Judges 2:6-3:6
Dear RTB’ers,
There are a couple of key verses in today’s reading. First, And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that He had done for Israel. (v. 2:10b) One generation had served the Egyptians and seen the miracles that the Lord had brought about through Moses and Aaron. This generation died in the wilderness. Their sons then crossed over the Jordan River with Joshua and did battle with the inhabitants of the land to win the Promised Land. Finally, their grandsons constitute the generation that did not know the Lord. I think there’s a message in that verse above for those of us with grandchildren: And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals.. (v. 2:11) Their parents need our help, our support, our wisdom. Do it!
So the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and He gave over to plunderers, who plundered them. (v. 2:14) That generation’s disobedience and unfaithfulness led to dire consequences and He turned against them: …the hand of the LORD was against them for harm, as the LORD had warned… (v. 2:15b) However, loving God that He is, He never forgets His people: Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. … For the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. (v. 2:16, 18b) Sadly, however, they forgot Him! So the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and He said, “… I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died…” (vv. 2:20-21a) And that’s the prelude for the rest of the book of Judges. Read on!
Blessings!
See also: March 12 (2023) / Judges 1-3:6