When we confront the forces of this world with the power of God we must lean on His understanding and wisdom rather than making our own assumptions. Failure to do so will not only dilute the word of God but also make others think that it is on par with the manmade cultures of this world.
Category: Judges
The Parable of the Thornbush – Judges 9
God allowed the reign of Abimelek to continue for three years before it started self-imploding. God is working according to His own plans and has set a time for everything. There was time for Israel to repent and a time for them to endure the consequences of their actions. A time for us to come closer to God, a time for us to move away from his grace and protection. The people got what they wanted when Abimelek forcibly became the king but evil cannot be subsided without the fear of God. None of the people in this chapter display the slightest adherence to God’s will for His people and thereby suffer through the consequences of their actions.
The Fall of Gideon – Judges 8
Gideon assumed that their cause would be lauded with the same exhilaration as it had been accepted in the regions west of Jordan. But the eastern tribes shared boundaries with the Midianites and the other eastern countries that were raiding Israel. They had more to lose if the Midianite reinforcements were able to defeat the short-lived Israelite uprising. There was already a shortage of food in the land and they did not want to lose their supply over an unworthy cause.
For the LORD and for Gideon – Judges 7
The LORD knew that Israelites would count the victory as theirs if they had the slightest confidence in their own numbers. He used a barebones version of Israel’s army to rout the mightiest of forces leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind that He is the one in control. But people still found a way to redirect their gratitude towards a mortal vessel that God had used to deliver them.
The Man They Called Jerub-Baal – Judges 6
We often question God for the heartaches and grief in our lives without fully understanding His will. God wants us to come to Him with these questions rather than festering them up in our minds and fading away from His presence. Gideon was right to ask God for a reason for his misfortunes but he was also ready to accept God’s solution. Many a time we crib to God about our plights but seldom do we act on His guidance to come out of our problems.
Jael & Barak – Judges 4 & 5
On the outskirts of Kedesh, Hebner the Kenite had pitched his tent as he was on good terms with the king of Hazor, Jabin. Jael was the wife of Barak, literally a nobody and not even part of any of the tribes of Israel, who brought down the army of Sisera and helped Israel overcome the mighty Canaanites.
The First Three – Judges 3
It is strange to see a whole generation grow up not knowing anything about God. The Israelites loved their traditions and festivals and the festival of Passover would have been religiously followed each year. Families would get together over the Passover meal as the elders would recount the adventures of their ancestors in the desert and how the LORD would constantly bring them out of the brink of annihilation. However, for some strange reason, this new generation did not feel connected with their Maker. Not only did they abandon their own relationship with God but they were responsible for the children not knowing God as well. They were easily influenced by the pagan nations around them and descended into a downward spiral of sin and corruption. They replaced God with the traditions and festivals that surrounded them.
The LORD Raised Up Judges – Judges 1 & 2
It is strange to see a whole generation grow up not knowing anything about God. The Israelites loved their traditions and festivals and the festival of Passover would have been religiously followed each year. Families would get together over the Passover meal as the elders would recount the adventures of their ancestors in the desert and how the LORD would constantly bring them out of the brink of annihilation. However, for some strange reason, this new generation did not feel connected with their Maker. Not only did they abandon their own relationship with God but they were responsible for the children not knowing God as well. They were easily influenced by the pagan nations around them and descended into a downward spiral of sin and corruption. They replaced God with the traditions and festivals that surrounded them.
Judges – Introduction
The book exposes the downward Spiral of the Israelites and paints a picture to its readers of their lives without God. Whether we acknowledge it or not, our surroundings have a lasting effect on our belief system. Israel seamlessly blended in with its neighbours and at every opportunity chose to align itself with the pagan world than associate with the God of Heavens and the Earth. No sooner did they enter the promised land, the people forgot about everything that God had done for them and their ancestors during their journey through the wilderness.
The Jordan Valley 