Click to read Judges 21
Synopsis
In this concluding chapter, the Israelites made more mistakes in the heat of their emotions. They made reckless vows; 1) that they will never allow their daughters to marry any Benjamites, and 2) that they will put to death those who did not gather to worship the Lord at Mizpah.
Because these reckless vows, they feared that the tribe of Benjamin will have no more descendants and thus Israel would be short of one tribe. Because of these vows, another group of Israelites at Jabesh Gilead who did not turn up at Mizpah, was massacred. Once again, these incidents showed that the people did whatever that seemed right in their own eyes and they were no different from the Benjamites. They might even have justified their action by arguing that an oath cannot be broken, and that to spare the women of Jabesh Gilead so that the remaining Benjamites would have wives. They thought that these were the right things to do. They even planned out and justified the kidnapping of virgins from Shiloh to give the the Benjamites as wives.
Major Verses
V8-12 - The Israelites got into another mess by killing all, except the virgins, in Jabesh Gilead and justified their murder and kidnapping with an argument that they cannot break an oath. What in fact had happened was that they had put tribal loyalty above the common sense of love and life. They did this to justify their vow, even though it was a wrong one.
What I learnt
We must put be careful not to allow our emotions to direct our decisions. More often than not, such decisions end up wrong and create much pain for those involved. If we have to made a decision, commit it to God and ask Him for direction. Nothing is too small for Him to answer us on.
V25 - This statement, "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit" appeared many times over in the 21 books of Judges. This was the main problem. It is more of a reference that the people did not revere God as their King and thus immorality, selfishness, pretense, misplace loyalty and the likes thus prevailed.
What I learnt
Throughout the period of judges, the bible records that Israel experienced trouble because they did not revere God. Instead, they became their own authority and acted on their own opinions of what was right or wrong. We see that by so doing, the results were horrendous. This is the same in our world today. Where people do not put God in His rightful position, we see abuse of power, we see misdirection, we see all kinds of horrendous activities. Only when we come to a position of revering Him and declaring His Kingship in our lives, we can never have peace.
Summary
The journey through the 21 books of Judges taught me many lessons. These lessons point to the need for one simple act - to revere God always, putting Him in the rightful position in our life. I have learnt much from my journey. I hope that you have too.
I encourage you to leave your comments and words of encouragement to other readers if this journey had helped you. Let us build each other up in the word of God. Do so by clicking the "Comments" hyper link below.
God bless you.....Steven Chan .... the one that Jesus loves.
Showing posts with label Judges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judges. Show all posts
Monday, September 10, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
Judges 20 - Benjamites attacked!
Click to read Judges 20
Synopsis
The whole of Israel, except the Benjamites, congregated at Mizpah after receiving the Levite's message. They heard the Levite's story and decided to war against their fellow tribe. The bloody civil war almost annihilated one tribe of the nation. Thankfully it did not and instead, set the stage for a spiritual revival under the rule of Samuel eventually.
The chapter recorded the only mention of the Ark of the Covenant in the whole book. This probably indicated how seldom the nation consulted God throughout that period.
It is interesting to note that the assembly sought the Lord's advice a number of times and followed God's instruction. And while the Lord gave the go ahead (two times), their troops suffered great defeat at the Benjamites' hands. Still they persevered and eventually fasted and wept to God before the Lord finally fought the battle for them.
The Benjamites, instead of adhering to God's moral principle and handing out justice upon the perpetrators, they banded together to protect them. Quite clearly, this was the consequence of not putting God in the reverent position.
All but 600 Benjamite men survived the ordeal. The tribe was nearly wiped out in the bloody civil war which took the lives of over 65,000 able-bodied and valiant warriors.
Major Verses
V4-5 - The Levite did not tell the whole story but one that put empathy on himself. He was also guilty of the murder by pushing his concubine to the Benjamites to save himself from being abused. He had conveniently left that out of his report.
What I learnt
While the Benjamites were clearly guilty, so was the Levite and yet he put all the blame on others. When we report something, we must do it honorably and not hide those parts that protect ourself.
V12-15 - The Benjamites could have taken the right approach to serve justice by punishing the offenders from Gibeah. That would be the right way and God's way. Perhaps they were not told of the whole truth by the criminals or were too proud to admit that some of their people had stoop so low. In any case, they would not listen to the rest of Israel; they were more loyal to their own tribe than to God's law. Their choice to side with a small number of their kinsmen brought the whole tribe to war.
What I learnt
We must be extremely careful not to trade God's principles with the ways of the world. When we need to make a choice, ask God for His direction and open our heart to follow His answer.
V18-28 - For the first two times that the people inquired God and got His permission to attack the Benjamites, they were routed and 40,000 men were slain. That eventually brought them to renew their relationship with the Lord. They wept, repented and offered sacrifices to God. They probably had not done this for a long time. This set the stage for a national revival eventually.
What I learnt
Many times, when we are far from God, a major tragedy is needed to jock us out of our state and to return to God. Such painful experience can be avoided if we do not stray from God in the first place. While repentance is good, a consistent close walk with God is much better. Let us guard our heart to ensure that we do not need a tragedy to bring us back to the loving arms of God.
V46-48 - While a hideous crime was committed by the Benjamites at Gibeah, the impact should never have gone beyond that group of criminals. The Benjamites should have served justice within their tribe. Instead, the whole tribe chose to defend the wickedness of a small group of criminals and as a result, got almost annihilated.
What I learnt
To prevent problems from turning into major conflicts in our life, we must take affirmative action, quickly and wisely, to resolve them before they escalate to an uncontrollable and painful end. Ask God to provide the wisdom, strength, humility and grace to tackle such problems.
Summary
When the people did not revere God, their moral compass got disrupted. They do not know right from wrong and thus made bad choices. The consequence was tremendous in this case; over 65,000 men lost their lives in the civil war and the tribe of Benjamin was nearly wiped out of the face of this earth.
Up Next ...
Restoration of the tribe is recorded in the next Chapter thus preserving the linage where Saul, Ester and eventually Paul would be born through. Coming up on 10th Sep....
Synopsis
The whole of Israel, except the Benjamites, congregated at Mizpah after receiving the Levite's message. They heard the Levite's story and decided to war against their fellow tribe. The bloody civil war almost annihilated one tribe of the nation. Thankfully it did not and instead, set the stage for a spiritual revival under the rule of Samuel eventually.
The chapter recorded the only mention of the Ark of the Covenant in the whole book. This probably indicated how seldom the nation consulted God throughout that period.
It is interesting to note that the assembly sought the Lord's advice a number of times and followed God's instruction. And while the Lord gave the go ahead (two times), their troops suffered great defeat at the Benjamites' hands. Still they persevered and eventually fasted and wept to God before the Lord finally fought the battle for them.
The Benjamites, instead of adhering to God's moral principle and handing out justice upon the perpetrators, they banded together to protect them. Quite clearly, this was the consequence of not putting God in the reverent position.
All but 600 Benjamite men survived the ordeal. The tribe was nearly wiped out in the bloody civil war which took the lives of over 65,000 able-bodied and valiant warriors.
Major Verses
V4-5 - The Levite did not tell the whole story but one that put empathy on himself. He was also guilty of the murder by pushing his concubine to the Benjamites to save himself from being abused. He had conveniently left that out of his report.
What I learnt
While the Benjamites were clearly guilty, so was the Levite and yet he put all the blame on others. When we report something, we must do it honorably and not hide those parts that protect ourself.
V12-15 - The Benjamites could have taken the right approach to serve justice by punishing the offenders from Gibeah. That would be the right way and God's way. Perhaps they were not told of the whole truth by the criminals or were too proud to admit that some of their people had stoop so low. In any case, they would not listen to the rest of Israel; they were more loyal to their own tribe than to God's law. Their choice to side with a small number of their kinsmen brought the whole tribe to war.
What I learnt
We must be extremely careful not to trade God's principles with the ways of the world. When we need to make a choice, ask God for His direction and open our heart to follow His answer.
V18-28 - For the first two times that the people inquired God and got His permission to attack the Benjamites, they were routed and 40,000 men were slain. That eventually brought them to renew their relationship with the Lord. They wept, repented and offered sacrifices to God. They probably had not done this for a long time. This set the stage for a national revival eventually.
What I learnt
Many times, when we are far from God, a major tragedy is needed to jock us out of our state and to return to God. Such painful experience can be avoided if we do not stray from God in the first place. While repentance is good, a consistent close walk with God is much better. Let us guard our heart to ensure that we do not need a tragedy to bring us back to the loving arms of God.
V46-48 - While a hideous crime was committed by the Benjamites at Gibeah, the impact should never have gone beyond that group of criminals. The Benjamites should have served justice within their tribe. Instead, the whole tribe chose to defend the wickedness of a small group of criminals and as a result, got almost annihilated.
What I learnt
To prevent problems from turning into major conflicts in our life, we must take affirmative action, quickly and wisely, to resolve them before they escalate to an uncontrollable and painful end. Ask God to provide the wisdom, strength, humility and grace to tackle such problems.
Summary
When the people did not revere God, their moral compass got disrupted. They do not know right from wrong and thus made bad choices. The consequence was tremendous in this case; over 65,000 men lost their lives in the civil war and the tribe of Benjamin was nearly wiped out of the face of this earth.
