Ruth chapter 1
As we move from Judges to Ruth, the time frame is still the same. This all happens in the time of the judges in Israel. Within Ruth there are several promises about the coming king; not only David, but Jesus as well. Added to this, we have the hope of the Gentiles in these stories as well, because Boaz is the descendant of Rahab, and Ruth is a great-great grand mother to David. How gracious God is to include the gentiles into his grace plan.
We start off with a famine in Bethlehem-Judah. We don't know if the famine is in all of Israel, but it is where Elimelech lives. Elimelech takes his wife Naomi and his two sons Malhon and Chilion with him into Moab. Now that God has given his people a promised land, I doubt Elimelech is doing this with the blessings of the most high. If he is, why wouldn't God approve of all his people leaving and going to another land. This is not like Abraham and Issac who were only temporarily in the promised land.
Down to Moab they go, and their young sons take wives of the daughters of Moab which is definitely against their law. When you are around people for long enough, you start to become like those people, and that is exactly what happened here. Either by God's judgment or to show his great hand, Elimelech and not long after Elimelech's sons die. Now Naomi is left in a strange land with no means to support herself and two daughter-in-laws with mouths to feed. Knowing that she has a long hard road in front of her, and an uncertain future, she tries to discourage her daughters from going with her back to Bethlehem. Both the daughters out of fresh feelings and love say they want to continue with her. Naomi wants to make sure that they mean what they say. This is exactly how God may treat us in our lives. We may say that we want to serve him, and want what is best from him in our lives, but when pushed, sometimes we falter. To commit not only to Salvation, but to a life for Christ is not the easiest of roads. It is a road full of joy and fulfilled promises, but it is not always an easy road.
After further prodding, we discover that Orpah is more inclined to go back to her own people. Ruth though, in the 16th verse, says what every Christian should say in their hearts and openly. That they will serve God and follow his path no matter what may come. Ruth saw a glimpse of something in her mother-in-laws religion, and was not going to give it up for nothing.
Matthew Henry says something about this occasion that I really like. "It is an evidence of a discontented, distrustful unstable spirit, to be weary of the place in which God hath set us, and to be for leaving it immediately whenever we meet with any uneasiness or inconvenience in it. It is folly to think of escaping that cross which, being laid in our way, we ought to take it up. It is our wisdom to make the best of that which is, for it is seldom that changing our place is mending it."
When Naomi comes to Bethlehem, she is recognized immediately. She now wants to be known for sorrow and not pleasantness. Her life is now a shame to her, and she no longer lives in her former families' glory. Oh, but we find out what is to come to her and Ruth. God has riches untold for those that wait on him.
Showing posts with label Judges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judges. Show all posts
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
2nd Week of August Adult Sunday School Class
Judges chapter 15
Samson after allowing things to cool down decides he will take a calf for a customary offering and take his wife. I don't know about Philistine law but Jewish law about engagements were very close to the actual vow of marriage. Regardless of time passed and things that transpired, Samson expected his wife to be there when he returned. He finds that his wife has been given to another and to make matters worse, the 'other' is his friend.
The father realized that Samson was not the one to cross. The father was probably hoping that Samson wouldn't return, but this didn't turn out this way. In a panic the father offers the brides little sister. So Samson, in his justified indignation, takes to catching foxes, tying a firebrand to their tails and burning many crops of the Philistines.
Not surprisingly the Philistines get upset by Samson's actions and seek to kill him. First they set on his would be father-in-law and burn his house down with his family inside it. After this they seek out revenge against Samson. They find Samson, but he smites them to avenge the murder of his fiance.
All of this catches the attention of the entire Philistine people. They make a camp around the camp of Judah so the Hebrew people will cast Samson out. Even the Israelites seem to be afraid of Samson, so they send three thousand men to bring him back to the Philistines. Samson makes them promise not to harm him and the men of Judah agree.
Samson breaks the ties that bind him as soon as he is put into the midst of the enemy. He wages war against them in what is only a miracle of God. One of my favorite sayings appears again, when the 'Spirit of the Lord' comes on Samson, great things happen. It is no different in our lives and in our church; when the Spirit of the Lord comes on the scene, souls will be saved and lives changed.
Samson, after such a great battle, is thirsty, he cries out to God and God gives him what he needs. God didn't send his son to die for our sins to turn around and not give us what we need to persist in living for him. God is with us before, during and after the battle to refresh us in our time of need.
Samson after allowing things to cool down decides he will take a calf for a customary offering and take his wife. I don't know about Philistine law but Jewish law about engagements were very close to the actual vow of marriage. Regardless of time passed and things that transpired, Samson expected his wife to be there when he returned. He finds that his wife has been given to another and to make matters worse, the 'other' is his friend.
The father realized that Samson was not the one to cross. The father was probably hoping that Samson wouldn't return, but this didn't turn out this way. In a panic the father offers the brides little sister. So Samson, in his justified indignation, takes to catching foxes, tying a firebrand to their tails and burning many crops of the Philistines.
Not surprisingly the Philistines get upset by Samson's actions and seek to kill him. First they set on his would be father-in-law and burn his house down with his family inside it. After this they seek out revenge against Samson. They find Samson, but he smites them to avenge the murder of his fiance.
All of this catches the attention of the entire Philistine people. They make a camp around the camp of Judah so the Hebrew people will cast Samson out. Even the Israelites seem to be afraid of Samson, so they send three thousand men to bring him back to the Philistines. Samson makes them promise not to harm him and the men of Judah agree.
Samson breaks the ties that bind him as soon as he is put into the midst of the enemy. He wages war against them in what is only a miracle of God. One of my favorite sayings appears again, when the 'Spirit of the Lord' comes on Samson, great things happen. It is no different in our lives and in our church; when the Spirit of the Lord comes on the scene, souls will be saved and lives changed.
Samson, after such a great battle, is thirsty, he cries out to God and God gives him what he needs. God didn't send his son to die for our sins to turn around and not give us what we need to persist in living for him. God is with us before, during and after the battle to refresh us in our time of need.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
1st Week of August Adult Sunday School Class
Judges chapter 14
Starting out, we have Samson going to Timnath to take a wife out of the Philistines. This is normally a sign of bad things to come, but this is one of the rare cases where God is going to use the situation to prove a point or to deliver Israel. We know of at least one other case in Hosea where God has someone marry someone else that seems contrary to what God would have his people do. It is something that only Samson is aware of, it is hidden from his parents, his people and definitely the Philistines.
On Samson journey down to the take a wife he performs one of his many miracles of physical strength that he becomes known for; he kills a lion with his bare hands. God has given him this strength and we notice that Samson is good at keeping secrets even from those close to him. He doesn't seem to be a braggart or like to talk. Interesting considering too much talking is something that eventually plays a part in his downfall.
Samson likes his future wife, which will add salt to the wound that the Philistines give him later. He returns to take her for a wife and on the way he returns to his kill and finds the bees have made honey there in the carcass. After he shares the honey with his parents he starts the seven day celebration that is customary in his time. They bring along some 30 'companions' to the celebration, so Samson offers them a riddle. If they solve the riddle he will give them garments, if they do not solve the riddle, they will give him garments.
After some time the guests threaten Samson's future bride and and her father with death unless she gives them the solution for the riddle. She bugs Samson's to no end, (which later is his weakness and downfall) and he relents and gives her the answer. She then takes the answer to the inquirers, but Samson is wise to what has happened. He goes and takes the lives and garments from other Philistines to complete his vow. Notice that it says the 'Spirit of the Lord' came upon him; oh that that would be said about us and our Christian lives.
