Safety is of the LORD!

Solomon, speaking on the matter of war, testified to the convergence of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility in a very unusual yet clear manner. “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: But safety is of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31). We’ve all seen horses in books or movies arrayed in special armor to aid in the horse’s protection and increase its responsiveness when fighting in close contact with the enemy. Much training and effort goes into making the horse battle ready.

Yet, in spite of that significant preparation, Solomon goes on to declare that “safety is of the LORD.” The warrior’s ultimate safety is not in his or her preparation, training, or equipment. Rather, his safety is in the hands of God. Though comforting, knowing and relying on this truth does not give license for carelessness in the warrior’s preparation. To do so is to presume upon God and deny one’s own responsibility. Consequently, he prepares and makes ready for the conflict while understanding that a sovereign God is over all things.

David understood the interaction between God’s sovereignty and his own duty and calling. When he ran to meet the Philistines’ champion, Goliath, he relied upon an arsenal of smooth stones and a sling – weapons he knew and in which he was expert through training and use. He knew that he would meet Goliath on the field of battle. But he also understood that the victory was in the hands of the LORD and not his own readiness. David declared to Goliath “the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands” (I Samuel 17:47). God does not require the weapons of man, but he does expect man to play his part. Herein lies the wonderful relationship between God, who is all-wise and all-powerful working all things after the counsel of his own will, and his pleasure in using man to accomplish that will.

Law enforcement officers all over the country put on their badges every day and go out into a potentially hostile environment. They are skilled in the use of their firearms and trained to respond to a variety of adverse circumstances. They wear their Kevlar vests and trust that their equipment will not be tested. Throughout their careers they encounter many “close calls”, events that but for a small difference could have gone a completely different way with far worse outcomes. This we know, as Solomon said, “safety is of the LORD.”

The plea of the Psalmist is fitting in this context. “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing” (Psalm 107:21-22; emphasis added).