The Lord is taking them into a land occupied by nations that were stronger than the Israelites. The Lord leads us into things that we cannot cope with ourselves. We need to get used to the idea that this is the way He works. Now God does not do this in order to make our life difficult, but because we were always created to live in co-operation with God. So what is possible is not dependent upon our strength and ability, but upon our strength and ability together with God's strength and ability. That should put a whole new complexion on things! This is the life that we are meant to lead, and the one that step-by-step the Holy Spirit is teaching us to lead.
In Numbers 13:26-33 the ten spies had said the enemies were too big for the Israelites to defeat. God is echoing these fears here, but the difference is that He will enable them to overcome. Often the Lord does not take away our fears, but promises to enable us overcome them.
Again this is followed by a warning of handling the victory. They are not to put their victory down to their righteousness. It was the wickedness of the inhabitants which was the reason for God defeating them. In fact God reminds them that they are a "stiff-necked" people. Their primary concern should be to deal with their stubbornness.
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