Starting out, we have Samson going to Timnath to take a wife out of the Philistines. This is normally a sign of bad things to come, but this is one of the rare cases where God is going to use the situation to prove a point or to deliver Israel. We know of at least one other case in Hosea where God has someone marry someone else that seems contrary to what God would have his people do. It is something that only Samson is aware of, it is hidden from his parents, his people and definitely the Philistines.
On Samson journey down to the take a wife he performs one of his many miracles of physical strength that he becomes known for; he kills a lion with his bare hands. God has given him this strength and we notice that Samson is good at keeping secrets even from those close to him. He doesn't seem to be a braggart or like to talk. Interesting considering too much talking is something that eventually plays a part in his downfall.
Samson likes his future wife, which will add salt to the wound that the Philistines give him later. He returns to take her for a wife and on the way he returns to his kill and finds the bees have made honey there in the carcass. After he shares the honey with his parents he starts the seven day celebration that is customary in his time. They bring along some 30 'companions' to the celebration, so Samson offers them a riddle. If they solve the riddle he will give them garments, if they do not solve the riddle, they will give him garments.
After some time the guests threaten Samson's future bride and and her father with death unless she gives them the solution for the riddle. She bugs Samson's to no end, (which later is his weakness and downfall) and he relents and gives her the answer. She then takes the answer to the inquirers, but Samson is wise to what has happened. He goes and takes the lives and garments from other Philistines to complete his vow. Notice that it says the 'Spirit of the Lord' came upon him; oh that that would be said about us and our Christian lives.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
3rd Week of July Adult Sunday School Lesson - Judges
Judges chapter 11
We left the last chapter of the Judges with the Hebrews looking for someone to deliver them. As we start the new chapter we here about Jephthah the son of Gilead. The bible doesn't hide the fact that Gilead was the son of a prostitute. This was no consolation to his brothers that were 'full blooded', being children of Gilead and his rightful wife. They have no qualm with their father, the originator of this sin, but with Jephthah.
This chapter tells us that Jephthah was a 'mighty man of valor', so it wasn't anything obvious about Jephthah they didn't like except for something that was out of his control. This is an example of how we should look at those that aren't saved. We aren't better than them because we know the Savior personally, we are sanctified by Jesus, not our own works. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 2:23) putting us on equal footing in that sense. If Jesus loved us when we were yet without hope, then we should in kind to be like Christ, love those that don't know him in the free pardon of sin. How else could we show God's love?
Well, personal jealousy and pride causes this tribe of Hebrews to throw Jephthah out of there midst. It shows more about Jephthah's character than their own character that he left and did not fight them. He goes to another part of the land and becomes a leader there. This also goes to show that it is not WHO you are that makes you anything of consequence, it is WHAT you do that makes you who you are. Jephthah was successful even though he was born in a situation many considered shameful, but he was still a mighty man; then he goes off to another land and is still a mighty man. The only birthright that will ever matter in our lives is the birthright given to us by the Lord Jesus' sacrifice on the cross when we except him. Many a child has been a disappointment to there God fearing parents and many children have lived Holy lives despite having poor examples that brought them into this world.
Matthew Poole says that Jephthah made use of these 'vain' people, and not as in the sense of surrounding himself with yes men. He took their egos and used it to get what he wanted. So it appears that Jephthah was doing just fine when the elders of Gilead came to him and asked for help because the Ammonites were coming to war against the Hebrew people. Be careful who you are rude to, you might need their help down the line somewhere. God's golden rule (Matthew 7:12) will keep you having to go grovelling back to someone you said disparaging things to.
Jephthah was a wise man and he wasn't going to end up in the same situation twice, so he made the elders vow that he would rule over them if he delivered them. Notice that Jephthah also understood that if he didn't defeat the people of Ammon, that there was no need for him to ask to be their ruler. The elders agree that he can be ruler over them if he delivers them. Notice that in a time of necessity that Jephthah parentage isn't important after all.
Not wasting any time, Jephthah sends messengers over to the people of Ammon to see what happens to be bothering them so much that they are going to war against Israel. Turns out, the Ammonites think they have been unjustly removed from their land some 300 years ago, and now they want it back because Israel looks weak. Jephthah reminds them that it is their elders' own fault that they disposed of their land. It was God's land to give, and if they wanted it back, maybe they should get the Ammonites god to help them out.
Then we read one of the best sentences repeated in the Bible and that is, 'the Spirit of the Lord came upon.... We know when we read these words that God is going to show himself mightily to everyone involved. Jephthah races to conquer the Ammonites. Curiously, Jephthah makes a vow that he ends up regretting. I can only think of James 5:12 to keep us from the same folly; but above all things, my brethen, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay lest ye fall into condemnation. Jephthah didn't have to vow this vow, and now it looks as if we will lose his daughter because of it.
Victory once again comes to the Hebrew children; delivered by an harlot's son. God is in charge and he will provide a way of escape. Let us try not to pick how and with whom God will deliver. That part is up to him, we just need to be obedient.
We left the last chapter of the Judges with the Hebrews looking for someone to deliver them. As we start the new chapter we here about Jephthah the son of Gilead. The bible doesn't hide the fact that Gilead was the son of a prostitute. This was no consolation to his brothers that were 'full blooded', being children of Gilead and his rightful wife. They have no qualm with their father, the originator of this sin, but with Jephthah.
This chapter tells us that Jephthah was a 'mighty man of valor', so it wasn't anything obvious about Jephthah they didn't like except for something that was out of his control. This is an example of how we should look at those that aren't saved. We aren't better than them because we know the Savior personally, we are sanctified by Jesus, not our own works. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 2:23) putting us on equal footing in that sense. If Jesus loved us when we were yet without hope, then we should in kind to be like Christ, love those that don't know him in the free pardon of sin. How else could we show God's love?
Well, personal jealousy and pride causes this tribe of Hebrews to throw Jephthah out of there midst. It shows more about Jephthah's character than their own character that he left and did not fight them. He goes to another part of the land and becomes a leader there. This also goes to show that it is not WHO you are that makes you anything of consequence, it is WHAT you do that makes you who you are. Jephthah was successful even though he was born in a situation many considered shameful, but he was still a mighty man; then he goes off to another land and is still a mighty man. The only birthright that will ever matter in our lives is the birthright given to us by the Lord Jesus' sacrifice on the cross when we except him. Many a child has been a disappointment to there God fearing parents and many children have lived Holy lives despite having poor examples that brought them into this world.
Matthew Poole says that Jephthah made use of these 'vain' people, and not as in the sense of surrounding himself with yes men. He took their egos and used it to get what he wanted. So it appears that Jephthah was doing just fine when the elders of Gilead came to him and asked for help because the Ammonites were coming to war against the Hebrew people. Be careful who you are rude to, you might need their help down the line somewhere. God's golden rule (Matthew 7:12) will keep you having to go grovelling back to someone you said disparaging things to.
Jephthah was a wise man and he wasn't going to end up in the same situation twice, so he made the elders vow that he would rule over them if he delivered them. Notice that Jephthah also understood that if he didn't defeat the people of Ammon, that there was no need for him to ask to be their ruler. The elders agree that he can be ruler over them if he delivers them. Notice that in a time of necessity that Jephthah parentage isn't important after all.
Not wasting any time, Jephthah sends messengers over to the people of Ammon to see what happens to be bothering them so much that they are going to war against Israel. Turns out, the Ammonites think they have been unjustly removed from their land some 300 years ago, and now they want it back because Israel looks weak. Jephthah reminds them that it is their elders' own fault that they disposed of their land. It was God's land to give, and if they wanted it back, maybe they should get the Ammonites god to help them out.
