Enemies Abound. But Not Where You'd Expect.

So, I don't usually post long passages of Scripture like this, but Summer is coming, prices are soaring, and it's never a bad idea to reconsider the hassle and chaos of a family vacation. (Are they ever really a vacation for those making all the preparations?) The fact is, I can't say it any better than Scripture presents it; and, if you're planning to leave the house at all, there may be some things besides bridge tolls and passports to consider. 

On the twentieth day of the second month of the second year, the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle of the testimony; and the people of Isra’el moved out in stages from the Sinai Desert. The cloud stopped in the Pa’ran Desert.

So they set out on their first journey, in keeping with Adonai’s order through Moshe. In the lead was the banner of the camp of the descendants of Y’hudah, whose companies moved forward; over his company was Nachshon the son of ‘Amminadav. Over the company of the tribe of the descendants of Yissakhar was N’tan’el the son of Tzu‘ar. Over the company of the descendants of Z’vulun was Eli’av the son of Helon.

Then the tabernacle was taken down; and the descendants of Gershon and the descendants of M’rari set out, carrying the tabernacle.

Next, the banner of the camp of Re’uven moved forward by companies; over his company was Elitzur the son of Sh’de’ur. Over the company of the tribe of the descendants of Shim‘on was Shlumi’el the son of Tzurishaddai. Over the company of the descendants of Gad was Elyasaf the son of De‘u’el.

Then the descendants of K’hat set out, carrying the sanctuary, so that [at the next camp] the tabernacle could be set up before they arrived.

The banner of the camp of the descendants of Efrayim moved forward by companies; over his company was Elishama the son of ‘Ammihud. Over the company of the tribe of the descendants of M’nasheh was Gamli’el the son of P’dahtzur. Over the company of the descendants of Binyamin was Avidan the son of Gid‘oni.

The banner of the camp of the descendants of Dan, forming the rearguard for all the camps, moved forward by companies; over his company was Achi‘ezer the son of ‘Ammishaddai. Over the company of the tribe of the descendants of Asher was Pag‘i’el the son of ‘Okhran. Over the company of the descendants of Naftali was Achira the son of ‘Enan.

This is how the people of Isra’el traveled by companies; thus they moved forward. (Numbers 10:11-28 CJB)

Can't you just sense the anticipation, the camaraderie, the structure and security of a well-planned itinerary? Read on:

So they set out from Adonai’s mountain and traveled for three days. Ahead of them on this three-day journey went the ark of Adonai’s covenant, searching for a new place to stop. The cloud of Adonai was over them during the day as they set out from the camp. When the ark moved forward, Moshe said, 

“Arise, Adonai! May your enemies be scattered!
Let those who hate you flee before you!” (Numbers 10:33-35 CJB)

May Your enemies be scattered! Like traffic pulling to the side as you zip down the turnpike unaffected by left-lane campers and jack rabbits. Or fellow tourists pinning themselves against the walls of the Louvre, allowing you and Mona Lisa uninterrupted moments of eye contact. Or, like the Red Sea parting. Maybe Moses had that in mind as he spoke these words. Whatever the imagery, the prayer was that armies and contenders would bow the knee before the God of Israel as He moved His people unimpeded to their new home.

Numbers 11:1, But the people began complaining about their hardships to Adonai. That didn't take long. 

Numbers 11:4, Next, the mixed crowd that was with them grew greedy for an easier life; while the people of Isra’el, for their part, also renewed their weeping and said, “If only we had meat to eat!" 

And, even Moses himself took up the lament: If you are going to treat me this way, then just kill me outright! — please, if you have any mercy toward me! — and don’t let me go on being this miserable! (Numbers 11:15) 

Enemies abound. The truly sad fact is the enemies weren't up ahead. They weren't lurking behind rocks or lying in wait at the next oasis. They were in their midst. The enemies were in God's people. Distrust. Fear. Jealousy. Greed. Weariness. Love for a past life. Insolence. They were all right there in the camp. And they multiplied, spreading from one tent to another, from one day to the next.

May Your enemies be scattered! And by Your grace, as we cooperate with Your Holy Spirit, may they be cast far from us. 

This season, as we prepare to spend more time with our family and others as we vacation, may we be mindful of the enemies we have within us. May we confess them and surrender them before the Lord that we may walk unfettered and unchecked wherever He may lead.