We’re reading through Judges at Oak Tree Church, and I’m posting some observations from my daily readings here. I’d love for you to join in the discussion.
Thoughts on Judges 3
These were the nations the LORD permitted to remain so he could use them to test Israel– he wanted to test all those who had not experienced battle against the Canaanites. He left those nations simply because he wanted to teach the subsequent generations of Israelites, who had not experienced the earlier battles, how to conduct holy war. … They were left to test Israel, so the LORD would know if his people would obey the commands he gave their ancestors through Moses. Judges 3:1-2, 4 NET
This is so hard to remember. Sometimes God puts us into situations we would never otherwise sign up for 1) to test our faith and faithfulness and 2) to show us how to live properly.
When the Israelites cried out for help to the LORD, he raised up a deliverer for the Israelites who rescued them. His name was Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. Judges 3:9 NET
Why did it take so long (8 years) for them to finally cry out to God for help? Why do we insist on getting as far away as we can before we’re willing to come back (or come to our senses, Luke 15:17)?
Israel humiliated Moab that day, and the land had rest for eighty years. Judges 3:30 NET
Here’s an awesome thing to remember: God’s blessings for obedience far surpass his discipline for disobedience. The first captivity was 8 years followed by 40 years of rest. The next one was 18 years followed by 80 years of rest.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). What an awesome promise to everyone who takes him up on it!
What did you see in these verses? What was important to you in Judges 3 that I did not see?