Then we read one of the best sentences repeated in the Bible and that is, 'the Spirit of the Lord came upon.... We know when we read these words that God is going to show himself mightily to everyone involved. Jephthah races to conquer the Ammonites. Curiously, Jephthah makes a vow that he ends up regretting. I can only think of James 5:12 to keep us from the same folly; but above all things, my brethen, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay lest ye fall into condemnation. Jephthah didn't have to vow this vow, and now it looks as if we will lose his daughter because of it.
Victory once again comes to the Hebrew children; delivered by an harlot's son. God is in charge and he will provide a way of escape. Let us try not to pick how and with whom God will deliver. That part is up to him, we just need to be obedient.
Friday, July 6, 2012
2nd Week of July Adult Sunday School Lesson - Judges
Judges chapter 10
It is not certain but it does appear as if the judgments of Tola for twenty three years and then another twenty two years under Jair, the Israelites served God. After they pass away, it appears as if they find other gods to occupy their time.
These chapters in Judges, and again during the kings period of Israel, show how merciful and patient God is with his people. Lamentations 3:22, 23 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. God did not deal with the Hebrew children according to what they deserved, and he extends the same mercy to us today. He is long suffering and very patient with us.
It appears that Israel didn't just give up on God to serve another god, but worshiped many gods. They seem to take up with the closest god of the nearest people to them, or whatever was popular or convenient. You make some sense out of them choosing a single God, but it was as if they knowingly went after whatever fit their fancy of the day.
There was a price to pay for this, and that was to worship other gods soon meant to be in subjection to the people who's god they worshiped. This is not by accident, and make no mistake that the world knows which god you say your worship, and they also know which god you actually worship. We are not hiding anything from the world and who we put first place in our lives is evident to all.
When the Hebrews finally cry out to God, he reminds them of all he has done for them, and then tells them he will not give his forgiveness. He tells them to get deliverance from the gods they serve day by day. Israel pleads with him and says to do what he will. This is interesting, because we not truly saved and redeemed by Jesus' blood unless we FULLY acknowledge our sin and need for his salvation. Saying your sorry is one thing, but proving it by your actions is another.
Israel finally composes themselves and gather an army to fight enemies of God. What is interesting here though, is they do not yet have a leader. They do not yet have someone who is going to show himself strong in the Lord to lead them to battle. That we will find out more about in the next chapter.
It is not certain but it does appear as if the judgments of Tola for twenty three years and then another twenty two years under Jair, the Israelites served God. After they pass away, it appears as if they find other gods to occupy their time.
These chapters in Judges, and again during the kings period of Israel, show how merciful and patient God is with his people. Lamentations 3:22, 23 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. God did not deal with the Hebrew children according to what they deserved, and he extends the same mercy to us today. He is long suffering and very patient with us.
It appears that Israel didn't just give up on God to serve another god, but worshiped many gods. They seem to take up with the closest god of the nearest people to them, or whatever was popular or convenient. You make some sense out of them choosing a single God, but it was as if they knowingly went after whatever fit their fancy of the day.
There was a price to pay for this, and that was to worship other gods soon meant to be in subjection to the people who's god they worshiped. This is not by accident, and make no mistake that the world knows which god you say your worship, and they also know which god you actually worship. We are not hiding anything from the world and who we put first place in our lives is evident to all.
When the Hebrews finally cry out to God, he reminds them of all he has done for them, and then tells them he will not give his forgiveness. He tells them to get deliverance from the gods they serve day by day. Israel pleads with him and says to do what he will. This is interesting, because we not truly saved and redeemed by Jesus' blood unless we FULLY acknowledge our sin and need for his salvation. Saying your sorry is one thing, but proving it by your actions is another.
Israel finally composes themselves and gather an army to fight enemies of God. What is interesting here though, is they do not yet have a leader. They do not yet have someone who is going to show himself strong in the Lord to lead them to battle. That we will find out more about in the next chapter.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
1st Week of July 2012 Sunday School Lesson - Judges
Judges chapter 9
Gideon decided he wanted a lot of wives. He was not content with that, but had at least one but probably more concubines. Gideon had 70 sons by his wives and another by a concubine named Abimelech. Having an appetite for more than what God intends us to have will never lead to God's purpose. He can still work with us and through us, but we can change the original intent of our lives for him. This is exactly what Gideon did.
We see with the wives and the concubines, Gideon in some ways lived like the king for Israel he said he wouldn't be. He should have taken his own advice, lived simply, and just judged Israel. After Gideon dies, it appears to leave a great vacuum in leadership in Israel. The bible records that they were already following after Baalim again. In this godless vacuum, Abimelech rises up with the support of his direct bloodline through his mother, and attacks and kills all of his half brothers but one. Jotham, the youngest of Gideon's sons, escapes, and prophecies the troubling end to Abimelech's life. Abimelech is not a full blooded son of Gideon, and Jotham makes sure everyone knows it.
Abimelech doesn't have a peaceful reign in Israel for his 3 years of rule. There are those that don't want him to rule and it causes a civil war of sorts with the surrounding cities and villages. They rise up against him, and then he strikes out at them. This goes back and forth for some time until you can almost see, as if you are waiting for the other shoe to drop, the end of Abimelech coming.
After all of this fighting, and during an attack on a raised tower of sorts, a woman drops a great rock on his head. He doesn't want the dishonor of being finished by a woman and asks that one of his men run him through. In the end the people of Shechem and Abimelech got exactly Jotham said would come. God fulfills his word.
Gideon decided he wanted a lot of wives. He was not content with that, but had at least one but probably more concubines. Gideon had 70 sons by his wives and another by a concubine named Abimelech. Having an appetite for more than what God intends us to have will never lead to God's purpose. He can still work with us and through us, but we can change the original intent of our lives for him. This is exactly what Gideon did.
We see with the wives and the concubines, Gideon in some ways lived like the king for Israel he said he wouldn't be. He should have taken his own advice, lived simply, and just judged Israel. After Gideon dies, it appears to leave a great vacuum in leadership in Israel. The bible records that they were already following after Baalim again. In this godless vacuum, Abimelech rises up with the support of his direct bloodline through his mother, and attacks and kills all of his half brothers but one. Jotham, the youngest of Gideon's sons, escapes, and prophecies the troubling end to Abimelech's life. Abimelech is not a full blooded son of Gideon, and Jotham makes sure everyone knows it.
Abimelech doesn't have a peaceful reign in Israel for his 3 years of rule. There are those that don't want him to rule and it causes a civil war of sorts with the surrounding cities and villages. They rise up against him, and then he strikes out at them. This goes back and forth for some time until you can almost see, as if you are waiting for the other shoe to drop, the end of Abimelech coming.
After all of this fighting, and during an attack on a raised tower of sorts, a woman drops a great rock on his head. He doesn't want the dishonor of being finished by a woman and asks that one of his men run him through. In the end the people of Shechem and Abimelech got exactly Jotham said would come. God fulfills his word.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
2nd Week of June 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges the 7th Chapter
Now that Gideon has his assurance that he is on the right path, he gathers up his men, over 30,000, and prepares for war.God tells Gideon something interesting, that is that he has too many men for the victory. God wants Israel to know that it is God that delivers them and not their own might. So he tells Gideon to ask who doesn't want to fight. Twenty two thousand men leave. A couple of things here; one is you don't want people in battle that don't want to fight, they can cause the battle to turn against you; the second thing is think how demoralizing it would be if you were trusting in numbers and not God when two-thirds of your group walked away. That is something that we would do well to remember, that God can have a greater victory when HE is in charge than when we're relying on numbers.
