SCRIPTURE: JUDGES 3
The nations left to test the Israelites who had not experience any wars:
- 5 rulers of the Philistines
- Canaanites
- Sidonians
- Hivites
The Israelites lived among these people:
- Canaanites
- Hittites
- Perizzites
- Hivites
- Jebusites
OTHNIEL (vs. 7-11)
The Israelites did evil in the eyes of God. They worshiped Baal and the Asherahs. So the Lord gave them over tot he hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Aram Naharaim for 8 years. When they cried out to the Lord, he raised up Othniel, son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother to become Israel’s judge and went to war. Othniel overpowered the enemy and the land had peace for forty years until Othniel died.
EHUD (vs. 12-30)
Eglon, the king of Moab got the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him against Israel. They overpowered them and took possession of the city of Palms. They were subject to Eglon king of Moab foro 18 years. When the Israelites cried out tot he Lord, God gave them a deliverance – Ehud – a left-handed man, the son of Gera the benjamite. He used deceptive means by sending a tribute to Eglon, king of Moab, met him and killed him with a double-edged sword. The he escaped and blew a trumpet. The Israelites went with him and struck down ten thousand vigorous and strong Moabites. That day, Moab was made subject to Israel and there was peace for 80 years.
THOUGHTS:
The Israelites intermarried with the surrounding nations and accepted their pagan gods and the immoral practices associated with them. Similar dangers face us if we allow friendship to entangle us with unhealthy practices. Beware not to compromise by adopting their pattern of behavior.