How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?
How could one enemy soldier chase away a thousand of Israel's warriors, or two enemies make ten thousand Israelites run away? This could only happen if their Rock (God) had abandoned them and the LORD had handed them over to their enemies.
This verse is explaining that Israel's military defeats only happen when God withdraws His protection because of their disobedience.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from the Song of Moses, a prophetic poem Moses delivered just before his death and Israel's entry into the Promised Land. Moses is warning the Israelites about what will happen if they abandon God and worship other gods after settling in Canaan. The imagery of one chasing a thousand reflects the supernatural military victories God had given Israel, which would be reversed if they turned away from Him.
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