A pessimistic person would not enjoy what happens next. God informs Gideon that he still has too many men for God to show himself strong. He tells Gideon that he is to only take those that lap water like a dog when they go down to a brook for a drink. I know what I would be thinking, I would be thinking that I hope everyone gets down and drinks water like a dog. The eight chapter tells us that the Midianites had over 120 thousand men, because by the end of the day, that is how many were killed. Gideon and his men probably had some idea of how large the host of Midian and their allies was. If Gideon was looking for everyone to drink like a dog, that is not what he got; instead he got 300 left out of 10 thousand. To be blunt and honest, those circumstances would probably cause me to have a twisting stomach. Gideon though, holds fast and does as God commands, taking with him only the 300.
God gives Gideon instructions though, just in case he has doubts, to go down into the enemy camp and God will let him hear about the mighty victory ahead. Gideon does as God asks and is blessed for it. It seems to me to be the same in our modern Christian lives, if we will just obey God, go that extra step, he'll not only give us victory, but give us a glimpse on how he will perform it. Gideon returns and tell his 300 brave God fearing men how they will have victory. He more or less tells them to do as he does and God will take care of the rest. Oh what God can accomplish with a God fearing leader that puts all his trust in the one that can perform ALL miracles.
Now imagine if you are the enemy, what a surprise it would be if in the middle of the night, in the middle of your camp, 300 men broke pitchers, shining light on everything, and then blowing trumpets. You probably wouldn't believe there were just 300 men, you would probably assume that you are surrounded, infiltrated and about to be consumed. No doubt, the Midian and the Amalekites start attacking each other, and causing more damage by their fleeing, then the 300 could have caused alone. Like a stampede or an out of control mob running for the exits, the chaos causes more harm then the event that prompted the excitement.
Now the tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh are all joining in for the chase to put to defeat the people who held the Hebrews under their thumb. What a rout it must have been to see and behold as what God ordained comes to pass in a chase leading away from God's people. To show that God gave them total victory and not just half victory, the princes of the enemy's people are beheaded and brought to Gideon. You don't get the heads of the leaders unless it is a total victory.
Next week, the fighting continues, and there is a price to pay for not being on God's side.
Now that Gideon has his assurance that he is on the right path, he gathers up his men, over 30,000, and prepares for war.God tells Gideon something interesting, that is that he has too many men for the victory. God wants Israel to know that it is God that delivers them and not their own might. So he tells Gideon to ask who doesn't want to fight. Twenty two thousand men leave. A couple of things here; one is you don't want people in battle that don't want to fight, they can cause the battle to turn against you; the second thing is think how demoralizing it would be if you were trusting in numbers and not God when two-thirds of your group walked away. That is something that we would do well to remember, that God can have a greater victory when HE is in charge than when we're relying on numbers.
A pessimistic person would not enjoy what happens next. God informs Gideon that he still has too many men for God to show himself strong. He tells Gideon that he is to only take those that lap water like a dog when they go down to a brook for a drink. I know what I would be thinking, I would be thinking that I hope everyone gets down and drinks water like a dog. The eight chapter tells us that the Midianites had over 120 thousand men, because by the end of the day, that is how many were killed. Gideon and his men probably had some idea of how large the host of Midian and their allies was. If Gideon was looking for everyone to drink like a dog, that is not what he got; instead he got 300 left out of 10 thousand. To be blunt and honest, those circumstances would probably cause me to have a twisting stomach. Gideon though, holds fast and does as God commands, taking with him only the 300.
God gives Gideon instructions though, just in case he has doubts, to go down into the enemy camp and God will let him hear about the mighty victory ahead. Gideon does as God asks and is blessed for it. It seems to me to be the same in our modern Christian lives, if we will just obey God, go that extra step, he'll not only give us victory, but give us a glimpse on how he will perform it. Gideon returns and tell his 300 brave God fearing men how they will have victory. He more or less tells them to do as he does and God will take care of the rest. Oh what God can accomplish with a God fearing leader that puts all his trust in the one that can perform ALL miracles.
Now imagine if you are the enemy, what a surprise it would be if in the middle of the night, in the middle of your camp, 300 men broke pitchers, shining light on everything, and then blowing trumpets. You probably wouldn't believe there were just 300 men, you would probably assume that you are surrounded, infiltrated and about to be consumed. No doubt, the Midian and the Amalekites start attacking each other, and causing more damage by their fleeing, then the 300 could have caused alone. Like a stampede or an out of control mob running for the exits, the chaos causes more harm then the event that prompted the excitement.
Now the tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh are all joining in for the chase to put to defeat the people who held the Hebrews under their thumb. What a rout it must have been to see and behold as what God ordained comes to pass in a chase leading away from God's people. To show that God gave them total victory and not just half victory, the princes of the enemy's people are beheaded and brought to Gideon. You don't get the heads of the leaders unless it is a total victory.
Next week, the fighting continues, and there is a price to pay for not being on God's side.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
1st Week of June 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges Chapter 6
At the start of this chapter time has passed and we find Israel again under subjection to yet a different set of people that were not supposed to be in the land of Canaan if they had obeyed God. All of these different nations rose up from time to time to be thorn in there side, to make them subjects to an ungodly king. This time it is the Midians.The Midians drove the Israelites to hide their valuables and in some cases to hide themselves in the mountains and in caves.
The Midianites would wait for the Jews to sow their crops, and then at harvest time they would come and take anything they wanted, and it appears that they wanted and took everything that they possibly could. They didn't come alone either, but when they were left, there was nothing but a desolate country. Not surprisingly this caused the children of Israel to cry out to God for deliverance. Not all of them, as we'll soon learn, but many of them cried unto God for deliverance.
As always, God hears the cries of his people even if they have a broken heart and a contrite spirit that David mentions in Psalm 51. So God sends a prophet to remind them of what he has done for them in the past, reminding them why they are in their present situation, and telling them he will deliver them.
The Lord sends and angel to sit by a tree for Gideon, the son of Joash to find. Gideon was threshing wheat by the wine press to hide it from the Midianites. You notice here that he is a man of action, and he is doing all he can do for his family to survive. Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Before you can lead the whole nation of Israel, you must first be willing to lead what is currently in your life. It doesn't work the other way around.
This angel comes to talk to Gideon, and even calls him good man. Gideon is quick to ask where the God that delivered all Israel in the past is. He wants to know why they are suffering so. Gideon is aware the sins of Israel, but in his heart he has been pleading to God that he would deliver Israel. This is not uncommon to what we see today. You might pray and cry out to God on a regular basis to save lost souls, and to show himself strong in a sinful world. You are more than aware of the sin in this country and others, but you plead that he might show himself to a world that desperately needs him; and so does Gideon.
The angel quickly tells Gideon that he will deliver Israel. Gideon not surprisingly doubts the angel telling the angel that he is the least in his family, and that they are very poor. Gideon is right, he is insufficient for the job at hand, and so are we as Christians if we are not led by God and his Holy Spirit. By the hand of God though, they will have deliverance from the Midianites. Gideon goes to prepare a sacrifice. He get the sense over and over that Gideon is a man of action. He doesn't wait around and think too much on things, but does was the Spirit calls him to do. He makes the sacrifice and in the process realizes that this 'angel' is not an ordinary person.
Now Gideon makes an altar for the Lord and receives the word to tear down his fathers altar to Baal. He gathers 10 servants, and goes down at night to tear the altar that never should have been built, down. When you do something for the Lord, it doesn't take long for people to notice, especially when it gets on their territory and convicts their heart. The people, Hebrew people, decide they are going to find out who did this and take care of the problem. They go and find Joash and ask him to hand over his son. Here we find that blood is thicker than water from a false god. Joash says let Baal avenge himself and that he will not give up Gideon. Odd that the altar is called Joash's, and he seems fit to worship it, but knows deep inside that the God of Heaven is the only true God and Baal wouldn't be able to even revenge himself. Why did he have it in the first place? The same question can be asked about the gods in our lives; those masters that we put in front of our service to Jesus Christ.
