MICA (P) 022/12/2010

Transcription

1 MICA MICA (P) 166/10/2006 (P) 022/12/2010 DAILY manna JULY SEPTEMBER 2017 GENERAL EDITOR Rev Isaac Ong Daily devotions for reading through the Bible 01-96_DMQ3_SL.indd 1 5/6/17 12:18 pm

2 Dear Daily Manna readers, Following the death of Joshua, the nation of Israel plunged into a period of spiritual darkness. This was the time of the Judges men called, prepared, enabled by the Almighty to deliver the people out of oppression. The time of the Judges ought to speak to us for we live in similar times a time when God is denied, His authority defied, and His laws disobeyed. The instrument that God used to bring the people to their knees was oppression from the enemies. This serves as a reminder that when we lived in collusion with the world, we are gearing up for God s judgement. And it is a judgement that is meted out in love because God loves us too much to allow us to continue in the way of sin. I pray that as you find your way through Judges, you will be warned of God s wrath, and also be reminded of His mercy. Let me also encourage you to write in with your comments as to how we may improve Daily Manna ( calvary@singnet.com.sg). Parents, we want to remind you that DM Junior is also available for your children. A note to new Daily Manna readers In this book, you ll find a reading plan that will guide you through reading the Bible in two years. You will also find a simple exposition based on the reading of the day. From the day s Bible passages, Daily Manna highlights Biblical principles which may be applied in the Christian s daily living. We pray that the Daily Manna readings will make your reading through the Bible a more meaningful experience. Over the next two years, our focus will be on the Old Testament with the aim of giving you a more in-depth study of the OT books. A step-by-step approach: 1. Read the day s Bible chapters assigned in Daily Manna. 2. Review the Bible chapters to get an overview of what you ve just read. 3. Read the accompanying devotions in Daily Manna and reflect on the lessons learnt. 4. Pray and ask God to help you apply His Word to your life. Yours in Christ Pastor Isaac Ong Calvary B-P Church 01-96_DMQ3_SL.indd 2 5/6/17 12:18 pm

3 1 JULY BIBLE Joshua 24:29-33 The leader died VERSE 29 And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old. JOSHUA 1 PSALMS The turbulent history of the Judges began when Joshua died. He was forty years old when he was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to spy the land of Canaan [Joshua 14:7]. The majority report from ten spies caused the heart of the people [to] melt, but Joshua said he wholly followed the LORD my God [Joshua 14:8]. For their lack of faith and disobedience, the children of Israel were made to wander in the wilderness for forty years. God did not permit any Israelite twenty years and older to enter the promised land. Joshua and Caleb were the only two exceptions. This would mean that Joshua would have been twenty years and older when he spied out the land. And he would have been at least sixty years when he entered Canaan. Joshua died at 110 years [Joshua 24:29]; that would mean that Joshua was the leader of Israel for about fifty years. For half a century, Joshua led the people. By all accounts, he was a godly leader. The Bible tells us that Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua [Joshua 24:31]. Sadly, as the eyes of Joshua dimmed, so a tragic darkness also enveloped the land of Israel as well. The era of godly leadership under Moses and Joshua would fall into a state of decline. The fault could not be entirely blamed on Joshua. Yet, it could not be ignored that while there was a Joshua after Moses, there was no man after Joshua. Unlike Moses, Joshua did not appoint a leader. Joshua failed to appoint a leader to follow him. As a result, there was dissension in the land, and declension in the people. The work of the church is bigger than any one man. Prepare for the future by preparing the man _DMQ3_SL.indd 3 5/6/17 12:18 pm

4 2 JULY BIBLE Judges 2:18 The judges VERSES 18 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them. JOSHUA 2 PSALMS The title to the Book is derived from the Latin Vulgate, which in turn was influenced by the Septuagint. In the Greek and Latin translations, the title judges is assigned to the book. The title, however, is somewhat misleading because the Hebrew idea of a judge is quite different from the meaning of the English word. The Hebrew judges were really civil and military rulers who governed Israel in the time period between the death of Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy of Israel. The judges were people called and endowed by God with certain gifts that enabled them to lead the children of Israel out of oppression. After the death of Joshua, there was not a national figure to lead the people of Israel. Instead, each tribe was left to itself to conquer the territory that was allotted by God. As the need arose, God raised up different individuals who were judges, in various parts of Israel at various times, to lead segments of the Israelites against local enemies. Interestingly, the same title is used to describe the LORD the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon [Judges 11:27]. This tells us that God is the Chief Judge who appointed these human judges to rule over Israel at that particular time period. In other words, judges were instruments in God s hand. They were His representatives of God s direct and immediate leadership of His people. Or as one writer puts it, judges were men who, stepping to the fore in times of danger, by virtue only of those personal qualities which gave evidence to their fellows that Yahweh s spirit was upon them to lead them out of defeat into victory. The LORD the Judge be judge this day. Judges 11: _DMQ3_SL.indd 4 5/6/17 12:18 pm

