1:42 - But the Lord said to me, "Tell them, 'Do not go up and fight, because I will not be with you. You will be defeated by your enemies.'"

Yahweh's response to GenA's insolence is as fearful as his earlier decision. It comprises:

1. A command that was simply a negation of the people's decision, "Do not go up and do not fight" (vs. GenA's "we will go up and fight").

2. A withdrawal of the promise of his presence—"I will not be with you"—and a prediction of their defeat—"you will be defeated." Popular preachers like to tell us that God's promises cannot be revoked. Simplistic teachings like these need revoking. God may not "revoke" the promise He has made to the patriarchs, He certainly refused to entertain GenA His promise to be with them and to fight for them. God can never be held ransom to His promises by our sinful cunning.

You may wish to read the entry on Promise - God's and Ours ☰.

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