Up Next ...
Restoration of the tribe is recorded in the next Chapter thus preserving the linage where Saul, Ester and eventually Paul would be born through. Coming up on 10th Sep....
Monday, August 27, 2007
Judges 19 - Immorality started a civil war.
Click to read Judges 19
Synopsis
This chapter tells the story of the brutal rape and murder of a Levite's concubine by the unruly people of the tribe of Benjamin. It started a brutal civil war amongst the tribes of Israel that almost ended in the extinction of one tribe.
It all started with a Levite whose concubine out of Judah, ran back to her father's house. The Levite went to look for her and lodged at her father's house. On his journey home, he did not want to stay over in Jebus (Jerusalem) as it was not an Israeli city then. He thought that it would be safer to stay in a city occupied by an Israelite tribe. So he chose Gebeah which was a city of the Benjamites. There he met a man also from his hill country of Ephraim and who was staying in Gibeah. The man hosted the Levite and his company.
However, as the nation had strayed away from God, the Benjamites in Gibeah were of low moral standing. They had no regards for God and His commandments. They confronted the host and wanted to sexually abuse the Levite. To protect his guest, the host offered his own virgin daughter and the Levite's concubine for the men to abuse instead.
The men were unreasonable and finally the Levite pushed his own concubine out the door and the men raped her repeatedly. When it was finally over, she was left at the door of the host's house, dead. The Levite carried her home and dismembered her body into twelve pieces, sending a message to each of the tribe with a piece of the woman to announce the hideous crime. He wanted all the tribes to seek revenge on his behalf.
Major Verses
V22 - The Benjamites were so immoral that they wanted to sexually abuse the Levite.
What I learnt
When people stray away from God, they lose their morality easily. The Benjamites had neglected God and became so low as to want to have sex with the Levite. We must keep our eyes focused upon Jesus so as to guard our heart from falling to such low immoral ways.
V23-25 - The host and the Levite, in protecting themselves, offered two girls to the brutal men. The Levite personally "pushed" his concubine out of the door to the criminals, knowing that they would abuse her.
What I learnt
Protecting the guest at all cost was an important aspect of a Middle-eastern man's code of honor then. Unfortunately in this story, the keeping of this code was nothing short of fanaticism. The Benjamites were not the only ones that had low moral standards. The host and the Levite were just as immoral. The host went too far to protect his own honor instead of protecting his daughter. Similarly, instead of standing up for his concubine, the Levite pushed her out to protect himself. Both these men, in trying to protect themselves, were just as guilty of the abuse and murder of the girl as the rapists themselves.
We must keep God's honor - protecting the weak and innocent are more important then protecting our own honor.
V29-30 - Sending body parts to the tribes was a horrible way of spreading the news of the crime, but it did communicated the horror of the crime.
What I learnt
While the Levite wanted to exact revenge and sought the help of his fellow kinsmen, he absolutely forgot that he was just as guilty of the crime. We need to examine our lives before taking judgement on others, if at all. In God's way, we are told to leave vengeance to Him instead of taking it in our hands.
Summary
A horrible crime was committed but this was not Israel's worst offense. The failure of the people to establish a government based on God's principles and laws was more serious. That resulted in the lost of morality as there were no enforcement of God's laws. The people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Crimes were ignored, sexual perversion and lawlessness were results of the people's disobedience to God.
This chapter and many others in Judges tell us that whenever we stray from God and His word, evil will reign. We must therefore constantly guard our heart against this decay. We must keep our self close to God through prayer and the reading of His word.
Up Next...
The civil war that ensued nearly wiped out the entire tribe of Benjamin.....coming up on 3rd Sep.
Synopsis
This chapter tells the story of the brutal rape and murder of a Levite's concubine by the unruly people of the tribe of Benjamin. It started a brutal civil war amongst the tribes of Israel that almost ended in the extinction of one tribe.
It all started with a Levite whose concubine out of Judah, ran back to her father's house. The Levite went to look for her and lodged at her father's house. On his journey home, he did not want to stay over in Jebus (Jerusalem) as it was not an Israeli city then. He thought that it would be safer to stay in a city occupied by an Israelite tribe. So he chose Gebeah which was a city of the Benjamites. There he met a man also from his hill country of Ephraim and who was staying in Gibeah. The man hosted the Levite and his company.
However, as the nation had strayed away from God, the Benjamites in Gibeah were of low moral standing. They had no regards for God and His commandments. They confronted the host and wanted to sexually abuse the Levite. To protect his guest, the host offered his own virgin daughter and the Levite's concubine for the men to abuse instead.
The men were unreasonable and finally the Levite pushed his own concubine out the door and the men raped her repeatedly. When it was finally over, she was left at the door of the host's house, dead. The Levite carried her home and dismembered her body into twelve pieces, sending a message to each of the tribe with a piece of the woman to announce the hideous crime. He wanted all the tribes to seek revenge on his behalf.
Major Verses
V22 - The Benjamites were so immoral that they wanted to sexually abuse the Levite.
What I learnt
When people stray away from God, they lose their morality easily. The Benjamites had neglected God and became so low as to want to have sex with the Levite. We must keep our eyes focused upon Jesus so as to guard our heart from falling to such low immoral ways.
V23-25 - The host and the Levite, in protecting themselves, offered two girls to the brutal men. The Levite personally "pushed" his concubine out of the door to the criminals, knowing that they would abuse her.
What I learnt
Protecting the guest at all cost was an important aspect of a Middle-eastern man's code of honor then. Unfortunately in this story, the keeping of this code was nothing short of fanaticism. The Benjamites were not the only ones that had low moral standards. The host and the Levite were just as immoral. The host went too far to protect his own honor instead of protecting his daughter. Similarly, instead of standing up for his concubine, the Levite pushed her out to protect himself. Both these men, in trying to protect themselves, were just as guilty of the abuse and murder of the girl as the rapists themselves.
We must keep God's honor - protecting the weak and innocent are more important then protecting our own honor.
V29-30 - Sending body parts to the tribes was a horrible way of spreading the news of the crime, but it did communicated the horror of the crime.
What I learnt
While the Levite wanted to exact revenge and sought the help of his fellow kinsmen, he absolutely forgot that he was just as guilty of the crime. We need to examine our lives before taking judgement on others, if at all. In God's way, we are told to leave vengeance to Him instead of taking it in our hands.
Summary
A horrible crime was committed but this was not Israel's worst offense. The failure of the people to establish a government based on God's principles and laws was more serious. That resulted in the lost of morality as there were no enforcement of God's laws. The people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Crimes were ignored, sexual perversion and lawlessness were results of the people's disobedience to God.
This chapter and many others in Judges tell us that whenever we stray from God and His word, evil will reign. We must therefore constantly guard our heart against this decay. We must keep our self close to God through prayer and the reading of His word.
Up Next...
The civil war that ensued nearly wiped out the entire tribe of Benjamin.....coming up on 3rd Sep.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Judges 18 - Micah robbed of his gods
Click to read Judges 18
Synopsis
The Danites had enough land assigned to them. However, they failed to trust God to help them conquer their territory. As a result, the Amorites forced them into the hill country. Instead of fighting for what God had promised them, they went in search of other land where the resistance from the inhabitant was weak. They picked Laish whose people were peaceful and were not in God's judgment list (which was given to Joshua) as they were not the Canaanites nor were they idolaters. The people of Dan had no regard for God's instruction and went ahead to destroy the city and all the people of Laish.
On their way, they came across Micah's dwelling and discovered that there was an ephod, a Levite priest and idols. And they desired to have them for themselves, not as an act of worship but to serve their own purposes.
When Micah was robbed of his priest and idols, he was too weak to fight to recover them for himself. The Danites continued to worship the idols and used the priest to serve their selfish desires instead of worshipping God.
Major Verses
V4-6 - Once again, the priest proclaimed that he was "hired" by Micah to serve him. Though the Danites asked the priest to enquire God about their journey, it was not an act of reverence (like during Joshua's time). They were asking to satisfy their own desires. The priest, knowing that his purpose in life was to serve God in the Tabernacle in Shiloh and in designated cities, instead chose to serve Micah and then the Danites. Worst still, instead of teaching people to worship God, he led them to continue to worship the idols. He also claimed that God had spoken to him (by giving approval to the Danites), when God did not.
What I learn
We must guard guard our hearts against falsehood in our worship of God. We must guard against false teachers who lead us astray. To do so, we must know God's word intimately.
V14-21 - The whole record showed that the people did not have any desire to worship God. Instead, they were interested only in using God for selfish gains, hence their intention of taking the priest, ephod and idols from Micah. On the surface, they seemed to be religious. Underneath that, they were only acting for themselves. Even the priest was more interested to serve men so that his own livelihood was taken care of.
What I learn
When we go the church, cell group or attend church activities, let us be careful not to do so to feel good, to be accepted, to relieve guilt or gain friends or business contacts. Be careful that we are not following God for selfish gains rather than selfless service.
V24-26 - Micah proclaimed that he had nothing left because the Danites took away the gods he made and his priest. The Danites threatened him as he was weak.