Here come the Midianites one more time with their allies to lay waste to the land of Israel. Gideon takes his appointment seriously and blows a trumpet and gathers the as many Hebrew Children as he can. Gideon wants reassurance of what God has told him, and here we have the cloth and the dew. God gave Gideon what he asked both times, two nights in a row. With this final assurance, Gideon sets out. If you're not sure about something in our life, pray to God till you are satisfied with the answer, don't go blindly into this world thinking it will all work out in the end. God will give us direction in our lives, and show us if we are on the right path.
At the start of this chapter time has passed and we find Israel again under subjection to yet a different set of people that were not supposed to be in the land of Canaan if they had obeyed God. All of these different nations rose up from time to time to be thorn in there side, to make them subjects to an ungodly king. This time it is the Midians.The Midians drove the Israelites to hide their valuables and in some cases to hide themselves in the mountains and in caves.
The Midianites would wait for the Jews to sow their crops, and then at harvest time they would come and take anything they wanted, and it appears that they wanted and took everything that they possibly could. They didn't come alone either, but when they were left, there was nothing but a desolate country. Not surprisingly this caused the children of Israel to cry out to God for deliverance. Not all of them, as we'll soon learn, but many of them cried unto God for deliverance.
As always, God hears the cries of his people even if they have a broken heart and a contrite spirit that David mentions in Psalm 51. So God sends a prophet to remind them of what he has done for them in the past, reminding them why they are in their present situation, and telling them he will deliver them.
The Lord sends and angel to sit by a tree for Gideon, the son of Joash to find. Gideon was threshing wheat by the wine press to hide it from the Midianites. You notice here that he is a man of action, and he is doing all he can do for his family to survive. Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Before you can lead the whole nation of Israel, you must first be willing to lead what is currently in your life. It doesn't work the other way around.
This angel comes to talk to Gideon, and even calls him good man. Gideon is quick to ask where the God that delivered all Israel in the past is. He wants to know why they are suffering so. Gideon is aware the sins of Israel, but in his heart he has been pleading to God that he would deliver Israel. This is not uncommon to what we see today. You might pray and cry out to God on a regular basis to save lost souls, and to show himself strong in a sinful world. You are more than aware of the sin in this country and others, but you plead that he might show himself to a world that desperately needs him; and so does Gideon.
The angel quickly tells Gideon that he will deliver Israel. Gideon not surprisingly doubts the angel telling the angel that he is the least in his family, and that they are very poor. Gideon is right, he is insufficient for the job at hand, and so are we as Christians if we are not led by God and his Holy Spirit. By the hand of God though, they will have deliverance from the Midianites. Gideon goes to prepare a sacrifice. He get the sense over and over that Gideon is a man of action. He doesn't wait around and think too much on things, but does was the Spirit calls him to do. He makes the sacrifice and in the process realizes that this 'angel' is not an ordinary person.
Now Gideon makes an altar for the Lord and receives the word to tear down his fathers altar to Baal. He gathers 10 servants, and goes down at night to tear the altar that never should have been built, down. When you do something for the Lord, it doesn't take long for people to notice, especially when it gets on their territory and convicts their heart. The people, Hebrew people, decide they are going to find out who did this and take care of the problem. They go and find Joash and ask him to hand over his son. Here we find that blood is thicker than water from a false god. Joash says let Baal avenge himself and that he will not give up Gideon. Odd that the altar is called Joash's, and he seems fit to worship it, but knows deep inside that the God of Heaven is the only true God and Baal wouldn't be able to even revenge himself. Why did he have it in the first place? The same question can be asked about the gods in our lives; those masters that we put in front of our service to Jesus Christ.
Here come the Midianites one more time with their allies to lay waste to the land of Israel. Gideon takes his appointment seriously and blows a trumpet and gathers the as many Hebrew Children as he can. Gideon wants reassurance of what God has told him, and here we have the cloth and the dew. God gave Gideon what he asked both times, two nights in a row. With this final assurance, Gideon sets out. If you're not sure about something in our life, pray to God till you are satisfied with the answer, don't go blindly into this world thinking it will all work out in the end. God will give us direction in our lives, and show us if we are on the right path.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
4th Week of May 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges 5th Chapter
This whole chapter is a song or psalm dedicated to Jael. It says in the first verse that it is sung by Deborah and Barak. Deborah prophesied that a woman would get the praise for this victory because of the lack of faith on Barak's part.
When Deborah starts the song, she not only sings about the current victory, but of past victories, that some feel mimicked, or favored this same victory. She talks about victory over Edom years ago, and it is interesting to note that she is recalling things that Judges records the children of Israel forgot. God wants us to search him out, search his word, so that we know him, and the past victories he's given his people. They are for our encouragement, edification, education, and exhortation.
She sings that there seems to be no end to what God will do for his people, including moving mountains and the flow of oceans and rivers. Shamgar is mentioned here, even though he is only mentioned a in a small space earlier. She mentions how Israel has suffered at the hands of others, but she does not keep back the fact that these cases, it was Israel's disobedience that let to there troubles.
Later in the chapter, she mentions the tribes of Israel individually, including the tribes that helped, and the tribes that left Barak and his army to their own devices. When you help another individual, or when you help God's saints, God will recognize your efforts; he will also remember when you didn't obey and did nothing to help.
Finally Deborah mentions the craftiness, boldness, and courage of Jael. Jael help put a tired Sisera asleep even though he was prettified with fear. She then boldly took his life and sought out Barak to give him the news. She was a bold woman who was recognized by God, Deborah, Barak, and all Israel.
Since the sacrifice of Jael, Barak, Deborah, and the obeying tribes, Israel had rest for forty years.
This whole chapter is a song or psalm dedicated to Jael. It says in the first verse that it is sung by Deborah and Barak. Deborah prophesied that a woman would get the praise for this victory because of the lack of faith on Barak's part.
When Deborah starts the song, she not only sings about the current victory, but of past victories, that some feel mimicked, or favored this same victory. She talks about victory over Edom years ago, and it is interesting to note that she is recalling things that Judges records the children of Israel forgot. God wants us to search him out, search his word, so that we know him, and the past victories he's given his people. They are for our encouragement, edification, education, and exhortation.
She sings that there seems to be no end to what God will do for his people, including moving mountains and the flow of oceans and rivers. Shamgar is mentioned here, even though he is only mentioned a in a small space earlier. She mentions how Israel has suffered at the hands of others, but she does not keep back the fact that these cases, it was Israel's disobedience that let to there troubles.
Later in the chapter, she mentions the tribes of Israel individually, including the tribes that helped, and the tribes that left Barak and his army to their own devices. When you help another individual, or when you help God's saints, God will recognize your efforts; he will also remember when you didn't obey and did nothing to help.
Finally Deborah mentions the craftiness, boldness, and courage of Jael. Jael help put a tired Sisera asleep even though he was prettified with fear. She then boldly took his life and sought out Barak to give him the news. She was a bold woman who was recognized by God, Deborah, Barak, and all Israel.
Since the sacrifice of Jael, Barak, Deborah, and the obeying tribes, Israel had rest for forty years.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
3rd Week of May 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges 4th Chapter
After Ehud the latest savior and judge over Israel dies, the book records that they 'did evil in the sight of the Lord'. Now it will be a different king and a different set of people that will reign over them. Notice that in the first few chapters of Judges, it is always a different king and different people that conquers them. It shows the point that their enemies are many, and they are still suffering from not ridding the land of all theirs' and God's enemies like he commanded.
