JUDGES SERIES – CHAPTER 2 (CONSEQUENCES FOR DISOBEDIENCE)

Lest Israel wonders why evil had befallen them, God sent an angel to ask them about their acts of disobedience and to inform them of the consequences of their actions. Israel was to make no league with the inhabitants of the land and they were to throw down their altars and because they did not do these things God said, “I will not drive them from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides and their gods shall be a snare unto you.” These words caused Israel to weep, but they did not repent and change their ways.

Judges 2:6 -10 gives a retrospective from the death of Joshua and his peers to the new generation of Israelites. While Joshua and his peers were alive, the people served God, but when they died, the new generation nullified the covenant by compromise and rejecting divine prohibitions. This new generation did evil in the sight of God and served the gods of the Canaanites: Baalim and Ashtaroth.

Additionally, a cycle was formed. Following the sin of idolatry, God would deliver Israel into the hands of their enemy, Israel would lament over its suffering, and God in compassion would send a judge who would deliver them. During the judges’ time of governing, the Israelites would adhere to God’s word, but when the judge died, the Israelites would return to their sins and transgress worst than before.

This chapter gives two reasons that God refused to drive the Canaanites out of the land for Israel. First, to punish Israel for breaking the covenant He had made with them. Secondly, to use the idolatrous enemy in testing Israel whether they would obey Him or follow the path of the enemy.

Conclusion: God had given Moses and Joshua specific instructions concerning His covenant with Israel and their occupancy of the promise land and they dutifully shared it with the Israelites (Deut. 6; 7; 12:1-3; Joshua 23; 24). However, the Israelites continually failed to follow God’s covenant stipulations.

Theologians have concluded that the new Israelite generation was ignorant of God because their forefathers fail to share the works, miracles, and laws of God with them or even worst they defiantly chose not to acknowledge or believe that God was their leader.

Israel failed to repent for their sins, but they cried over the consequences they would experience.

Worshipping the gods Baalim and Ashtaroth introduced Israel to sexual practices that were not in line with God’s Word.

God in His compassion and mercy repeatedly sent Israel a judge to deliver them, but their lack of self-discipline prove to be their albatross.

Though He is loving, God allowed His people to suffer at the hands of their enemy, and God permitted their adversary to dwell among His people to chasten them.

Spiritual Application: Obeying God’s Word is paramount for success in the life of a believer.

To make a covenant entails acceptance of the beliefs, practices, and moral standards of another. Believers are not to make a covenant (league, agreement, confederacy) with people who are not adhering to God’s Word. Plus, believers are to dismantle the enemy’s propaganda. The believer must stand for the truth!

It is vitally important that the future generation is taught God’s Word and that they understand what he is capable of doing.

In our own strength, we are vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy, but with God, on our side, we are able to stand; therefore, make sure you are in right relationship with God.

The presence of the enemy may influence you; hence, maintain your territory and keep the enemy out of it!

Finally, learn to disciple yourself.