What I learn
Like Micah, if we place our hope and focus on idols of our life and not on God, then when these idols are gone, there is nothing left for us. As such, we must not let the things of the world bind us to a position where they become the idols of our life. Instead, let us look to and trust our Abba Father completely.
V27-31 - The Danites took Laish and destroy all that were in it. They continued to use the priest Micah used and worshiped the idols Micah made.
What I learn
The successful conquest of Laish did not mean that their actions were right. We cannot use the results of our action to determine if we had done the right thing. Success does not indicate approval. So don't allow personal success to be a measuring rod of whether or not we are pleasing God. The only way to measure is by referring to God's words.
Summary
Our God demands our undivided worship. Any thing that comes in our way to worship Him is an idol that must be cast away. There may be a tendency in our life to allow "harmless" habits to have their own small corners. Be careful as these can grow to become dominating forces. To expose these habits, we can apply God's truth to shine on and expose them. Once we can see them, we can begin to uproot them.
Up Next ....
A bloody civil war brews and it will almost result in the annihilation of one of the tribes. Read it on 27th Aug.
Synopsis
The Danites had enough land assigned to them. However, they failed to trust God to help them conquer their territory. As a result, the Amorites forced them into the hill country. Instead of fighting for what God had promised them, they went in search of other land where the resistance from the inhabitant was weak. They picked Laish whose people were peaceful and were not in God's judgment list (which was given to Joshua) as they were not the Canaanites nor were they idolaters. The people of Dan had no regard for God's instruction and went ahead to destroy the city and all the people of Laish.
On their way, they came across Micah's dwelling and discovered that there was an ephod, a Levite priest and idols. And they desired to have them for themselves, not as an act of worship but to serve their own purposes.
When Micah was robbed of his priest and idols, he was too weak to fight to recover them for himself. The Danites continued to worship the idols and used the priest to serve their selfish desires instead of worshipping God.
Major Verses
V4-6 - Once again, the priest proclaimed that he was "hired" by Micah to serve him. Though the Danites asked the priest to enquire God about their journey, it was not an act of reverence (like during Joshua's time). They were asking to satisfy their own desires. The priest, knowing that his purpose in life was to serve God in the Tabernacle in Shiloh and in designated cities, instead chose to serve Micah and then the Danites. Worst still, instead of teaching people to worship God, he led them to continue to worship the idols. He also claimed that God had spoken to him (by giving approval to the Danites), when God did not.
What I learn
We must guard guard our hearts against falsehood in our worship of God. We must guard against false teachers who lead us astray. To do so, we must know God's word intimately.
V14-21 - The whole record showed that the people did not have any desire to worship God. Instead, they were interested only in using God for selfish gains, hence their intention of taking the priest, ephod and idols from Micah. On the surface, they seemed to be religious. Underneath that, they were only acting for themselves. Even the priest was more interested to serve men so that his own livelihood was taken care of.
What I learn
When we go the church, cell group or attend church activities, let us be careful not to do so to feel good, to be accepted, to relieve guilt or gain friends or business contacts. Be careful that we are not following God for selfish gains rather than selfless service.
V24-26 - Micah proclaimed that he had nothing left because the Danites took away the gods he made and his priest. The Danites threatened him as he was weak.
What I learn
Like Micah, if we place our hope and focus on idols of our life and not on God, then when these idols are gone, there is nothing left for us. As such, we must not let the things of the world bind us to a position where they become the idols of our life. Instead, let us look to and trust our Abba Father completely.
V27-31 - The Danites took Laish and destroy all that were in it. They continued to use the priest Micah used and worshiped the idols Micah made.
What I learn
The successful conquest of Laish did not mean that their actions were right. We cannot use the results of our action to determine if we had done the right thing. Success does not indicate approval. So don't allow personal success to be a measuring rod of whether or not we are pleasing God. The only way to measure is by referring to God's words.
Summary
Our God demands our undivided worship. Any thing that comes in our way to worship Him is an idol that must be cast away. There may be a tendency in our life to allow "harmless" habits to have their own small corners. Be careful as these can grow to become dominating forces. To expose these habits, we can apply God's truth to shine on and expose them. Once we can see them, we can begin to uproot them.
Up Next ....
A bloody civil war brews and it will almost result in the annihilation of one of the tribes. Read it on 27th Aug.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Judges 17 - Micah doing things his way.
Click to read Judges 17
Synopsis
Chapters 17 to 21 record the last of the "lows" of Israel. The consistent message was "the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes."
Micah and his mother seemed to be sincerely wanting to worship God and appeared to be moral and good. However, they disobeyed God by letting their own desires and ideas override what God had instructed and wanted. The people, like Micah, were putting their own interests above all else. They replaced the true worship of God with their home-made brand that suited them. As such, injustice, revenge and chaos followed. This eventually led to confusion and destruction through a bloody civil war amongst the tribes.
The moral decay was so serious that it even affected the priesthood (Levites). The Levite "sold" his service to Micah probably because he was not supported by the tithes which might have stopped coming from the people.
Clearly the message to us is that anyone who does not submit to God will end up "doing whatever seemed right in their own eyes." This is still prevalent in our world today.
Major Verses
V3-4 Against God's clear instructions (Exodus20:4) not to make idols for themselves, Micah's mother decided to make an idol for herself. Micah had a shrine made in his house and appointed one of his sons to be priest. This was against God's orders as well.
What I learn
We have to be firm in not falling to the standards of the world. The people of Micah's time "did whatever seemed right in their own eyes". We must focus our eyes upon Jesus so as to avoid making decisions that are against God's law.
V10-13 - Levites were set aside to serve God. The people were to contribute to them by tithing, so that they can concentrate on serving God. However, this Levite had to leave his ministry, probably because the people stopping tithing into his temple. He had to seek out a living for himself. However, he allowed himself to be sold into Micah's wrongful decision. Instead of serving God, he served as Micah's priest.
What I learn
We need to continue to support God's ministers and servants so that they can serve Him with focus. Our responsibility is to tithe and not to decide how the money is to be used. More importantly, let us not stop tithing because we do not agree with the stewards on how the money is used; that is their responsibility to God.
Micah was so blinded that he thought that the Lord had blessed him as he had a priest to himself. He was dead wrong and so because he did not adhere to God's original instructions that the Levites were set aside to serve Him and not an individual. We must be careful not to misinterpret God's instructions to our wimps and fancy.
Summary
When the people did not revere God, their standards of spirituality and morality drop to the lowest level. They did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. To prevent our self from falling into that condition, we need to keep our self afresh with God's words. As long as we read His words constantly, our eyes will be lighted and our path will be guided. The Holy Spirit will help us to do what is right in His sight, not ours.
Up next ...
Judges 18 revealed the end of Micah's "blessing"...coming up next week on 20th.
Synopsis
Chapters 17 to 21 record the last of the "lows" of Israel. The consistent message was "the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes."
Micah and his mother seemed to be sincerely wanting to worship God and appeared to be moral and good. However, they disobeyed God by letting their own desires and ideas override what God had instructed and wanted. The people, like Micah, were putting their own interests above all else. They replaced the true worship of God with their home-made brand that suited them. As such, injustice, revenge and chaos followed. This eventually led to confusion and destruction through a bloody civil war amongst the tribes.
The moral decay was so serious that it even affected the priesthood (Levites). The Levite "sold" his service to Micah probably because he was not supported by the tithes which might have stopped coming from the people.
Clearly the message to us is that anyone who does not submit to God will end up "doing whatever seemed right in their own eyes." This is still prevalent in our world today.
Major Verses
V3-4 Against God's clear instructions (Exodus20:4) not to make idols for themselves, Micah's mother decided to make an idol for herself. Micah had a shrine made in his house and appointed one of his sons to be priest. This was against God's orders as well.
What I learn
We have to be firm in not falling to the standards of the world. The people of Micah's time "did whatever seemed right in their own eyes". We must focus our eyes upon Jesus so as to avoid making decisions that are against God's law.
V10-13 - Levites were set aside to serve God. The people were to contribute to them by tithing, so that they can concentrate on serving God. However, this Levite had to leave his ministry, probably because the people stopping tithing into his temple. He had to seek out a living for himself. However, he allowed himself to be sold into Micah's wrongful decision. Instead of serving God, he served as Micah's priest.
What I learn
We need to continue to support God's ministers and servants so that they can serve Him with focus. Our responsibility is to tithe and not to decide how the money is to be used. More importantly, let us not stop tithing because we do not agree with the stewards on how the money is used; that is their responsibility to God.
Micah was so blinded that he thought that the Lord had blessed him as he had a priest to himself. He was dead wrong and so because he did not adhere to God's original instructions that the Levites were set aside to serve Him and not an individual. We must be careful not to misinterpret God's instructions to our wimps and fancy.
Summary
When the people did not revere God, their standards of spirituality and morality drop to the lowest level. They did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. To prevent our self from falling into that condition, we need to keep our self afresh with God's words. As long as we read His words constantly, our eyes will be lighted and our path will be guided. The Holy Spirit will help us to do what is right in His sight, not ours.
Up next ...
