Judges 2 - God rescinded His Covenant

Click to read Judges 2 & 3:1-6

Synopsis

The people did not keep their part of the covenant to obey God as they entered Canaan. While God told them to destroy all the pagan inhabitants and not to have any covenant with them, the Israelites compromised and allowed the sinners to live around them. The new generation after Joshua grew up and did not obey God. In fact, they intermarry and embraced paganism. God had to rescind His covenant made with their forefathers concerning the protection of the nation in the Promised Land.

Consequently, the nation suffered as God handed them over to the raiders and oppressors. Though God was angry, yet He still loved them. He would not abandon them. He would raise up judges - people whose heart was after God in obedience, to deliver the Israelites from the oppressions.

God also used the opportunity to train the new generation on warfare as they have not faced war (Judges 3:2).

Major Verses

V2:1-5 - The Lord confronted the Israelites about their disobedience. They were to have killed all the Canaanites when they conquered the land. Yet some tribes did not and even compromised to live amongst them. This was against God's instruction.

What I learn

When we choose to disobey God, we will have to bear with the consequences. As much as He loves us, He cannot condone disobedience to Him.

V2:20-23;3:1-6 - God had to punish the people for their disobedience, yet He did it in such a way that would benefit them eventually. He used the opportunity to train the new generation about warfare as they had never experienced one before.

What I learn

God loves us even when He has to punish us for doing wrong. He does it in such a way that we will grow stronger and closer to Him after we repent and learn our lesson. When the Lord disciplines us, do remember that it is for our own good. Accept and trust Him so that we can become who He wants us to be.

Question - Is disobedience to God worth it for us? Why do we disobey God at times?
(I hope that you will contribute by posting your discussion as a comment to this post. To do this, scroll down all the way and click the "Comments" link.)



Next up....

Judges 3 will discuss the appointment of the firsts of the judges that God sent to help Israel. Coming up on 28th May...