Divine Testings

Aim: To see whether or not we pass the tests of the Lord.

Exegesis: The Lord tests our willingness to obey Him. Our prayers are better than our questions (v. 8b), and God's word is better than the lies of the world (vv. 9-10). The Lord tests our willingness to believe Him. God's truth is better than the world's ''covenant'' (v. 11), and God's promises are better than the world's ''provisions'' (vv. 12-13). The Lord tests our willingness to seek Him. We must walk by faith, not by sight (v. 14), and we must fear God, not man (v. 15).

Key verse: v. 14 ''Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the LORD.''