Judges 18 revealed the end of Micah's "blessing"...coming up next week on 20th.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Judges 15 -16 Samson's revenge on the Philistines
Samson was so angry with his father-in-law for giving his wife to a friend who attended the wedding that he burnt the shocks and grains of the Philistines. The Philistines was angry and sought to punish Samson after killing his father-in-law and wife. This gave Samson the "right" that he was looking for to act against the Philistines and he killed many of them.
When the Philistines approached Judah, the men of Judah was afraid as they deem the Philistines as their rulers. They appeased them by bounding and handing Samson over to the Philistines. But the power of the Lord came upon Samson and he killed a thousand of them.
Samson then met Delilah and fell in love with this prostitute. She was in cahoot with the Philistines and sought to find out Samson's secret and eventually did. The spirit of the Lord left Samson after his secret was told and he was captured and brought to the Philistine court. As the court was enjoying the humiliation of Samson, he sought the strength of the Lord once more so that he can take revenge on the Philistines. That he did and the bible records that Samson killed many more with his death than when he was alive.
Major Verses
15:9-12 - Instead of protecting Samson from the Philistines, the men of Judah were so fearful that they agreed to deliver Samson to the enemy.
What I learn
We need to stand firm in our integrity and belief and faith in God when the situation requires us to do so. To do so, we need to seek God's wisdom to determine if what we are standing for is according to his will.
15:16 - Samson proudly claimed that it was he was had killed the enemy. He did not acknowledge that it was the Spirit of the Lord that gave him the power and strength (v14).
What I learn
We must be careful not to allow pride to cause us to take credit for what God has done through us. Let's always remember that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5) and so we must always acknowledge God in our life.
15:18-19 - After a great victory, Samson fell into self pity and asked " Must I now died of thirst?.." God created a spring just for him and he was recharged after drinking from it.
What I learn
We can be spiritually, mentally and physically exhausted after a major victory. Like Samson, our attitude can declined rapidly. If not careful, severe depression can often follow great achievements. During such time of vulnerability, avoid the temptation to think that God owes us for doing His work. Instead, remember that it was His strength that gave us the victory in the first place. Focus on God instead of us and we will be able to be recharged in His goodness.
16:15 - 17 - Samson was deceived by Delilah only because he wanted to believe her lies. Samson fell into the traps of his lust for Delilah and the Spirit of the Lord left him.
What I learn
Temptations satisfy our lust; lust for wealth, power, sex and everything pleasurable. We must be careful to follow the instructions to seek God's help to resist such temptations. We may choose to be close to God or to go our own way, but like what Samson had to experience, there are consequences resulting from our choice.
16:28-30 - Despite Samson's past, God still answer his prayers and allowed Samson the strength to destroy the temple and the Philistines. While God hated the sin, He still loved a repentant Samson.
What I learn
One of the effects of sin in our lives is to keep us from feeling like praying. Do not believe Satan's lie that God will not hear our prayers when we had fallen into sin. The fact is that our moral behavior is not a condition for prayer. God hears us all the time when we pray because He loves us. Every situation can be salvaged if we are willing to turn again to Him.
Summary
As long as Samson had the Lord's spirit upon him, he had the power and strength to do God's work. While he had times of straying away from God and did not acknowledge that his power came from Him, God was still ready to listen to him pray. If God heard Samson's final prayer despite his failings, God will surely hear us if we are humble enough to ask Him help. Remember, our moral behavior is NOT a condition for praying to God, and least of all, for Him answering us. He loves us!
Up next...
Moving on to learn about Micah's error...
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Judges 13-14 - God sets aside Samson
The cycle of sin continued with the Israelites and this time, the Philistines ruled them for 40 years. This time, God sent an angel to a childless couple from the tribe of Dan, Monoah and his wife. The angel proclaimed that they will have a son and that he was to be kept apart for God's use. He was to be a Nazirite and God was going to use him to deliver the nation. As a Nazirite, Samson was not to cut his hair, touch a dead body nor drink any alcohol so that he was consider holy to serve God.
To prepare for his ministry ahead, even Monoah's wife had to refrain from eating anything that comes from the grapevine, nor drink any wine or other fermented drink nor eat anything unclean. She must do everything the angel had commanded her as obedience was a pre-requisite.
Monoah asked for the name of the angel but was denied an answer. There is something that we can learn from this.
It is interesting to note that Samson, being a Nazirite, would want to marry a pagan woman. This is especially so given the historical issues recorded regarding the consequences of such an union. Still Samson persisted and his father relented. But all this was in the plan of God for Israel's deliverance.
Major Verses
13:17-19 - Manoah wanted to know the angel's name but he was denied. The angel said that he would understand the name. Manoah offered a burnt and a grain offering to God, signifying his willingness to honor and serve the Lord.
What I learn
At that time, people believed that if they knew some one's name, then they will also know his character and hence knew how to control the person. The angel did not want to give his name so as not to allow Manoah to have a chance to control him. Besides, the angel said that his name was a mystery beyond Manoah's understanding. Sometimes when God does not give an answer to some of our questions, He is not saying no but rather, it is because the answer is beyond our ability to understand or accept. We must learn to trust Him completely, even if our questions are unanswered. Manoah did that and signify his position by giving a burnt and grain offering to the Lord and in doing so, God show His power by making the angel rise with the flame.
13:25 - The Spirit of God stirred Samson as he grew up.
What I learn
God stirs in our heart desires that will fulfill His plan. When we are stirred by the Holy Spirit, let's be open and ask God to help us trust Him completely and move towards fulfilling His will and plan in our life.
14:1-4 -Samson was working within the plan of God to marry the Philistine woman, knowingly or otherwise. Verse 4 tells us that this action gave a reason for Samson to confront the Philistines eventually.
What I learn
We may not fully understand everything that the Lord has planned. Though it seemed that Samson should know better not to marry a pagan, God's bigger plan was in action. Samson was dedicated and set apart for God's work and he rightfully followed God's prompting even to break traditions to want to marry the Philistine woman against his parents' wishes. Let's not judge a person's action on the surface and by our own value system. Consider praying for and with such a person instead.
Summary
God is in control all the time. He can use any one who is willing to be used to accomplish his plan. Samson, though set apart before birth to serve God, seemed to have been less of a Nazirite by some of the things that he had done. But all were within God's plan to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines.
Up Next ...
Samson fell for the prostitute Delilah and finally succumbed to the Philistines...what happened? Let's discuss this next Monday...
Monday, July 23, 2007
Judges 10 - 12 - The story of Jephthah
Click to read Judges 10 - 12
Synopsis
After Abimelech died, Israel had two more judges, Tola and Jair who ruled a total of 45 years. Then Israel fell into sin again and the Lord allowed the Ammonites and the Philistines to harass them for 18 years. Finally, the people cried to the Lord and He raised up Jephthah to rescue them.
Jephthah, a mighty warrior, was the son of Gilead and a prostitute. He was driven away by his half brothers as he was not accepted as part of the family. When they were in trouble, they went to Jephthah and pleaded with him to lead the battle against the enemy, promising that he would become their leader.
Jephthah tried to reason with the Ammonites and finally when they did not relent, he led the army to destroy them completely. The major event in this story is Jephthah having to sacrifice his only daughter because he made a rash pledge to God and he had to honor and fulfill what he said.
The story ended with the Ephramites fighting a civil war against the Gileadites where the Ephramites were severely defeated. Jephthah only ruled Israel for 6 years before he died.
Major Verses
11:12-23 - When Jephthah became the commander of Gilead, he sought to resolve the problem with the Ammonites by reasoning with them. He did not use force but diplomacy first. Only when his diplomacy failed, did he then battle against the Ammonites. Jephthah acknowledged that the true Judge of Israel was the Lord and not him. He said this in verse 27.
What I learn
When we confront a problem at hand, it is good to try to resolve it amicably rather than by the use of force. To Jephthah's credit, he took that route before resorting to force.
11:30-35 - Jephthah made a vow before God. He promised to sacrifice whatever that came out of his door first to meet him when he returned victorious. He did not consider that it might be a person who would be the first to come out of his door, not an animal. As it was, his only daughter was the first "thing" that came out to meet him and this brought him unspeakable grief. After all, he had made a vow to God and had to fulfill it.
What I learn
Very often in the heat of emotion or during a period of intense pressure or personal turmoil, we are tempted to make foolish promises to God. These promises may sound spiritual when we make them, but they only produce guilt, condemnation and grief when we are finally required to fulfill them. God does not want us to make promises for the future. He loves us more than enough to simply grant our request (see Matthew 7:7-1 ) without us trying to make promises to Him. The Lord taught that we should not even make a vow ( Matthew 5:33-37 ).
12:1-6 - Instead of celebrating Israel's victory, the Ephramites were jealous and raised petty issues. It so enraged Jephthah that he took revenge at their insult and killed 42,000 of them who were his kinsmen. While he tried to reason with the Ammonites before using force, Jephthah was so enraged that he simply took to violence to solve this petty quarrel.
What I learn
Jealousy and insulting others often lead to unnecessary strife which is totally unproductive. This is wrong, and so is taking revenge. It was a sad day with the children of Israel fought and killed each other. We must learn to be forgiving and generous to the faults of others.
