Today I read Judges 3, in which God left Philistines and Canaanites in the land to test whether the Israelites would follow the Lord’s commandments, and the Israelites betrayed God. Today I considered that even when we commit evil, God listens to and answers our sincere prayers.
Judge Othniel
God chose Othniel to judge over Israel (Judges 3:1-11). The Israelites lived around the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. The Israelites betrayed God by marrying their people and serving their gods. God was angry. God sold the Israelites to Cushan-rishathaim. Cushan-rishathaim kept them captive for eight years and they cried out to God for help. God’s spirit came on Caleb’s nephew Othniel who judged Israel and went to win the war against Cushan-rishathaim. The land had peace for 40 years until Othniel died.
Judge Ehud and Shamgar
God chose Ehud to deliver the Israelites from Elgon, and Shamgar to win against the Philistines (Judges 3:12-31). The Israelites committed evil again so God allowed king Eglon of Moab with people from Ammon and Amelek to capture Jericho. The Israelites served them 18 years and cried to God for help. God gave them Ehud to deliver them from Elgon. Ehud got Elgon to talk to him alone by bringing a present and saying he had a secret. Ehud stabbed the fat Elgon with a long dagger hidden under his garment and locked the chamber door when he left. By the time Elgon’s servants unlocked and opened the door, Ehud had escaped. Ehud told the Israelites the Lord was delivering them and they fought and won against Moab. They had peace for 80 years, while Ehud lived. Then Shamgar delivered the Israelites by killing 600 Philistines.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
The Israelites had an agreement with God, but they committed evil and violated the agreement. So, God let their enemies overtake them. God’s children suffered and cried for help. God being merciful, sent them judges to deliver them from their enemies. We also can do wrong, but if we sincerely cry to God for help, God will answer his child’s call.
What have you done wrong but seen God’s mercy come through?