, god, mighty one, hero. This is one of the most ancient terms for God, god, or deity.”
- He is the Mighty One, above all others.
- God: “430. אֱלֹהִים ʾelōhiym: A masculine plural noun meaning God, gods, judges, angels. Occurring more than 2,600 times in the Old Testament, this word commonly designates the one true God.”
- He is God, the One true God and there is no other.
- The LORD: “3068. יְהוָֹה yehōwāh: A noun meaning God. The word refers to the proper name of the God of Israel, particularly the name by which He revealed Himself to Moses (Ex. 6:2, 3).”
- He is the LORD Who has revealed Himself as the eternal covenant keeping God.
He is the Mighty One, God, the LORD and He knows the thoughts and intents of the heart.
“The Mighty One, God, the LORD, the Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows, and may Israel itself know,” (22:22).
How do we respond to the Mighty One, God, the LORD?
Do you see Him, Jesus, the Mighty One, God, the LORD?
- He is Jesus, the Mighty One above all others.
- For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, (Isaiah 9:6). - Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty,” (Revelation 1:7-8).
- “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” … 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star,” (Revelation 22:12-13,16).
- For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
- He is Jesus, the one true God and there is no other.
- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, (John 1:1).
- After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:26-28).
- “I, even I, am the LORD,
And there is no savior besides Me.
12 “It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed,
And there was no strange god among you;
So you are My witnesses,” declares the LORD,
“And I am God,” (Isaiah 43:11-12). - And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved, (Acts 4:12).
- He is Jesus, the LORD Who has revealed Himself as the eternal covenant keeping God.
- And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth, (John 1:14).
- And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood,” (Luke 22:20).
- “…and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand,” (John 10:28).
- He is Jesus, He knows the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them… (Matthew 12:25).
- But Jesus perceived their malice… (Matthew 22:18).
- Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves… (Mark 2:8).
- But He knew what they were thinking… (Luke 6:8).
- But He knew their thoughts… (Luke 11:17).
- But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man, (John 2:24-25).
Do you see Jesus? …Do you know Him? Have you called on His Name, the Mighty One, God, the LORD?
If you are uncertain you know Him, today you can be sure by acknowledging your sin and your need for His salvation. He promises you will be saved.
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household,” (Acts 16:30-31).
When we are saved and know Him as “The Mighty One, God, the LORD” through faith, let us be careful to hear and heed the words of Joshua.
Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,” (22:5).
It is a remarkably immense privilege to be in covenant relationship with Him, the Mighty One, God, the LORD. He has called us into a love relationship and we are called to live out our love for Him. May we daily demonstrate our inexpressible love and gratitude through unimpeded obedience, undivided dependence, and devoted service.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments,” (John 14:15).