12:8:13 - Nothing much is recorded about the next three judges, Ibzan, Elon and Abdon except that Ibzan gave his daughters in marriage outside the clan and that he brought his sons 30 wives also from outside the clan. And that Abdon had 70 donkeys for his 40 sons and 30 grandsons to ride on.
What I learn
It is interesting that all that were recorded about these judges were rather "irrelevant" details of their personal lives. And to that end, the details did not speak well of them. I ask myself how I would want to live my life for God. When we pass on, would we be remembered for useful things that we had done for Him and other, or for some irrelevant details that did not contribute to His kingdom.
Summary
God, despite being angry with sin, will still turn to rescue those who repent and seek Him. He does not need us to make promises to Him before acting. He acts because He loves us. Praise the Lord!
Up next ....
The story of Samson unveils it self next week. Come and learn together on 30th July.
Synopsis
After Abimelech died, Israel had two more judges, Tola and Jair who ruled a total of 45 years. Then Israel fell into sin again and the Lord allowed the Ammonites and the Philistines to harass them for 18 years. Finally, the people cried to the Lord and He raised up Jephthah to rescue them.
Jephthah, a mighty warrior, was the son of Gilead and a prostitute. He was driven away by his half brothers as he was not accepted as part of the family. When they were in trouble, they went to Jephthah and pleaded with him to lead the battle against the enemy, promising that he would become their leader.
Jephthah tried to reason with the Ammonites and finally when they did not relent, he led the army to destroy them completely. The major event in this story is Jephthah having to sacrifice his only daughter because he made a rash pledge to God and he had to honor and fulfill what he said.
The story ended with the Ephramites fighting a civil war against the Gileadites where the Ephramites were severely defeated. Jephthah only ruled Israel for 6 years before he died.
Major Verses
11:12-23 - When Jephthah became the commander of Gilead, he sought to resolve the problem with the Ammonites by reasoning with them. He did not use force but diplomacy first. Only when his diplomacy failed, did he then battle against the Ammonites. Jephthah acknowledged that the true Judge of Israel was the Lord and not him. He said this in verse 27.
What I learn
When we confront a problem at hand, it is good to try to resolve it amicably rather than by the use of force. To Jephthah's credit, he took that route before resorting to force.
11:30-35 - Jephthah made a vow before God. He promised to sacrifice whatever that came out of his door first to meet him when he returned victorious. He did not consider that it might be a person who would be the first to come out of his door, not an animal. As it was, his only daughter was the first "thing" that came out to meet him and this brought him unspeakable grief. After all, he had made a vow to God and had to fulfill it.
What I learn
Very often in the heat of emotion or during a period of intense pressure or personal turmoil, we are tempted to make foolish promises to God. These promises may sound spiritual when we make them, but they only produce guilt, condemnation and grief when we are finally required to fulfill them. God does not want us to make promises for the future. He loves us more than enough to simply grant our request (see Matthew 7:7-1 ) without us trying to make promises to Him. The Lord taught that we should not even make a vow ( Matthew 5:33-37 ).
12:1-6 - Instead of celebrating Israel's victory, the Ephramites were jealous and raised petty issues. It so enraged Jephthah that he took revenge at their insult and killed 42,000 of them who were his kinsmen. While he tried to reason with the Ammonites before using force, Jephthah was so enraged that he simply took to violence to solve this petty quarrel.
What I learn
Jealousy and insulting others often lead to unnecessary strife which is totally unproductive. This is wrong, and so is taking revenge. It was a sad day with the children of Israel fought and killed each other. We must learn to be forgiving and generous to the faults of others.
12:8:13 - Nothing much is recorded about the next three judges, Ibzan, Elon and Abdon except that Ibzan gave his daughters in marriage outside the clan and that he brought his sons 30 wives also from outside the clan. And that Abdon had 70 donkeys for his 40 sons and 30 grandsons to ride on.
What I learn
It is interesting that all that were recorded about these judges were rather "irrelevant" details of their personal lives. And to that end, the details did not speak well of them. I ask myself how I would want to live my life for God. When we pass on, would we be remembered for useful things that we had done for Him and other, or for some irrelevant details that did not contribute to His kingdom.
Summary
God, despite being angry with sin, will still turn to rescue those who repent and seek Him. He does not need us to make promises to Him before acting. He acts because He loves us. Praise the Lord!
Up next ....
The story of Samson unveils it self next week. Come and learn together on 30th July.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Judges 9 - Abimelech paid for his sins
Click to read Judges 9
Synopsis
Abimelech was one of the sons of Gideon. His mother was a Canaanite slave girl who was a concubine of Gideon. With Gideon dead, Abimelech wanted to take his place. He schemed with his mother's clan in the city of Shechem for support. They were Cannanites and were glad to unite against Israel.
Gideon declared that the king of Israel was to be God. Yet Abimelech wanted to usurp that position. In executing his plan, he killed all but one of the 70 half-brothers. The citizens of Shechem were so corrupted that they even gave money from the temple to fund Abimelech's evil quest.
Jotham was the only one of Gideon's sons that managed to escape the execution. He stood up and proclaimed the parable of the trees to the Shechem people. It had an important message to all. The trees represented the sons of Gideon and the thornbush described Abimelech. The different trees represented productive people while the thornbush offered no fruit, and was worthless. This came true for the people of Shechem eventually as trouble and destruction visited them in the hand of the one they help to become king!
While Abimelech seemed to have succeeded and was crowned king, God would not allow this injustice to pass without His proper judgment. Through the same people who helped him to gain his crown, God used them to go against Abimelech.
Major Verses
V7-20 - Jotham used the parable of the trees to warn the people to chose a good king and not one that was selfish. He issued a curse (v16-20) that came true in the end. The olive, fig trees and vine represented trees that are productive. His point was that a productive person would be too busy doing good to want to be thinking about power politics. On the other hand, a worthless person, represented by the thornbush, would be glad to accept that honor but like the thornbush, he has no fruit to offer the people. He was saying that Abimelech would not be able to protect Israel and offer the nation any security and thus should not be king.
What I Learn
We need to be wise in appointing leaders. And if we are leaders, we need to examine our motives for so doing. Are we doing it for praise, prestige, influence and power ? We must ask God for His wisdom to guide us in our ways as leaders and to pray for the leaders appointed over us.
V22-24 & 56-57- God allowed Abimelech to go about his evil for 3 years before acting against him. We wonder why God delayed his judgment on him, as He does on people we thought should have been punished earlier. Why is this so? Why did God take 3 years to act? God punished both Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem eventually.
What I learn
God promises to deal with sin. He will deal with it in His time, and not according to our timetable. Think about it as good news for us - that God is merciful when He does not punish us immediately though we deserve the punishment. In His mercy, He often spares us from immediate judgment and allows us time to repent. While His mercy prevails, let there be no mistake to think that He will not judge sin.
Summary
God is in control always. In His time, He will reward or punish those who please Him and those who sin against Him. As leaders, we must always guard against wrong motives that displeases God.
Up next ......
Next week we learn about Jephthah ....
Synopsis
Abimelech was one of the sons of Gideon. His mother was a Canaanite slave girl who was a concubine of Gideon. With Gideon dead, Abimelech wanted to take his place. He schemed with his mother's clan in the city of Shechem for support. They were Cannanites and were glad to unite against Israel.
Gideon declared that the king of Israel was to be God. Yet Abimelech wanted to usurp that position. In executing his plan, he killed all but one of the 70 half-brothers. The citizens of Shechem were so corrupted that they even gave money from the temple to fund Abimelech's evil quest.
Jotham was the only one of Gideon's sons that managed to escape the execution. He stood up and proclaimed the parable of the trees to the Shechem people. It had an important message to all. The trees represented the sons of Gideon and the thornbush described Abimelech. The different trees represented productive people while the thornbush offered no fruit, and was worthless. This came true for the people of Shechem eventually as trouble and destruction visited them in the hand of the one they help to become king!
While Abimelech seemed to have succeeded and was crowned king, God would not allow this injustice to pass without His proper judgment. Through the same people who helped him to gain his crown, God used them to go against Abimelech.
Major Verses
V7-20 - Jotham used the parable of the trees to warn the people to chose a good king and not one that was selfish. He issued a curse (v16-20) that came true in the end. The olive, fig trees and vine represented trees that are productive. His point was that a productive person would be too busy doing good to want to be thinking about power politics. On the other hand, a worthless person, represented by the thornbush, would be glad to accept that honor but like the thornbush, he has no fruit to offer the people. He was saying that Abimelech would not be able to protect Israel and offer the nation any security and thus should not be king.
What I Learn
We need to be wise in appointing leaders. And if we are leaders, we need to examine our motives for so doing. Are we doing it for praise, prestige, influence and power ? We must ask God for His wisdom to guide us in our ways as leaders and to pray for the leaders appointed over us.
V22-24 & 56-57- God allowed Abimelech to go about his evil for 3 years before acting against him. We wonder why God delayed his judgment on him, as He does on people we thought should have been punished earlier. Why is this so? Why did God take 3 years to act? God punished both Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem eventually.
What I learn
God promises to deal with sin. He will deal with it in His time, and not according to our timetable. Think about it as good news for us - that God is merciful when He does not punish us immediately though we deserve the punishment. In His mercy, He often spares us from immediate judgment and allows us time to repent. While His mercy prevails, let there be no mistake to think that He will not judge sin.