Jabin was able to enforce his will on the Israelites with his 900 chariots of iron. It seems odd that such a thing would hold down the Jews when they had such great victories in their history over great walled cities, and saw the entire army of Egypt swallowed up by the Red Sea. Regardless, because of their sin and sad situation, you understand that just the people needed to support 900 chariots would in itself be an army. After twenty years, the Israelites cried out enough that God hear them.
Now enters Deborah; she is not only a prophetess but also judges Israel. It seems odd that when Israel wants a king over them, they never really get a queen, but God allows a female judge. It just seems that sin is never a way to get something great from God. That is an obvious statement, but seems to be ignored by many of us in our quest to live for God. Deborah has a favorite palm tree she is known to sit under and it records all of Israel go to her for judgments. From this position she sends for Barak so that he might deliver Israel.Barak likes the news but seems to want assurances from Deborah that they will win. Wanting her presence there shows several things, namely he doubts God, doubts his messenger, and doubts himself even when God has given him the victory. I could go on and on about doubts, lack of faith, and not having enough self confidence to go out boldly for God, but I will not spend the the time here to go thoroughly over that topic. It is as simple as this, when God says go, go, and never doubt or the victory God wants you to have won't be as full as he originally intended.
For doubting, Barak's glory will go to a women, and rightfully so after her courageous effort. Barak is given direct enough instructions, and a person that should be an ally (Heber) of the Israelites gives Sisera a heads up as to what is about to happen. We should note here, that if God is in it, it doesn't matter that Satan is trying to stop your good work for God. He is always trying to do so, but when God is in charge of your life and service, he has already worked it out ahead of time.
Deborah gives the order for Barak to go out against the enemy. Even though Sisera has had advanced notice, Barak and his army have victory and start chasing the Sisera away. He seeks refuge in the tent of a woman Jael, Heber's wife ironically enough. Powerful decisive woman are all over this chapter, and don't let Satan tell you that if you are a woman, you don't have a great work to do for God, because God uses male and female for his work. From what I have read, shepherds had separate tents for men and women; so I suppose Sisera was hoping this fact would further mislead anyone pursuing him. What he didn't count on though was that this cunning Jael knew to give him milk instead of water. This wouldn't quench his thirst as good as water as anyone that has exercised or worked vigorously knows. It also would slow Sisera and his metabolism down. He is already tired, and now thinking he might have escaped, he falls asleep. Jael seizes this moment (unlike Barak earlier in the chapter) and literally nails Sisera's head to the floor of the tent.
This victory not only knocks off Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, but finally leads to the downfall of Jabin, his power over the Israelites and his reign. Barak won, but the glory we'll see in the next chapter, goes to Jael in a song and praise by Deborah.
After Ehud the latest savior and judge over Israel dies, the book records that they 'did evil in the sight of the Lord'. Now it will be a different king and a different set of people that will reign over them. Notice that in the first few chapters of Judges, it is always a different king and different people that conquers them. It shows the point that their enemies are many, and they are still suffering from not ridding the land of all theirs' and God's enemies like he commanded.
Jabin was able to enforce his will on the Israelites with his 900 chariots of iron. It seems odd that such a thing would hold down the Jews when they had such great victories in their history over great walled cities, and saw the entire army of Egypt swallowed up by the Red Sea. Regardless, because of their sin and sad situation, you understand that just the people needed to support 900 chariots would in itself be an army. After twenty years, the Israelites cried out enough that God hear them.
Now enters Deborah; she is not only a prophetess but also judges Israel. It seems odd that when Israel wants a king over them, they never really get a queen, but God allows a female judge. It just seems that sin is never a way to get something great from God. That is an obvious statement, but seems to be ignored by many of us in our quest to live for God. Deborah has a favorite palm tree she is known to sit under and it records all of Israel go to her for judgments. From this position she sends for Barak so that he might deliver Israel.Barak likes the news but seems to want assurances from Deborah that they will win. Wanting her presence there shows several things, namely he doubts God, doubts his messenger, and doubts himself even when God has given him the victory. I could go on and on about doubts, lack of faith, and not having enough self confidence to go out boldly for God, but I will not spend the the time here to go thoroughly over that topic. It is as simple as this, when God says go, go, and never doubt or the victory God wants you to have won't be as full as he originally intended.
For doubting, Barak's glory will go to a women, and rightfully so after her courageous effort. Barak is given direct enough instructions, and a person that should be an ally (Heber) of the Israelites gives Sisera a heads up as to what is about to happen. We should note here, that if God is in it, it doesn't matter that Satan is trying to stop your good work for God. He is always trying to do so, but when God is in charge of your life and service, he has already worked it out ahead of time.
Deborah gives the order for Barak to go out against the enemy. Even though Sisera has had advanced notice, Barak and his army have victory and start chasing the Sisera away. He seeks refuge in the tent of a woman Jael, Heber's wife ironically enough. Powerful decisive woman are all over this chapter, and don't let Satan tell you that if you are a woman, you don't have a great work to do for God, because God uses male and female for his work. From what I have read, shepherds had separate tents for men and women; so I suppose Sisera was hoping this fact would further mislead anyone pursuing him. What he didn't count on though was that this cunning Jael knew to give him milk instead of water. This wouldn't quench his thirst as good as water as anyone that has exercised or worked vigorously knows. It also would slow Sisera and his metabolism down. He is already tired, and now thinking he might have escaped, he falls asleep. Jael seizes this moment (unlike Barak earlier in the chapter) and literally nails Sisera's head to the floor of the tent.
This victory not only knocks off Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, but finally leads to the downfall of Jabin, his power over the Israelites and his reign. Barak won, but the glory we'll see in the next chapter, goes to Jael in a song and praise by Deborah.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
2nd Week of May 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges 3rd Chapter verses 12 -
Othniel dies, and Israel disobeys God again. It is easy to look down our noses at the children of Israel and view ourselves as better servants of God, but I believe God has blessed America far better than he did Canaan, and we are guilty of the same things if not worse.
This time God allows Moab to join forces with Ammon and Amalek to conquer Israel. This went on for 18 years until Israel prayed for God's deliverance and he sent Ehud to deliver them. Ehud decides to give a present to Eglon king of the Moabites in the form of a swift dagger into his ribs. By all accounts it appears as if Ehud was cunny, and with the blessing of God, fooled Eglon into trusting him. He stabs him, and Eglon is so fat that Ehud cannot retrieve the daggar from Eglon after he plunges it in. Ehud leaves, locking the doors behind him and is gone before anyone is the wiser.
After Ehud escapes the palace, he blows the trumpet and raises a quick army to go after the Moabites and an enormous victory. For 40 years Ehud was Judge and Israel had peace. Not only this but Ehud, rose up Shamgar who had victory over the Philistines. God hears his peoples' cry and has mercy on them. He will still hear our cries today if we will call on him.
Othniel dies, and Israel disobeys God again. It is easy to look down our noses at the children of Israel and view ourselves as better servants of God, but I believe God has blessed America far better than he did Canaan, and we are guilty of the same things if not worse.
This time God allows Moab to join forces with Ammon and Amalek to conquer Israel. This went on for 18 years until Israel prayed for God's deliverance and he sent Ehud to deliver them. Ehud decides to give a present to Eglon king of the Moabites in the form of a swift dagger into his ribs. By all accounts it appears as if Ehud was cunny, and with the blessing of God, fooled Eglon into trusting him. He stabs him, and Eglon is so fat that Ehud cannot retrieve the daggar from Eglon after he plunges it in. Ehud leaves, locking the doors behind him and is gone before anyone is the wiser.
