How Many Times Did God Deliver The Israelites?
The story of the Israelites and how God delivered them from hardship is central to Judeo-Christian belief. For centuries, scholars have examined the holy texts to analyze each instance of divine salvation.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: God directly intervened to save the Israelites on numerous occasions, including freeing them from slavery in Egypt, providing manna and quail in the desert, allowing conquest of Canaan, and thwarting enemy attacks under judges and kings.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Hebrew Bible to identify each occasion where God providentially rescued the Israelites from adversity. We will analyze major events like the Exodus from Egypt as well as lesser known episodes like the defeat of Moab.
By closely studying the scriptural accounts, we can gain insight into how the Israelite writers understood God’s protective care for their nation.
The Exodus from Egypt
The Exodus from Egypt is one of the most monumental events in the Old Testament. It details how God miraculously delivered the Israelites from slavery under Pharaoh in Egypt and led them to the Promised Land.
This was an extraordinary demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness to His chosen people.
The Exodus story begins when the new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaved the Israelites and forced them into hard labor (Exodus 1:8-14). Despite their cries, the Israelites’ bondage only increased over time.
After 400 years of slavery, God heard their cries and raised up Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand he let God’s people go (Exodus 3:7-10).
When Pharaoh stubbornly refused, God unleashed 10 devastating plagues on Egypt designed to utterly crush their resolve (Exodus 7-12). The final plague was the death of every firstborn son, leading to Pharaoh finally relenting and allowing the Israelites to leave.
However, after they had gone Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army after them. With the Red Sea before them and Pharaoh behind, it seemed like certain death for the Israelites. But God miraculously parted the sea, allowing the Israelites to pass safely to the other side (Exodus 14).
When the Egyptians tried to follow, the waters closed over them, drowning the entire army.
This extraordinary series of events highlights several key truths about God and His dealings with His people:
- God hears their cries and is moved with compassion to save them (Exodus 2:23-25).
- God is all-powerful, sovereign over nature, rulers, and nations.
- God is faithful to keep His promises and deliver His people.
- God alone is worthy of worship, not the false gods of Egypt.
The Exodus marked the birth of Israel as a nation as they followed God’s lead to the Promised Land. God would continue to demonstrate His mighty hand on their behalf throughout their wilderness journeys.
His powerful deliverance cemented His covenant relationship with Israel as their mighty Savior and King.
The Exodus revealed God’s character in a definitive way. As Moses declared, “Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11).
The Exodus displays God’s unmatched power and unfailing love for His people, themes that echo throughout the rest of Scripture.
Divine Provision in the Wilderness
God provided miraculously for the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Though they faced harsh conditions, God sustained them in remarkable ways that revealed His power and care.
Manna from Heaven
After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites traveled through the Desert of Sin. With no food available, they complained bitterly to Moses and Aaron (Exodus 16:2-3). God responded by sending manna, a bread-like substance that appeared on the ground each morning.
The Israelites gathered just enough for that day, and any extra decayed overnight (Exodus 16:4-5, 19-20). This taught them to rely on God’s provision daily. For 40 years, the manna sustained them in the wilderness (Exodus 16:35).
Water from a Rock
At Rephidim, the Israelites again grumbled about having no water (Exodus 17:1-3). The Lord instructed Moses to strike a rock with his staff, and water gushed out to meet the people’s needs (Exodus 17:5-6).
God miraculously brought forth water from the rock twice more during Israel’s wilderness wanderings (Numbers 20:2-11). He abundantly provided for them.
Protection from Enemies
When the Amalekites attacked Israel at Rephidim, God empowered Joshua and the Israelites to defeat them in battle while Moses interceded (Exodus 17:8-13). God also promised to send an angel to guard them from harm (Exodus 23:20-23).
For 40 years, He protected them from hostile nations like the Amalekites and Canaanites as they traveled in the wilderness.
Clothing and Feet Unworn
Moses affirmed that during the 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites’ clothing and sandals did not wear out or deteriorate (Deuteronomy 8:4). God miraculously preserved their clothing so it remained functional throughout the journey. They did not lack anything they needed.
God faithfully supplied the needs of over a million Israelites in the harsh wilderness for 40 years. He provided food, water, protection, and clothing in supernatural ways that continually reinforced His love and care for His people.
The Israelites’ deliverance stands as a testimony to God’s gracious provision.
The Conquest of Canaan
The conquest of Canaan was a pivotal event in Israelite history. After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, the Israelites were finally ready to enter the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.
This campaign to take control of Canaan was ordained by God and served to fulfill His promise to Abraham centuries earlier.
The book of Joshua provides a narrative of the conquest of Canaan. After crossing the Jordan River into Canaan, the Israelites conquered the city of Jericho after marching around the city walls for seven days. This miraculous victory was just the beginning.