Summary
God is in control always. In His time, He will reward or punish those who please Him and those who sin against Him. As leaders, we must always guard against wrong motives that displeases God.
Up next ......
Next week we learn about Jephthah ....
Monday, July 09, 2007
Judges 8 - Punishment for the faithless
Click to read Judges 8
Synopsis
Gideon was confronted by the Ephramites for not asking them to help out in the battle. Gideon showed great humility and diplomacy when he told them that God who Oreb and Zeeb into their hand and so the Ephramites were greater than him. By that, he defused the tension.
Gideon pursued the remaining forces of the Midian kings, Zebah and Salmunna. 120,000 men of their army were already slain. The remaining 15,000 men were running away from Gideon's band of 300. Tired and exhausted, they asked the people in Succoth and Peniel to provide them with food. These people, fearing the Midianites, refused to help Gideon and his men. Gideon swore punishment upon them when he complete the capture of the two kings. And that he did.
The big story here is when Gideon asked for a spoil of the plunder (gold earrings) to be made into an ephod (priestly garment). Though he meant it to be a memorial for God's deliverance, the people eventually worshiped it as an idol. What started with good intention ended up driving the people to idolatry again.
While Gideon was a successful leader of the nation, his laxness in his private life (having many wives and concubines) led to the birth of Abimelech, who would eventually tear the family apart and cause a tragedy to the nation.
Major Verses
V1-3 - Ephraim's leaders felt slided as they were not called to join the battle and were left to do the "cleaning up". Gideon assured them that it was their act of capturing Oreb and Zeeb, the Midianite generals, that helped turned the battled in Israel's favor.
What I learn
Much of the necessary and important works in church are considered by many as "dirty work " However, these works play crucial roles in getting the big tasks done. No work done for God is ineffective. Each of us in His family plays a vital role in His overall plan for salvation of mankind. Instead of complaining, let us learn to take each task that God puts in our life-path with gusto. Let us do it well for Him.
V5-9 and 13-17 - The leaders of these two people refused to help Gideon probably for the fear of the Midianites' revenge. After all, they figured rather logically that, Gideon had only 300 men against the 15,000- strong forces of Midian. They were more worried about saving themselves and did not thought about the saving power of God. Because of fear, they did not recognize nor acknowledge God's presence and leading in Gideon and his band. They showed neither faith nor respect for God who had chosen Gideon to save the nation. Fear caused them to miss out God's victory. For that, they had to face the consequences.
What I learn
We too will have to face the consequences of not joining forces with people whom God has chosen to lead and do His work. God will prevail, with or without our involvement. As such, we must be even more alert not to let the opportunity pass us when we are led to help these people. Prayerfully ask God for confirmation and once done, lend our support with our time, money , talents and prayer to the cause and to the people chosen to do it.
V23 - Gideon did not want to rule over the nation. He reminded them clearly that it was the Lord who would rule over them. He never lost sight of the importance of putting God first for himself and for the nation.
What I learn
If we proclaim that God is to first in our life, then we must put Him first in ALL aspect of our life. Not just on Sundays, but every moment.
V27 - An ephod was a linen garment worn by priests over their chest. It was considered holy. Gideon meant to commemorate God's victory over the enemy with the ephod as a visible reminder. Instead, the people began to worship it as an idol.
What I learn
Many things start out with good intention behind them. Similarly, many of our decisions stem from good motives but if not carefully done, they produce negative results. It would be good if we could ask ourselves if our decision could cause any negative consequences. It would be good if we take time to anticipate how a good idea might lead to a potential problem. And more importantly, seek God's guidance before deciding. A decision made with reverence to God is always a right decision.
V31 - Gideon may have been a great leader for the nation but his private life was not so great. Having many wives and concubines eventually caused his family and the nation to suffer. Abimelech, his son with one of his concubines would eventually tear his family apart. We will see more of this in Judges 9.
What I learn
We must learn from Gideon. While a hero in battle, he could not lead his family. Moral laxness will always cause problem. We must guard against the feeling that having won a battle against one temptation will automatically help us win the next battle. We need to constantly pray for God's strength to overcome the next temptation that presents itself, lest we fall. Satan's strongest attacks, many times, come just after a victory. Be on guard by committing ourselves to God daily.
Summary
Gideon was obedient to God. He had faith in Him and this was demonstrated by using having 300 men to fight an enemy that had over whelming numbers. Those who did not trust God had to pay the consequence. God will prevail, with or without out help, but supporting and helping those whom God had chosen to lead is a privilege for us. We must not miss out on such opportunities.
Up Next ...
Abimelech was not a judge. In fact, he is the exact opposite of what God wanted in a judge. Yet a whole chapter is dedicated to his misdeeds. Let's learn together next week ... 16th July.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Judges 7 - God delivers the Midianites into Gideon's hands
Click to read Judges 7
Synopsis
To prevent the attitude of self sufficiency amongst the soldiers, God told Gideon to limit the number of men to attack the enemy. From tens of thousands in the army, God eventually reduced the final attacking party to just 300 men. In this way, neither Gideon nor his men can take the credit away from God.
Knowing that Gideon needed assurance, especially when God had reduced the size of his army, God arranged for him and his servant Purah to slip into the enemy's camp to overhead a conversation that would give him courage. God put a dream into the enemy and also gave them an interpretation to encourage Gideon.
Finally, like when Joshua surrounded Jericho, Gideon and his 300 men surrounded the Midianite camp. All they did was to sound the trumpet and break the jars. The commotion created panic in the enemy camp and the confusion caused them to kill each other. Gideon and his men simply watched God delivering the enemy to Israel.
Major Verses
V2-7 - God told Gideon that with so many men in the army, they would think that they were self sufficient and thus, need not depend on God. As such, Gideon was to reduced the number. At just one instance, 22,000 men left the army because they were afraid. God finally reduced the number to just 300 and clearly told Gideon that he was to obey Him in His selection.
What I learn
God wants and delights in us for completely depending upon Him. Self-sufficiency is our enemy as it causes us to believe that we can do what needs to be done in our own strength. To have success in what ever we do, we must first learn to completely depend on Him. We can be confident of victory only if we put our trust and confidence in God and not ourselves.
V10-11 - Gideon was facing overwhelming odds. The Midianite army was strong and had many fighting men and camels. Knowing the fears that Gideon had, God arranged to encourage him. God caused the enemy to dream that they were going to be slaughtered by Gideon and his men. Hearing it directly from them allowed Gideon to rise up in confidence to trust God completely.
What I learn
God understands all our weaknesses. He does not despise us for them. On the contrary, He will provide means to encourage and assure us so that we can laid our complete trust in Him. Don't be surprise when He intervenes and helps us. Don't be startled at the way that He will do it. Like Gideon, we must listen to God and be ready to take the first step. Only then, will we find the courage to move ahead.
V20-22 - Gideon and his band simply blew their trumpets as God directed. They did not lay hand on the enemy. God caused the enemy to be confused and to kill each other. Gideon and his men simply watch God delivered victory into their hands.
What I learn
God demonstrated to Israel that victory depended not on strength or numbers but on obedience and commitment to Him. We must learn to obey and commit our ways to Him too. By so doing, we will be assured of a victorious path for life.
Summary
God's love for us remains the same always. Just as He had delivered Jericho to Joshua, He delivered the Midianites into Gideon's hand. Indeed, it was not by strength nor might, but by the power of God that the enemy was defeated. It is the same for us today and forever.
Up next.....
The adventures of Gideon continues. We have more to learn....coming up on 9th July.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Judges 6 - Gideon called but asked for signs
Click to read Judges 6
Synopsis
Again, after Deborah's rule, the nation fell into sin and worshiped Baal and the idols. As a result, they were oppressed by the Midianites and were toiling under their cruel rule. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through his second wife Keturah (Gen 25:1-2) who had been always in conflict with Israel. Years ago, the nation did not obey the Lord's command to destroy them. They repopulated and now became Israel's oppressor. Gideon was called by God to deliver the Israelites who were oppressed by the Midianites.
When the angel of the Lord came to Gideon and asked him to lead the revolution, Gideon was making excuses, despite God's affirmation (v14-16). In fact, in v13, he kind of blamed God for their calamity, instead of acknowledging that it was the nation's sin that brought about the problems. Gideon sought confirmation that indeed it was the Lord speaking with him (v17-22) and God showed him. Once that was settled, God instructed him to destroy his father's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole. He was to set an altar to Jehovah God in its place. That was a very dangerous thing to do at that time as it tantamount to rebellion against the local government as the political masters were using religion to control the people.
After he was found out, Gideon's father Joash protected him but the Midianites and the Amalekites gathered their armies to confront Israel. The Lord intervened by raising up soldiers for Gideon to lead.
Despite witnessing the miracle of the offering being consumed, Gideon was still unsure of God's instruction to him. He asked God for signs (v36-39), not once, but twice, to confirm His instructions.
Is it correct or alright for Gideon to ask God for two signs of confirmation? Was he showing his faithlessness in God or merely seeking another encouragement from God? What does this teach us?
