Isaiah 33:23

"Handfuls of Purpose"

For All Gleaners

"The lame take the prey" Isa 33:23

These words may be variously interpreted. In the case of Assyria the ship was being plundered by the very persons whom it came to plunder. In ancient times there was a law that: the lame should be regarded as incapable of service, and should further be deprived from taking their share in the spoils. By way of accommodation, we may look upon this text as showing that sometimes victories are won by people who are apparently disentitled to take any part in the war. God chooses the weak things of the world to overthrow the mighty. The whole providence of God seems to be so constituted as to baffle the calculator and to prevent any man making an investment of his faith or prophetic gift. God is always doing things we never expected him to do. Thus we cannot anticipate him, or forestall him, or predict him with any selfish certainty. We can only declare that he will do that which is right, that he will bring Forth righteousness as the morning. As to the details of his action, and as to the instruments he will employ in developing his purpose, we know nothing. The lame are not to be despised. Even a lame man may be able to open a gate, or to point out a road, or to tell which way the enemy went. Remember that the poor wise man delivered the city when the mighty king came against it. Despise no talent, how small soever. God has often surprised his critics by showing how the weakest may be made more than the strongest. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings praise has been perfected. God has raised up of the dust children unto Abraham. He pours contempt upon all our ideas of stature and strength, capability and force. Let him choose his own servants. Let him ordain his own ministers.