The Sinful Failure of Israel

Judges 3:1–11
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Here we find Israel forgetting their maker and making unholy alliances with their pagan neighbors (vv. 1-4). As a result of living among their unconquered foes intermarriages soon took place and idolatry followed (vv. 5-7). When believers make common cause with the unbeliever the unbelievers are usually not influenced for good but instead the believers are dragged down by the compromising. 

For eight years Israel was in bondage to a king of Mesopotamia (v. 8). When Israel cried out to God for help Othniel was sent as the first Judge to deliver them (vv. 9-10). This first Judge was a noble young man, but we must understand that the Spirit of the Lord empowered him. Victory for God’s people always comes with an exercise of the will but most importantly by the power of the Holy Spirit. After this resounding victory we find Israel at rest for 40 years (v. 11).

Application

What area of my life do I have a battle going on? Is it something I have been doing that I shouldn’t be or is it something I am not doing that I should be? Do I need to cry out to God about this?