Have you ever read a book and did not really understand it until you were several chapters in? The plot became clear. In the book of Judges, I believe we get the key verse to the in chapter seventeen.
Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
There was no king from chapter on verse one until chapter 21:25 where it repeats that
Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
And that was exactly, what they were told not to do
Deuteronomy 12:8 Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.
When they were brought into the land they were to be different, yet we have a whole history of them not being different. This is why we must be careful in studying it lest we think God ordained or condoned some things and we end up following a bad example. We need to be sure we make the right people the hero and not exalt the wrong person or misunderstand their place in this drama. Indeed, that is how false doctrines start basing them upon a false or wrongly interpreted history be it biblical or secular. When pastor is done with his series, I would to suggest you read Hebrews 11 and see if there is someone there you do not think should be there and if there is someone who is not that you think should be there. If you do, ponder why that might be that way. That’s a freebie. I will not charge for that puzzle.
So, in chapter two, we see a continuation of the problems the Israelites from the beginning. They did not enter the land when God directed because of fear so they spent forty years in the desert. Now, they made a pact with with a tribe that deceived them and would not back out of the treaty when they realized what happened. For me, the pact was made based upon a lie and could be negated to obey God, but they chose not to it.
They liked the concept of tribute or taxes so they did not drive out the people as they were told to so God had to sent a messenger, which is what an angel is, but not always an angel like Michael of Gabriel. When Jesus speaks to the seven churches He speaks to the angels, messengers or pastors of those churches.
We are nor told much other than he came up from Gilgal. Considering his message, he was doing the work of a prophet. Prophets were the men God called in when His people blew it. They had not fulfilled God’s commands concerning the land and this lad was called in to them the consequences of their actions. Prophets came in first with judgment and then promises of mercy when sin was repented of unlike those who claim to be prophets today who only seem to have good news of prosperity and promotion. Prophets like Elijah did anoint kings as did the judge Samuel, but it was because things were not right and those anointed were the fix.
We do not see any hope of the situation changing here though they were repentant. The place where they sacrificed was called Bochim (Bow Keem) or weepers. Indeed, those tribes were a thorn in the people’s side. They inherited the Promise Land, but it was not going be a picture of Heaven as some think because we will no enemies in Heaven. It is more like what we experience her ein that while we are indeed blessed of God we have enemies. Satan and his minions as the primaries and people they influence.
So Joshua the son of Nun (Perpetuity) died at 110. That is a good life. Recently, the oldest living America Veteran died at 113. Not many of us reach that kind of age. He was buried in Timnathheres (Tim na Ket ress) meaning a portion of the sun which was in Ephraim meaning double fruit on the north side of Gaash meaning a quaking. I do not know if you ever look up the meanings of the names that we can’t pronounce, but it can be quite interesting. Years ago, I looked up the names of some men because a man stood up and a long genealogy was given. Genealogy is a hobby for most of us, but it was how it was determined where you fit into a Jewish community. Anyway, him standing up was basically a sermon before he even spoke. You may find that kind of study fascinating. If you ever get to Israel, you might want to go to the area where Joshua was buried.
Like when Moses was too long on the mountain and the people partied naked and Aaron made a golden cafe, Joshua dies and the nation falls into paganism because they did not separate themselves from the Gentiles as God said. Throughout the history of Israel you will find this. Pagan women were quite enchanting as Israel constantly married them and they brought their pagan religion with them. This why we are told to come out from among the unclean and even pluck some from it like brands from a fire. We are not to look or act like them. A Babylonian garment and some pagan gold will bring a disaster later on and it does the same in the Body of Christ.
I will not go into the rites of Baal and Astaroth. You can find that on the internet. You may even see some similarities of their philosophies in the culture, but sadly, also in churches. The bottom line is you do not mix God’s ways with the ungodly’s ways.
Thus they caused God’s anger to come upon them and He gave then into the hands of plunderers and sold them into the hands of their enemies. Wars were no longer victorious. We can see that in Western culture. Indeed, we are having our wealth plundered by our enemies in many ways and being the main force in winning two World Wars we are not doing as well in that arena. Indeed, wherever or whatever we get involved with as a nation or with our allies does not work as well as WWII or the 50’s.
God created a leadership team for His people or judges and used them to get His people out of their troubles because He is a gracious and merciful God. Yet, like us, they experience the benefits of His grace and mercy and then do what is right in our own eyes. They did not listen to their judges and ended back in trouble. They would repent and mourn and then do it again,
