JUDGES SERIES – CHAPTER 10 (TOLA & JAIR)

After the death of Abimelech who ruled as king in Shechem and the surrounding cities, the Israelites experienced forty-five years of peace and security, first, under the judgeship of Tola the son of Puah from the tribe of Issachar and then Jair the Gileadite.

This time of peace did not last because Israel failed to learn from its sinful mistakes. The Israelites were known to be a stiff neck rebellious people, and this is evident throughout the book of judges as they repeatedly indulged in idolatry. Verse 6 reveals they forsook God for Baalim, Ashtaroth, and the gods of Zidon, Moab, Ammon, and the Philistines; therefore, God allowed the Philistines from the southwest and Ammonites from the southeast to oppress them for eighteen years.

In their usual fashion, Israel cried, but God upbraided them with a description of their deviant behavior and His decision not to help them by telling them, “Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.” Their continued severe suffering and God’s rejection of them caused the Israelites to sincerely repent, put away their false gods, and serve the Lord. Thus, God’s heart was touched, and He pitied Israel.

The chapter ends with the formation of a battle between Israel and the Ammonites, leaving Israel to wonder who will lead them in this battle.

Conclusion: When Israel served God, they experienced peace and His protection against enemy invasion and oppression. When Israel forsook God, He allowed the enemy to overtake them.

It appears over the years Israel’s idolatrous practices increased rather than decreased.

God was loving and merciful to His people; however, their continual act of disobedience caused Him to reject their plea for help in their time of trouble.

God requires true repentance.

Spiritual Application: Pray that God will not leave you to your own devices.

For success, and peace wholly serve God.

Failure to learn from your past can prove to be disastrous.

For believers, when entering into battle, make sure God is your leader.