Unexpected Instruments of Deliverance
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Throughout the biblical narrative, God often employs unexpected means and unlikely individuals to bring about deliverance for His people. These instances serve to highlight God's sovereignty, wisdom, and the truth that His ways are higher than human understanding. The following are notable examples of unexpected instruments of deliverance as recorded in the Scriptures.

1. The Rod of Moses

In the book of Exodus, God uses the simple staff of Moses as a powerful tool to perform miracles and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Initially, Moses is hesitant and doubts his ability to confront Pharaoh. However, God reassures him, saying, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2). The rod becomes a symbol of God's power, turning into a serpent, parting the Red Sea, and bringing water from a rock. This ordinary shepherd's staff becomes an extraordinary instrument of divine deliverance.

2. The Jawbone of a Donkey

In the book of Judges, Samson finds himself surrounded by a thousand Philistines. Without conventional weapons, he seizes the jawbone of a donkey and uses it to achieve a miraculous victory. Judges 15:15 states, "He found the fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and struck down a thousand men." This unconventional weapon underscores God's ability to use the most unexpected means to deliver His people.

3. The Sling of David

David, a young shepherd boy, faces the giant Goliath with nothing but a sling and five smooth stones. While the Israelite army cowers in fear, David's faith in God empowers him to confront the Philistine champion. In 1 Samuel 17:45 , David declares, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." The sling, a simple tool of a shepherd, becomes the means by which God delivers Israel from its enemies.

4. The Ravens of Elijah

During a time of drought and famine, God provides for the prophet Elijah in an unexpected manner. In 1 Kings 17:4 , God instructs Elijah, "You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." The ravens, typically seen as unclean animals, bring Elijah bread and meat, sustaining him in the wilderness. This unusual provision demonstrates God's care and His ability to use any part of His creation to fulfill His purposes.

5. The Widow's Oil

In 2 Kings 4, the prophet Elisha encounters a widow in dire need, with creditors threatening to take her sons as slaves. Elisha instructs her to gather empty vessels and pour her small amount of oil into them. Miraculously, the oil continues to flow until all the vessels are filled. 2 Kings 4:7 records, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt. You and your sons can live on the remainder." This miraculous multiplication of oil, an ordinary household item, becomes the means of deliverance for the widow and her family.

6. The Donkey of Balaam

In Numbers 22, Balaam, a prophet, is on his way to curse Israel when his donkey sees an angel of the LORD blocking the path. The donkey turns aside, saving Balaam from divine wrath. Numbers 22:28 states, "Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, 'What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?'" This talking donkey becomes an unexpected instrument of deliverance, preventing Balaam from proceeding with his ill-intentioned mission.

These examples illustrate that God often chooses the humble, the ordinary, and the unexpected to accomplish His divine purposes. Through these instruments of deliverance, God reveals His power and His ability to work beyond human limitations, ensuring that the glory belongs to Him alone.
Unexpected Instruments
Top of Page
Top of Page