Introduction

The concept of internal division among enemies is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating how God can use discord and strife within opposing forces to achieve His purposes. This theme underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events to fulfill His divine will, often turning the plans of the wicked against themselves.

Biblical Instances

1. Gideon and the Midianites (Judges 7:22)

In the account of Gideon, God uses internal division to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon, with only 300 men, confronts a vast Midianite army. The Lord instructs Gideon to use trumpets, jars, and torches to create confusion among the enemy. Judges 7:22 states, "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the swords of each man against his companion throughout the camp, and the army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath." This miraculous victory highlights how God can cause enemies to turn against each other, leading to their downfall.

2. Saul and the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:20)

During the reign of King Saul, the Israelites face the Philistines in battle. Jonathan, Saul's son, initiates an attack that leads to panic among the Philistine forces. 1 Samuel 14:20 records, "Then Saul and all his troops assembled and went into battle, and indeed every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great confusion." This internal strife among the Philistines results in a significant victory for Israel, demonstrating how God can use confusion to weaken the enemy.

3. Jehoshaphat and the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites (2 Chronicles 20:22-23)

King Jehoshaphat faces a formidable alliance of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. In response to Jehoshaphat's prayer and faith, God intervenes. 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 describes the scene: "At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another." This passage illustrates how God can incite internal conflict among enemy forces, leading to their self-destruction.

4. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:7-9)

Although not a military conflict, the account of the Tower of Babel is a significant example of internal division. Humanity's unified rebellion against God through the construction of the tower is thwarted by divine intervention. Genesis 11:7-9 states, "Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech. So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from there the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth." This division prevents humanity from consolidating power in defiance of God’s will.

Theological Implications

The theme of internal division among enemies serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and His ability to protect His people. It reassures believers that no matter how formidable the opposition may seem, God can intervene in unexpected ways to bring about His purposes. This theme also highlights the futility of opposing God, as He can turn the plans of the wicked against themselves, ensuring that His divine will prevails.