Major verses
V13 - Gideon laid blame upon God for the problems that they were facing. He failed to acknowledge that the calamity was brought upon themselves by their sins. The nation had fallen into grave sin by abandoning God and worshiping Baal. In place of the altar to God, families had altars set up to worship Baal in their homes. The Asherah pole was planted besides the altar. Baal was the Canaanite god of agriculture and he symbolized strength and fertility. Asherah was his famale consort, the mother goddess of the sea.
What I learn
Many times, we find it easy to overlook personal accountability and blame our problems on God and others. This does not solve our problems and worst of all, it distracts us from realignment with God. This attitude brings us dangerously close to the edge of rebellion and backsliding. When we are faced with problems, let us first look within ourselves to examine if we had willfully stepped out of God's plan and will for us. Our first action should be a confession to God of our shortcoming and sinful practices that might have caused those problems.
V14-16 - The Lord gave only words of strength and assurance to Gideon as He commissioned him to lead the nation.
What I learn
When the Lord wants us to serve Him, He always provides the strength and resources needed. Despite our weaknesses and lack of faith, He gives us His assurances. Let's learn to trust God and not to look at our weaknesses as excuses to be effective for Him.
V25-28 - The first commission that gave Gideon to test his faith and commitment was to destroy Baal's altar and the Asherah pole. Gideon knew that it was a dangerous thing to do as it meant that he was going against the local government as it was their religion. If caught, he would be dealt serverly. That was why he did it at night. Despite his fears, he obeyed God.
What I learn
While there will be "local" dangers in standing up for God's ways, we must know that God is with us. Following God's higher laws is more important than to hold the peace of popular beliefs. When we begin to be serious with God and want to live an upright life for Him, we can expect to be criticized by the people around us, even those who had supported us before. But we need to heed the higher calling instead of succumbing to the world's ideas.
V36-40 - When Gideon was to lead the attack of the forces gathered to fight Israel, he was unsure yet again. Despite God having shown him that He was speaking and instructing him (v20-24), Gideon wanted more affirmation. He asked God, not once but twice, for signs to confirm his belief. This must be read and studied in context that God had already shown Gideon through the consumption of his offerings upon the rock (v20-22). Was it a lack of faith in God's word or was it another excuse Gideon was trying to create for not taking the responsibility or was he simply asking for another encouragement?
What I learn
While Gideon's motive to obey God and defeat the enemy was right, his method to seek assurance was less than ideal. I cannot judge if Gideon was testing God or simply asking God for more encouragement but it seems that Gideon knew that his requests might displease the Lord (see v 39) where he asked God not to be angry with him for asking the next sign.
While it is true that, like Gideon, we need facts to make good decisions ( and Gideon had all the facts already), many times we hesitate to follow God's clear call to us. We delay executing what He had told us as we "want more proof that it is God's will".
God speaks to us in many ways; through His word in the bible, through the Holy Spirit to our spirit, and He confirms it in our hearts or through brothers and sisters who have a word for us. Yet many times we delay obeying Him because we want more proof. We must learn to be like Abraham. He moved as God instructed, without questions. That is why he is justified and accepted as the father of faith.
Summary
When God tells us His plan, He will always give us the resources to carry it out even though it may not be apparent to us at that time. We must learn to respond in faith to His calling.
Up next .....
Gideon battles and triumphant over the enemies. There are a number of interesting points to learn about how the victory was secured. Catch it next Monday....
Monday, June 18, 2007
Judges 5 - Deborah praises God in songs
Click to read Judges 5
Synopsis
Israelite culture cherished singing and music. When Deborah had victory over the enemies, she composed a song of praise to God . The words recount Israel's great victory over their oppressor. The people also had a joyous celebration as they were released from their tormentors.
Deborah proclaimed God's greatness by giving Him credit for the victory. She did not claim credit herself.
Singing praises to our God is an excellent way to preserve and retell His faithfulness. In fact, whether we are experiencing victory or a major dilemma, singing praises to God can have a positive impact and effect to how we look at the situation and surmount it.
What I learnt
1 Thessalonian 5:18 says , "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Indeed, giving thanks in singing lift us up and out of our difficult circumstances. Singing praises to God also strengthens our faith as we recounts His faithfulness.
Let's be determined to have a song of praise to God in our mouth at all times.
Coming up next...
Gideon is another well known judge. Let's learn from him. Check it out next Monday.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Judges 4 - Deborah gets the honor
Apology : I could not publish this chapter last Monday due to an access problem. I am sorry t0 disappoint those who tried to access this post earlier. Here it is now.
Click to read Judges 4
Synopsis
After Ehud's death, the Israelite fell into the cycle of sin again. The Lord "sold" them to Jabin, King of Canaan. For twenty years, they were punished under Jabin who had a strong army with chariots. Deborah was the prophetess turned judge at that time. She had faith to want to lead the nation against their oppressors and asked Barak to lead 10,000 men to fight Jabin's army which was led by Sisera. Barak was less courageous. Deborah led the attack and subsequently took the honor from Barak. Once again, the Lord delivered the enemy to the Israelites and Sisera was killed and Jabin deposed.
Major Verses
V8-9 - Deborah commanded Barak to lead the attack but Barak was afraid and wanted Deborah to be committed as well. Barak was penalised because he did not believe that the Lord would fight for them as Deborah had said. As such, the honor of the victory went to Deborah.
What I learn
When God commands, we must obey, less we forfeit the blessings associated with the command.
Question - How can we learn to obey God's instruction always?
Summary
God never forsakes us despite our weaknesses. However, we need to admit our failings and seek His forgiveness. God's forgiveness for us is in Jesus - complete forgiveness.
Click to read Judges 4
Synopsis
After Ehud's death, the Israelite fell into the cycle of sin again. The Lord "sold" them to Jabin, King of Canaan. For twenty years, they were punished under Jabin who had a strong army with chariots. Deborah was the prophetess turned judge at that time. She had faith to want to lead the nation against their oppressors and asked Barak to lead 10,000 men to fight Jabin's army which was led by Sisera. Barak was less courageous. Deborah led the attack and subsequently took the honor from Barak. Once again, the Lord delivered the enemy to the Israelites and Sisera was killed and Jabin deposed.
Major Verses
V8-9 - Deborah commanded Barak to lead the attack but Barak was afraid and wanted Deborah to be committed as well. Barak was penalised because he did not believe that the Lord would fight for them as Deborah had said. As such, the honor of the victory went to Deborah.
What I learn
When God commands, we must obey, less we forfeit the blessings associated with the command.
Question - How can we learn to obey God's instruction always?
Summary
God never forsakes us despite our weaknesses. However, we need to admit our failings and seek His forgiveness. God's forgiveness for us is in Jesus - complete forgiveness.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Judges 3 - The Judges
Click to read Judges 3:7-31
Synopsis
The first three of the judges are described in this chapter; Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar. Throughout 325 years recorded in Judges, the Israelite fell into the five-step cycle;
1. They disregard and disobey God.
2. They suffer oppression from the enemies as a result.
3. They cry to God for help.
4. God sends a judge to deliver them from oppression.
5. There is peace.
While God loved the Israelites and always rescue them whenever they cried out in repentance to Him, the Israelites fell into this cycle six times. The first of the judges sent by God was Othniel, Caleb's nephew and son-in-law. He gave peace to Israel for 40 years.
After Othniel's death, the people sinned again and the land was subjected to Moabite rule for 18 years before Ehud was elected by God to deliver them. Shamgar was the third of the judges God sent to help them. Together, they gave 80 years of peace to Israel.
Major Verses
V10 - The spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel and so he became the first judge.
What I learn
When God wants us to do something for Him, He provides the leadership Himself. As in the case of Othniel, His spirit came upon him. Othniel did not resist the spirit of God but went forth to complete God's plan. Today, we have the Holy Spirit in us. Let us listen to His prompting and obey Him.
Question - How can we be sensitive to God's instructions?
(Share your understanding with us. Click "Comments" at the bottom of this page.)
Summary
As much as God loves us and wants us to enjoy the best in life, sins always produce consequences that we will have to bear. Flee from sin, as the bible tells us. God provides the Holy Spirit to help to do so and to obey Him always. Let's draw our help from this Godly Helper always.
Up next....
We continue examining the next two judges, Deborah and Barak next week....
Synopsis
The first three of the judges are described in this chapter; Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar. Throughout 325 years recorded in Judges, the Israelite fell into the five-step cycle;
1. They disregard and disobey God.
2. They suffer oppression from the enemies as a result.
3. They cry to God for help.
4. God sends a judge to deliver them from oppression.
5. There is peace.
While God loved the Israelites and always rescue them whenever they cried out in repentance to Him, the Israelites fell into this cycle six times. The first of the judges sent by God was Othniel, Caleb's nephew and son-in-law. He gave peace to Israel for 40 years.
After Othniel's death, the people sinned again and the land was subjected to Moabite rule for 18 years before Ehud was elected by God to deliver them. Shamgar was the third of the judges God sent to help them. Together, they gave 80 years of peace to Israel.
Major Verses
V10 - The spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel and so he became the first judge.
What I learn
When God wants us to do something for Him, He provides the leadership Himself. As in the case of Othniel, His spirit came upon him. Othniel did not resist the spirit of God but went forth to complete God's plan. Today, we have the Holy Spirit in us. Let us listen to His prompting and obey Him.
