Mighty Men and Women of Valor

Hebrew Thought:

In this week’s Torah portion reading, Devarim, Moses told the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to cross over the Jordan and help their brothers dispossess the seven peoples of Canaan so they could inherit the Promise Land.

“I commanded you at the time, saying, Adonai your God has given you this land to possess it. Ready for battle, you will cross over ahead of your brothers Bnie-Yisrael—all the men of valor [Chayil].” Deuteronomy 3:18

Think about this! These mighty men of soldiers were born in the wilderness to former slaves. They had no formal training. They even had to watch their parents pass away before entering God’s promise. They were orphans. Yet, because of goodness of God, His faithfulness, His grace, His calling, and His Spirit working in these men to bring about God’s Kingdom her on earth, they were now [Chayil], literally, “sons of valor,” as it was their birthright.

Chayil: strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army, Strength, ability, efficiency, wealth, and force, army
חַיִל chayil, khah'-yil; from; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength:—able, activity, ( ) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ( ) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily).

My Thoughts: Chayil describes the remnant of God in these days. This is not the rank and file who attend church on Sundays and then goes back to their work week and never internalize, nor live as a radical disciple of Yeshua, King Jesus. Chayil describes the people of God who have surrendered it all and obey when Holy Spirit speaks. They are the front line soldiers of the King, ushering the Kingdom of God where ever they place their feet. For those of you who this describes, God calls you Mighty men and women of “valor.”

Shalom Shalom, Jim and Debbie Laymon and Wellspring Israel