The Israelites downward spiral

Judges Chapter 2

An angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim with a message for the Israelites. The angel told them God brought them out of Egypt into this land and God said he would never break his covenant with them. For their part, they were not to make any covenant with the people living in this land, but instead were to destroy their altars.

Why then, said the angel, why have you people disobeyed the Lord's command? Since you have done so, the Lord will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your side, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you. When the angel of the Lord finished speaking, the Israelites wept loudly. So this place was called "weeping" and they offered sacrifices to the Lord.

After Joshua had died and each tribe took possession of their allotted land, they served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and and leaders who outlived him- those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.

After Joshua and after that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. They did what was evil to the Lord and worshiped images of Baal. They abandoned the Lord and angered him. They worshiped Baal and images of Ashtoreth (pagan gods). This made the Lord burn with anger against them, so he handed them over to marauders who stole their possessions. He sold them to their enemies all around and they were no longer able to resist them. When they went to battle, the Lord fought against them, bringing them defeat.

The the Lord raised up judges to rescue the Israelites from their enemies. And during the lifetime of each judge, the people were rescued. Yet the people quickly turned away when a judge died and prostituted themselves to other gods. The Lord took pity on his people who were burdened by oppression and suffering, but when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways. Finally, the Lord said, because the people violated the covenant I made with their ancestors, I will no longer drive out the nations that Joshua left unconquered when he died. The Lord did this to test Israel to see whether or not they would obey him as their ancestors did. That is why the Lord did not quickly drive the nations out or allow Joshua to conquer them all.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: One generation died and the next did not follow God. Each generation failed to teach the next to love and follow God. Yet this was the very center of God's law.
The other gods such as Baal and Ishtar used temple prostitutes and child sacrifices as part of their worship. How far the Israelites had fallen to worship gods such as these. It was impossible for the Canaanites to accept only one true God. They had gods for each season of the year and to them, God was simply just another in the line. Yet despite all this disobedience, God was willing to show mercy by raising up judges to save the people, which shows his abundant mercy. Why were the Israelites so quick to turn from their faith? The pure sensual nature offered, plus the people could be selfish and yet fulfill their religious requirements. They could do almost anything they wished and still be obeying at least one of the many Canaanite gods.

How does this chapter relate to us today? It points out the need for us to carry our faith down to our children. We cannot afford to rely solely on the churches to educate them. We must do so ourselves and that way we take on the responsibility and keep it in the family, because children learn from example and faith must be a family matter. Our children are little sponges who absorb and learn at a fast rate. This is the ideal time to have them relate to faith in God. Don't you agree?

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Teli’s family, Logan and the newly born Stella who is taking mother’s milk now and Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family. Update on Stella: Her parents have been called to conference with doctors because her lungs continue to be a serious problem. Pray for her, please and her parents too.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.