Question - How can we be sensitive to God's instructions?
(Share your understanding with us. Click "Comments" at the bottom of this page.)
Summary
As much as God loves us and wants us to enjoy the best in life, sins always produce consequences that we will have to bear. Flee from sin, as the bible tells us. God provides the Holy Spirit to help to do so and to obey Him always. Let's draw our help from this Godly Helper always.
Up next....
We continue examining the next two judges, Deborah and Barak next week....
Monday, May 21, 2007
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...
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...
Monday, May 14, 2007
Judges 1 - Victory and yet not winning!
Click to read Judges 1
Synopsis
Joshua did not appoint a successor. As such, after his death, there was a leadership vacuum. While the Promised Land was already in Israel's hand, more was to be done to drive out the Canaanites remaining in the territory allotted to each tribe. God had instructed right from the beginning that ALL the Canaanites were to be driven out. He had one good reason; the religi0n practiced by the Canaanites was an abomination to Him. They had to be punished for their sins and Israel must be protected from their influence.
Some tribes were more successful than others. The weaker ones were sidetracked by fear, tiredness and their own interests and they drifted into disobedience. Instead of driving the Canaanites out, they took the easy way by co-existing with them, making them forced laborers. This disobedient act caused the Israelites to eventually be influenced by their paganism. Inter-marrying them caused Israel to sin against God.
Maj0r verses
V6 - 7 - Cutting off the thumbs and big toes of Adoni-bezek served several purposes, that was, to humiliate him and to render him ineffective in battle (he cannot hold a sword and he cannot balance himself). It was also serving him with his own medicine. But that did not served God's purpose. God wanted all the enemies to be killed so that the land was purged of all its sinful inhabitant. Yet the Israelites did otherwise.
Question - Why do you think that the Israelites disobeyed God in this act?
(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.)
V17, 21-36 - Many tribes did not carry out God's instruction to purge the land of the evil inhabitants. Instead, they compromised and lived with them. While Israel was punished for their unbelief and had to wander for almost 40 years before reaching the Promised Land, God had wanted the Canaanites to be punished for their sins too. Israel was to be the instrument of His punishment and yet they did not complete the task. While they were the chosen race, God did not play favorites with them. Eventually, they had to be punished for their disobedience and sins too.
What I learnt - There may be many reasons why the Israelites did not obey God to carry out His instruction. They may seemed valid to the people, but none of them actually were. In similar ways, we may offer excuses for our own disobedience. While God loves us and have forgiven all our sins, we still have to face the consequences if we go on sinning. There is no compromise to obedience. As our human efforts are weak, let's call upon the Lord to give us His strength to overcome and to obey Him. We need to genuinely ask for God's help to break away from all sins.
Up next ...
Judges 2 will be up on 21 May. I will also post my answer to the question on this same chapter by next week.
Synopsis
Joshua did not appoint a successor. As such, after his death, there was a leadership vacuum. While the Promised Land was already in Israel's hand, more was to be done to drive out the Canaanites remaining in the territory allotted to each tribe. God had instructed right from the beginning that ALL the Canaanites were to be driven out. He had one good reason; the religi0n practiced by the Canaanites was an abomination to Him. They had to be punished for their sins and Israel must be protected from their influence.
Some tribes were more successful than others. The weaker ones were sidetracked by fear, tiredness and their own interests and they drifted into disobedience. Instead of driving the Canaanites out, they took the easy way by co-existing with them, making them forced laborers. This disobedient act caused the Israelites to eventually be influenced by their paganism. Inter-marrying them caused Israel to sin against God.
Maj0r verses
V6 - 7 - Cutting off the thumbs and big toes of Adoni-bezek served several purposes, that was, to humiliate him and to render him ineffective in battle (he cannot hold a sword and he cannot balance himself). It was also serving him with his own medicine. But that did not served God's purpose. God wanted all the enemies to be killed so that the land was purged of all its sinful inhabitant. Yet the Israelites did otherwise.
Question - Why do you think that the Israelites disobeyed God in this act?
(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.)
V17, 21-36 - Many tribes did not carry out God's instruction to purge the land of the evil inhabitants. Instead, they compromised and lived with them. While Israel was punished for their unbelief and had to wander for almost 40 years before reaching the Promised Land, God had wanted the Canaanites to be punished for their sins too. Israel was to be the instrument of His punishment and yet they did not complete the task. While they were the chosen race, God did not play favorites with them. Eventually, they had to be punished for their disobedience and sins too.
What I learnt - There may be many reasons why the Israelites did not obey God to carry out His instruction. They may seemed valid to the people, but none of them actually were. In similar ways, we may offer excuses for our own disobedience. While God loves us and have forgiven all our sins, we still have to face the consequences if we go on sinning. There is no compromise to obedience. As our human efforts are weak, let's call upon the Lord to give us His strength to overcome and to obey Him. We need to genuinely ask for God's help to break away from all sins.
Up next ...
Judges 2 will be up on 21 May. I will also post my answer to the question on this same chapter by next week.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Judges - An overview
Author and Purpose
The author of Judges was probably Samuel. The purpose of this book was to show that God's judgment of sin is certain, and just as certain are his forgiveness of sin and restoration to a relationship with Him for those who repent.
Background
After God handed Canaan to the Israel through Joshua, the nation was in danger of losing the Promised Land because they compromised their convictions and disobeyed God. Sin became a major problem.
The nation's sin started with incomplete obedience to God during Joshua's days. They did not remove ALL the wicked inhabitants from the land. As a result, the Israelites intermarried those survivors, which also led to idolatry. Their attitude and disobedience eventually let them to become captives once again.
God's goodness
Out of desperation, they begged God to rescue them. God is always faithful to His promise, and out of His loving kindness, He raise up a leader, which was called a judge then, to deliver them. For that period, they enjoy peace. Then complacency would set in, disobedience resurrected and the cycle repeated itself.
All in all for over 300 years, God raised 12 judges in response to the people's cry to for help.
The Judges
God used a variety of leaders, from Othniel (Caleb's son-in-law) to Deborah and to Samson. They were certainly not perfect people; included were an assassin, a sexually promiscuous man and a one who broke all laws of hospitality. But they had one thing in common, they were submissive to God. For that reason alone, God used them greatly.
To get you familiarized with the 12 judges, here are their names (in chronological order); Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon and Samson.
What to look out for as we study this book?
The book of Judges records for us some major learnings. Whenever the Israelites lost their focus on God, they faced decline and failure because they compromised on their high spiritual purpose.
You will observe that Israel's downfall had its roots in the fierce independence that each tribe cherished, more than the vision of the nation. It led to every one doing whatever seemed good in his own eyes. There was no leadership, no unity in government nor in worship. This decay then led to apostasy. (Judges 17: 6 - "In those days, Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.")
While God used oppressors as a punishment for their sins, more importantly He used them to bring the nation to repentance.
And finally, you will observe that as the nation repented, God raised heroes to deliver them from their sin and the oppression it brought.
Up next....
Let's take this journey to learn of God's goodness as we travel through Judges together.....Chapter 1 will be up next Monday, 14th May.
The author of Judges was probably Samuel. The purpose of this book was to show that God's judgment of sin is certain, and just as certain are his forgiveness of sin and restoration to a relationship with Him for those who repent.
Background
After God handed Canaan to the Israel through Joshua, the nation was in danger of losing the Promised Land because they compromised their convictions and disobeyed God. Sin became a major problem.
The nation's sin started with incomplete obedience to God during Joshua's days. They did not remove ALL the wicked inhabitants from the land. As a result, the Israelites intermarried those survivors, which also led to idolatry. Their attitude and disobedience eventually let them to become captives once again.
God's goodness
Out of desperation, they begged God to rescue them. God is always faithful to His promise, and out of His loving kindness, He raise up a leader, which was called a judge then, to deliver them. For that period, they enjoy peace. Then complacency would set in, disobedience resurrected and the cycle repeated itself.
All in all for over 300 years, God raised 12 judges in response to the people's cry to for help.
The Judges
God used a variety of leaders, from Othniel (Caleb's son-in-law) to Deborah and to Samson. They were certainly not perfect people; included were an assassin, a sexually promiscuous man and a one who broke all laws of hospitality. But they had one thing in common, they were submissive to God. For that reason alone, God used them greatly.
To get you familiarized with the 12 judges, here are their names (in chronological order); Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon and Samson.
What to look out for as we study this book?
The book of Judges records for us some major learnings. Whenever the Israelites lost their focus on God, they faced decline and failure because they compromised on their high spiritual purpose.
You will observe that Israel's downfall had its roots in the fierce independence that each tribe cherished, more than the vision of the nation. It led to every one doing whatever seemed good in his own eyes. There was no leadership, no unity in government nor in worship. This decay then led to apostasy. (Judges 17: 6 - "In those days, Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.")
While God used oppressors as a punishment for their sins, more importantly He used them to bring the nation to repentance.
And finally, you will observe that as the nation repented, God raised heroes to deliver them from their sin and the oppression it brought.
Up next....
Let's take this journey to learn of God's goodness as we travel through Judges together.....Chapter 1 will be up next Monday, 14th May.
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