SCRIPTURE: JUDGES 2
THE ANGEL OF THE LORD AT BOKIM (VS. 1-5)
The angel of the Lord appeared to the Israelites at Bokim and told them: “Since you disobeyed my covenant to break down the altars of the enemies, the enemies will stay and be thorns in your side and their gods will be a snare to you” (v. 1-3). The people wept and offered sacrifices to the Lord.
DISOBEDIENCE AND DEFEAT (vs. 6-23)
When Joshua died at the age of 110, they buried him at Timnath Heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of mt. Gaash. The next generation did not know what God had done for Israel. They did devil in the eyes of the Lord and served Baal and Ashtoreths. This provoked the Lord’s anger and he handed them to raiders who plundered them. They were defeated and sold to the enemies. Then the Lord raised up judges to save them out of enemy’s hand. But when the judge died, the people returned to corrupt practices and evil ways.
THOUGHTS:
The nation of Canaan were in terrible bondage to ignorance, idolatry and immorality. The nation of Israel was supposed to shoe them their faith. But instead, they imitate their neighbors and joined their sins. May this remind us to teach the next generation the importance of relationship with God and set the example of obedience before the Lord. The responsibility of teaching Christian faith belongs primarily to family through example.
Despite of Israel’s disobedience, God showed His mercy by raising up judges to save the people from the oppressors. God also shows us mercy by providing us His son Jesus Christ to save us from the penalty of sins. We can seek forgiveness and trust in Christ’s savings work on our behalf.