The Midianites Providentially Invade and Waste Israel on Account of Their Sins

    When Israel pleased the Lord, no nation dare invade them: all nations feared them. When they fell into idolatry and rebellion against God, they were constantly a prey to devourers. And we see that there was no need that God should expressly call foreign nations to invade them. He effected his purpose in a providential way, by the voluntary acts of their enemies. In one point of view, God excited and sent the enemies to destroy his people: in another, it was their own spontaneous action, without any known reference to the will of the God of Israel. Here is a sample of the incomprehensible ways of Jehovah. God sent the invaders, yet the guilt of the invasion is all the invaders' own. As the swallow knows her season, so the Midianites, as if by a divine instinct, conceived and executed the purpose of invading Israel, at the very moment that their conduct merited this punishment from the Lord. It was punishment from the Lord, yet the executioners of this punishment acted entirely from their own thoughts, resolves, and hopes. Wonderful are thy ways, O Lord God Almighty! They alone are wise who study thy character in thine own word and works, renouncing their own wisdom, and relying on the enlightening of thy Holy Spirit. The entrance of thy word gives light, and makes wise the simple.