After Ehud escapes the palace, he blows the trumpet and raises a quick army to go after the Moabites and an enormous victory. For 40 years Ehud was Judge and Israel had peace. Not only this but Ehud, rose up Shamgar who had victory over the Philistines. God hears his peoples' cry and has mercy on them. He will still hear our cries today if we will call on him.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
1st Week of May 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges 2nd Chapter verses 6 - 10
Last week in class we went on and covered these verses. Even thought the last chapter of Joshua speaks of Joshua's death, this part of the 2nd chapter covers it as well. Notice that in the 7th verse it mentions the elders that outlived Joshua and had also seen the great wonders God had performed for the children of Israel as he brought them out of Egypt. There were some after Joshua's death that knew of the great things God had done and by their presence or the retelling of the times God had delivered them, it seems to keep them out of trouble. They still honor God while these elders are alive. In the tenth verse it is plain that the next generation did not honor the Lord.
Judges 2nd Chapter verses 11 - 15
Now in the 11th verse we quickly see that it doesn't take Israel long after death of the elders to go in the wrong way. They served Baalim. They were not supposed to dwell and intermingle with the people of Canaan. They were not supposed to marry into those tribes, but they did anyway. We can see similar things like this in today's church. We are not supposed to be wedded with the world. We are not supposed to let the world and the activities of this world rule in our lives. We take on relationships with the activities, interests, and going on of this world. We are to be a separated and peculiar people. We not supposed to hide from the world, but we are to change the world, not the other way around.
It doesn't take god long to be angered, and to let the Israelites know that when he said the dwellers in Canaan would be a thorn in their side, he meant it. He let the Israelites serve other people as their masters since they decided to serve other gods.
Judges 2nd Chapter verses 16 - 23
God's anger is never as fierce as it could be, and he always hears the cries of his people. He starts to give them judges to be over them. Not kings, like the other kingdoms and people had, but judges who were leaders in both a spiritual and military sense. A king, as Israel later found out, takes up great resources out hands of the people to support himself. The very fact that a king and his family doesn't support themselves seems to make it so that they expect servitude, gratitude and everything else from the backs of those that serve him. Judges were different though, and they were leaders who supported themselves or were supported by their own families. Israel had good judges and bad judges, but the things he did by their hands were wonderful and nothing short of miracles.
Since Israel was rebellious, God let them deal with the dwellers of the land that they failed to drive out. The end of the second chapter is a brief overview of what the next chapters will be like. The start of the third chapter starts the story about a particular judge named Othniel.
Judges 3rd Chapter verses 1 - 7
Here we have a listing of the nations that are to be a thorn in the side of the children of Israel for thousands of years. The Philistines, Canaanites and so on, are among the offenders. We are know that the Philistines will be thorn in their side till after Davids time. Some of the people are descendants of Ishmael, Esau and other people that were part of a people that fulfill God's promise of the evil that would befall them for not obeying. So in the sixth verse they intermingle with these people, and in the seventh verse they do all manner of evil before God including serving other gods.
Judges 3rd Chapter verses 8 - 11
Here comes a ruler named Chushan-rishathaim out of Mesopotamia. He attacks Israel and puts them under his thumb for eight years. Finally Othniel, Caleb's younger brother and probably a well known Israelite, fought against Chushan-rishathaim and delivered Israel and they had rest for 40 years.
Last week in class we went on and covered these verses. Even thought the last chapter of Joshua speaks of Joshua's death, this part of the 2nd chapter covers it as well. Notice that in the 7th verse it mentions the elders that outlived Joshua and had also seen the great wonders God had performed for the children of Israel as he brought them out of Egypt. There were some after Joshua's death that knew of the great things God had done and by their presence or the retelling of the times God had delivered them, it seems to keep them out of trouble. They still honor God while these elders are alive. In the tenth verse it is plain that the next generation did not honor the Lord.
Judges 2nd Chapter verses 11 - 15
Now in the 11th verse we quickly see that it doesn't take Israel long after death of the elders to go in the wrong way. They served Baalim. They were not supposed to dwell and intermingle with the people of Canaan. They were not supposed to marry into those tribes, but they did anyway. We can see similar things like this in today's church. We are not supposed to be wedded with the world. We are not supposed to let the world and the activities of this world rule in our lives. We take on relationships with the activities, interests, and going on of this world. We are to be a separated and peculiar people. We not supposed to hide from the world, but we are to change the world, not the other way around.
It doesn't take god long to be angered, and to let the Israelites know that when he said the dwellers in Canaan would be a thorn in their side, he meant it. He let the Israelites serve other people as their masters since they decided to serve other gods.
Judges 2nd Chapter verses 16 - 23
God's anger is never as fierce as it could be, and he always hears the cries of his people. He starts to give them judges to be over them. Not kings, like the other kingdoms and people had, but judges who were leaders in both a spiritual and military sense. A king, as Israel later found out, takes up great resources out hands of the people to support himself. The very fact that a king and his family doesn't support themselves seems to make it so that they expect servitude, gratitude and everything else from the backs of those that serve him. Judges were different though, and they were leaders who supported themselves or were supported by their own families. Israel had good judges and bad judges, but the things he did by their hands were wonderful and nothing short of miracles.
Since Israel was rebellious, God let them deal with the dwellers of the land that they failed to drive out. The end of the second chapter is a brief overview of what the next chapters will be like. The start of the third chapter starts the story about a particular judge named Othniel.
Judges 3rd Chapter verses 1 - 7
Here we have a listing of the nations that are to be a thorn in the side of the children of Israel for thousands of years. The Philistines, Canaanites and so on, are among the offenders. We are know that the Philistines will be thorn in their side till after Davids time. Some of the people are descendants of Ishmael, Esau and other people that were part of a people that fulfill God's promise of the evil that would befall them for not obeying. So in the sixth verse they intermingle with these people, and in the seventh verse they do all manner of evil before God including serving other gods.
Judges 3rd Chapter verses 8 - 11
Here comes a ruler named Chushan-rishathaim out of Mesopotamia. He attacks Israel and puts them under his thumb for eight years. Finally Othniel, Caleb's younger brother and probably a well known Israelite, fought against Chushan-rishathaim and delivered Israel and they had rest for 40 years.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
5th Week April 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges 1st Chapter verses 22 - 36 and Chapter 2 verses 1 - 5
Similar to the story of Jericho, the man who tells them the secret entrances to the city of Luz is spared with all of his family. He then goes on to found another city naming it Luz now that the Israelites renamed the newly conquered city Bethel.
We now hear that the tribes of Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, Dan go in to take their lands but do not drive out all of the enemy. This was to be their land, given by God. God doesn't give half promises, he doesn't give and then take away, he doesn't promise something and not fulfill his promises. These tribes of Israel went in and did not follow the commandments of God. They would till this very day, pay for the fact that they did not complete their part of the promise.
Whenever we compromise with Satan, or compromise with the world, we are essentially saying that we don't fully believe in the promises of Christ and his resurrection. I have fallen short myself, but if we seek his forgiveness we can go on in Christ's name. Given this, there is a price to pay for sin after salvation. The children of Israel were delivered according to God's promise. The taking and dwelling of Canaan was their life for Christ so to speak. That which we sow, we shall also reap.
Hebrews 10:26 - 29
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
These are not the most popular verses in Christianity; maybe they should be. We will pay for our sins committed after our 'knowledge of the truth'. Israel payed dearly for not listening to God's commands about taking and dwelling in the land of Canaan. Dwelling among the Canaanites was one thing, but then later taking their gods and their customs was quite another.
