A thousand and one threats may be so near us as to be at our side, but yet so far away as not to touch us. Whereas an arrow shot at a venture by an aimless, nameless bowman can be guided by God to deliver the fatal blow of divine retribution to a wicked king (see 1 Kings 22:34), a hail of deadly arrows carefully aimed at God’s faithful children can be divinely reflected so as to miss their target and leave their intended unscathed. 

God still makes a difference between Egypt—the world—and the “Land of Goshen” within it—the church (Exodus 8:22; 9:26). While this Christ-rejecting world will certainly suffer the final plagues of God’s wrath (Revelation 15:1), the Christian, who has received Christ and is therefore not appointed to wrath, will not be touched by them (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

It is always Sennacherib’s army—the enemy of God’s people—that is blasted by the blight of God’s destroying angel (2 Kings 19:35-36). Meanwhile, Jerusalem—the people of God—sleep on in restful repose while being divinely delivered from the amassed forces arrayed against her. Inside Jerusalem it is a peaceful night, but outside the city’s safe refuge it is a night of stark terror. 

Would you come into the ark of God’s safety today, or will you remain outside under the darkening sky and gathering clouds of the approaching end-time tempest? If you refuse God’s offer of grace, there is no escape from His judgment, but if you receive the gracious gift of salvation afforded you in Christ, then, there is no reason to fear any weapon that is forged against you (Isaiah 54:17).

Our God His chosen people saves

Amongst the dead, amidst the graves.