How it enlarges the confidence of a Christian to realize that while earthly powers may be in opposition, and while he may be really of himself powerless to resist adversaries, and while in addition to the flesh and blood adversaries he may realize that he battles also with spiritual wickedness in exalted places—against Satan and his minions of darkness—yet, that, on the other hand, "greater is he that is on our part than all that be against us," and that all the heavenly hosts are subject to the Divine will and may be employed for the advancement of the Divine cause according to Divine wisdom!
Our Lord Jesus is the special Messenger of the Lord and is here meant by the Angel of the Lord. Those that fear the Lord are His saints, whose fear of Jehovah is one of reverence. They are the especial targets of Satan, who seeks through their flesh and the world to entice them into sin, error, selfishness and worldliness. They would be helpless against his wiles, if the Lord Jesus would not Himself form a camp, an armed defense, about them, repelling the Adversary's attacks by His Power, Word and providences, whereby He delivers them. To experience such deliverance, it is necessary for them to avail themselves of His protection, and to co-operate with Him against Satan's onslaughts. Thus they share with Jesus in victory after victory in this holy war for God.
Gen. 19:16; 32:1, 2; 1 Kings 19:5; 2 Kings 6:17; Psa. 34:7; 68:17; 63:9; 103:20, 21; Dan. 3:28; 6:22; Matt. 4:11; 18:10; Luke 1:19; 2:9-14; 22:43; Acts 12:7; 27:23; Heb. 1:14.
HYMNS
330, 63, 121, 293, 294, 301, 328.
POEMS OF DAWN
183 : "YOUR FATHER KNOWETH WHAT THINGS YE HAVE NEED OF"