Judges 2: 1 - 5
Here comes and angel of the Lord to give a warning that is just in time if they heed the warning. Unfortunately they don't hold it to their hearts for long.
The angel commands them to make to covenants or alliances with these people; destroy their alters and serve only the true God that they now serve. We know that this warning was foretelling of what was to come and what was to be the next several hundred years of Israel's existence.
It is so with us, that if we make bargains, or live for the things of this world more than for God and his kingdom, the pleasures and vanities of this world will be our snares and thorns in our side.
Just as Israel wept, we should as well. God has given us a wonderful country, with wonderful opportunities to live a life for him and HIS purpose. We ought to weep and then serve him with fear and trembling; always heeding the warning unlike what happens in the rest of the book of Judges.
Similar to the story of Jericho, the man who tells them the secret entrances to the city of Luz is spared with all of his family. He then goes on to found another city naming it Luz now that the Israelites renamed the newly conquered city Bethel.
We now hear that the tribes of Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, Dan go in to take their lands but do not drive out all of the enemy. This was to be their land, given by God. God doesn't give half promises, he doesn't give and then take away, he doesn't promise something and not fulfill his promises. These tribes of Israel went in and did not follow the commandments of God. They would till this very day, pay for the fact that they did not complete their part of the promise.
Whenever we compromise with Satan, or compromise with the world, we are essentially saying that we don't fully believe in the promises of Christ and his resurrection. I have fallen short myself, but if we seek his forgiveness we can go on in Christ's name. Given this, there is a price to pay for sin after salvation. The children of Israel were delivered according to God's promise. The taking and dwelling of Canaan was their life for Christ so to speak. That which we sow, we shall also reap.
Hebrews 10:26 - 29
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
These are not the most popular verses in Christianity; maybe they should be. We will pay for our sins committed after our 'knowledge of the truth'. Israel payed dearly for not listening to God's commands about taking and dwelling in the land of Canaan. Dwelling among the Canaanites was one thing, but then later taking their gods and their customs was quite another.
Judges 2: 1 - 5
Here comes and angel of the Lord to give a warning that is just in time if they heed the warning. Unfortunately they don't hold it to their hearts for long.
The angel commands them to make to covenants or alliances with these people; destroy their alters and serve only the true God that they now serve. We know that this warning was foretelling of what was to come and what was to be the next several hundred years of Israel's existence.
It is so with us, that if we make bargains, or live for the things of this world more than for God and his kingdom, the pleasures and vanities of this world will be our snares and thorns in our side.
Just as Israel wept, we should as well. God has given us a wonderful country, with wonderful opportunities to live a life for him and HIS purpose. We ought to weep and then serve him with fear and trembling; always heeding the warning unlike what happens in the rest of the book of Judges.
4th Week April 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges Chapter 1
The children of Israel find themselves for the first time without a leader that is either Moses, or someone associated with the exodus from Egypt. Moses is dead and now so is Joshua. We see that God is still with them and communicating with them. He is still instructing them to go and take the land that he promised them. He gave them specific instructions on what to do when they possessed a territory. We here that some of the tribes obeyed the commandments and others didn't. This would be a thorn in the side of Israel that continues to this day.
The tribes of Simeon and Judah go first to possess the land that God had promised them.They initially have great victory and then they run into Adoni-bezek. This was a king of some notoriety who had man other kings bow before him. After the the two tribes subdue him, they cut off his thumbs and big toes, rendering him unable to fight with a sword, or wrestle successfully with another man. This was a harsh time and he states that he is rewarded for the very things he did to other kings before him. This is truly and example of living by the sword and dying by the sword.
The tribes continue with great success burning the city that would some day be their capitol in Jerusalem. Then we come to one of the 'greats' of the leaders of Israel. Caleb makes a vow to marry off his daughter to whom ever can take Kirjath-sepher. This in part is a how we should view our Christian lives. We should strive the harder to conquer sin and spiritual wickedness because of the wonderful reward that awaits us in Heaven.
Caleb's daughter has favor with him and asks for a choice piece of land. I think pointing to the fact that our other halves truly are our better haves at times. More seriously though, we may want to tell someone about the joys of salvation and discover that someone dear to us may have a special favor with that person that can help convince them of the need of salvation. God showed favor to the Israelites, to Jacob, and to David over his brothers and so on. When he sent his son to die for our sins, he show special favor to us all.
Now comes the settlement of the Kenites. These were not all of the Kenite people, but the descendants of Moses' father in law. They followed Moses and the Children of Israel out of Egypt into the wilderness. Exodus 18 records Jethro's feelings toward Israel, their God and gives Moses some very sound advise. They go into the land of Canaan and take a portion in some of the better settled land of Canaan. It pays to be on God's side, many times you will get the overflowing of blessings he gives to others.
Later, the victories of Judah and Simeon fall a little short. We know because of the issues the Israelites have with the Philistines that they did not utterly clear out all of the coastal cities. Others were not defeated because of 'chariots of iron'. We know that God was able to deliver them out of Egypt and their army, past the walls of Jericho and so on. They fell short here, and it was not God's fault.
In next weeks lesson we'll try and finish the 1st chapter of Judges.
The children of Israel find themselves for the first time without a leader that is either Moses, or someone associated with the exodus from Egypt. Moses is dead and now so is Joshua. We see that God is still with them and communicating with them. He is still instructing them to go and take the land that he promised them. He gave them specific instructions on what to do when they possessed a territory. We here that some of the tribes obeyed the commandments and others didn't. This would be a thorn in the side of Israel that continues to this day.
The tribes of Simeon and Judah go first to possess the land that God had promised them.They initially have great victory and then they run into Adoni-bezek. This was a king of some notoriety who had man other kings bow before him. After the the two tribes subdue him, they cut off his thumbs and big toes, rendering him unable to fight with a sword, or wrestle successfully with another man. This was a harsh time and he states that he is rewarded for the very things he did to other kings before him. This is truly and example of living by the sword and dying by the sword.
The tribes continue with great success burning the city that would some day be their capitol in Jerusalem. Then we come to one of the 'greats' of the leaders of Israel. Caleb makes a vow to marry off his daughter to whom ever can take Kirjath-sepher. This in part is a how we should view our Christian lives. We should strive the harder to conquer sin and spiritual wickedness because of the wonderful reward that awaits us in Heaven.
Caleb's daughter has favor with him and asks for a choice piece of land. I think pointing to the fact that our other halves truly are our better haves at times. More seriously though, we may want to tell someone about the joys of salvation and discover that someone dear to us may have a special favor with that person that can help convince them of the need of salvation. God showed favor to the Israelites, to Jacob, and to David over his brothers and so on. When he sent his son to die for our sins, he show special favor to us all.
Now comes the settlement of the Kenites. These were not all of the Kenite people, but the descendants of Moses' father in law. They followed Moses and the Children of Israel out of Egypt into the wilderness. Exodus 18 records Jethro's feelings toward Israel, their God and gives Moses some very sound advise. They go into the land of Canaan and take a portion in some of the better settled land of Canaan. It pays to be on God's side, many times you will get the overflowing of blessings he gives to others.
Later, the victories of Judah and Simeon fall a little short. We know because of the issues the Israelites have with the Philistines that they did not utterly clear out all of the coastal cities. Others were not defeated because of 'chariots of iron'. We know that God was able to deliver them out of Egypt and their army, past the walls of Jericho and so on. They fell short here, and it was not God's fault.
In next weeks lesson we'll try and finish the 1st chapter of Judges.
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