The book of Judges is marked by a repetitive cycle that is hard to read. It is not hard in the sense that it’s difficult to observe the pattern. No, the pattern is evident. It’s hard because it is painful to see generation after generation forget the lessons of their forebears and repeat the same mistakes. The pattern is:
1) Sin (Rebellion) – “And the children of Israel again did evil (3:12).
2) Servitude (Retribution) – “So the children of Israel served Eglon king of Moab” (3:14).
3) Supplication (Repentance) – “But when the children of Israel cried out” (3:15).
4) Salvation (Rest) – “And the land had rest” (3:30).
Someone once said, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Certainly, that was true for Israel in the days following Joshua’s death. This is a picture of the fallenness of humanity. This pattern repeats itself until someone prays and repents. Only God can rescue us from this cycle of death. Thank God, we have the victory in Christ Jesus!
“When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel” (Judges 3:9 NKJV)
Scripture for today:
Judges 2:10-3:31; Luke 22:14-34; Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 14:1-2