The Israelites went on to destroy the cities of Ai and Hazor, defeating several Canaanite kings and their armies along the way. Though the Canaanites initially outnumbered the invading Israelites, God fought on behalf of His people and assured their victory.
The conquest took place gradually over a period of years. Joshua divided up the Promised Land amongst the 12 tribes of Israel. While the Israelites were instructed to completely destroy the Canaanite people and their idols, they failed to fully drive out the Canaanites from the land.
Pockets of Canaanite resistance remained, leading to ongoing conflict for centuries to come.
Archaeological evidence confirms that many of the cities mentioned in the conquest accounts were violently destroyed around 1250-1200 BC. Excavations show signs of walls tumbling down in fiery destruction. This aligns with the general time period depicted in Scripture.
The evidence substantiates the biblical record while also demonstrating that the conquest was not a single military campaign but rather a series of battles over time.
Deliverance Under the Judges
The period of the judges was a tumultuous time in Israel’s history. God raised up judges to deliver the Israelites from oppression when they cried out to Him. By my count, there were at least six distinct times that God miraculously intervened to save His people during this era:
Deliverance from Mesopotamia
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites fell into idolatry and evil. As judgement, God allowed the king of Mesopotamia to oppress them for eight years. When Israel cried out to the LORD, He sent Othniel to defeat the Mesopotamians and bring peace to the land (Judges 3:7-11).
Deliverance from Moab
After Othniel died, the Israelites again fell into idol worship. God punished them by allowing Eglon king of Moab to conquer Israel. The Moabites oppressed Israel for 18 years until God mercifully raised up Ehud to assassinate Eglon and liberate the Israelites (Judges 3:12-30).
Deliverance from Canaan
Following Ehud, the Israelites sinned against God once more. As judgement, God empowered Jabin king of Canaan to harshly oppress Israel for 20 years. The prophetess Deborah and military leader Barak were chosen by God to defeat Jabin’s army under Sisera.
Israel was then freed from Canaanite rule (Judges 4-5).
Deliverance from Midian
Again the Israelites fell into idolatry, provoking the LORD to anger. He allowed the nomadic Midianites to regularly raid and pillage Israel’s land and crops. This devastation lasted seven years until God designated Gideon to defeat the massive Midianite army with just 300 men.
This amazing victory liberated Israel from Midian (Judges 6-8).
Deliverance from the Philistines
After Gideon died, the Israelites turned to worship false gods again. God disciplined them by allowing the Philistines to control Israel for 40 years. When the Israelites finally cried out to the LORD, He chose Samson to begin delivering Israel by creating havoc for the Philistines through his supernatural strength.
However, full liberation from Philistine oppression would not come until the days of Samuel (Judges 13-16).
Deliverance from Civil War
Near the end of the judges period, a civil war broke out between the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin was nearly wiped out in the war. This was a judgement from God because of the wickedness in Gibeah.
Through God’s mercy, the tribes spared 600 Benjamite survivors in order to preserve the tribe from extinction. This finally brought peace between the tribes (Judges 19-21).
By my analysis, God directly intervened to deliver the Israelites at least six times under the judges when they cried out to Him. Each time, He showed mercy on His people by raising up judges and leaders to defeat their oppressors when they humbled themselves and sought the LORD.
This period serves as a stark reminder that idolatry and evil provoke God’s judgment, but He remains faithful to deliver those who repent and call upon Him.
Safety Under the United Monarchy
The period of the United Monarchy, when Saul, David, and Solomon reigned, was a time of relative safety and security for the Israelites. Though they faced threats from surrounding nations, God blessed them with strong leadership that was able to defend the people.
Military Strength
Under Saul, David, and Solomon, the Israelite army grew in strength and was able to defend against attacks. David in particular was an accomplished military leader, gaining great victories over the Philistines and other enemies (2 Samuel 8). This brought safety to the land.
Alliance with Tyre
Early in his reign, Solomon made an alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, securing access to important trade routes and resources (1 Kings 5:1-12). This partnership brought economic prosperity and protection.
Temple Worship
The building of the grand Temple in Jerusalem gave the people a center for worship of God. As they sought the Lord, He blessed them with peace and security from external threats. Their hearts were knit together in unity.
Though no kingdom on earth can have perfect safety, God granted provision and protection to His people Israel under the early kings. However, when Solomon turned from the Lord later in his rule, God’s hand of blessing was withdrawn.
Conclusion
In summary, careful study of the Tanakh reveals countless examples of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from adversity. While the Exodus stands out as the defining divine salvation, God repeatedly rescued the Israelites in times of need.
By tracking each instance, we gain a deeper appreciation for how God preserved His chosen people. For the faithful, these accounts remain relevant today as reminders of how God protects those who trust in Him.