5 3 JULY BIBLE Judges 11:26-27 The days in the Judges VERSE 27 Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon. JOSHUA 3 PSALMS The events recorded in Judges came shortly after the death of Joshua [Judges 1:1]. Bible scholars differ in the exact year of Joshua s death, putting his death anywhere between 1390 and 1366 B.C. The last recorded event of Judges is likely the death of Samson [Judges 16:29-30], which is placed between B.C. The other events recorded in Chapters 17 to 21 are likely to be contemporaneous events that characterised the moral and spiritual depravity of that time. Thus, the time period covered under Judges would be more than 300 years However, when you add up all the numbers and dates given in Judges, the sum of years is about 100 years more than what it should be. This numerical anomaly, however, can be explained by the fact that the periods of ministry of some of the judges overlapped. That is to say that some judges were active in one region of Israel at the same time that one or more other judges were serving in other areas. Example: Shamgar and Deborah were contemporaries because both of them became judges after the death of Ehud [Judges 3:31; 4:4] Judges has six distinct cycles of disobedience, defeat, and deliverance proving the faithfulness of God in spite of the sinfulness of man. These are deliverances (1) from Mesopotamia by Othniel [Judges 3:7-11]; (2) from Moab by Ehud; (3) deliverance from the Canaanites by Deborah and Barak [Judges 4:1-5:31]; (4) from the Midianites by Gideon [Judges 6:1-8:32]; (5) from the Philistines and Ammonites by Jephthah [Judges 10:6-12:15]; and lastly, (6) from the Philistines by Samson. [Judges 13:1-16:31] Consider the men and women who were called to do God s work. None was perfect, but each came on the stage of history to do his work and fulfil the task that God has assigned to him. Pray that it will be so with you _DMQ3_SL.indd 5 5/6/17 12:18 pm

6 4 JULY BIBLE Psalm 1 The sin spiral VERSE 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. JOSHUA 4 PSALMS Joshua is a story of victory and success, which are the result of the people s trust and obedience to God. Judges, on the other hand, is the record of defeat and failure which are the fruit from the seeds of disobedience and faithlessness. Joshua to Judges, is a record of victory to defeat, of freedom to servitude, of fidelity to the Lord to apostasy from the Lord. In them, we see the lesson that Paul warns about: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [Galatians 6:7-8] Judges paints the picture of the nation of Israel that disobedience was the cause of their defeat. The Israelites failed because their hearts turned from the LORD. Oppression was the natural course once they set their foot on the road of disobedience. They sowed what they reaped. We can trace the cycle that brings the children of Israel from sin spiralling downward to suffering to servitude, and to a time of desperation when they turned upward to God in supplication, and He, in His mercy, sent judges to effect salvation. Tragically, the cycle would repeat several times over because the children of Israel never learnt their lesson. Having been delivered from the oppression, not only did the people fall into sin, but in each cycle, it seems that they have sunk lower than where they had been previously. Judges records the history of a nation. It could very well be the life story of an individual. The same cycle of disobedience and defeat can take place in our lives as well. 6 Beware of spiritual compromise. Declension usually takes place with a small step away from God. It begins with toleration for things that God condemns _DMQ3_SL.indd 6 5/6/17 12:18 pm

7 5 JULY BIBLE Judges 21:25 Doing your own thing VERSE 25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. JOSHUA 5 PSALMS If there is a statement that could summarise the spiritual mood of the people of Israel during the time of the Judges, it would be that every man did that which was right in his own eyes [Judges 21:25]. The Jewish society in the time of the Judges was characterised by lawlessness, spiritual blindness, and immorality. Violence pervaded; there was no safety in the streets; apostasy was accepted; decadence and debauchery were the norm. These characteristics could very well be descriptions of our time. We too have been infected with a similar virus, namely the same mentality and attitude of the me generation. The idea of I do what I feel is right has been enshrined as a philosophy, and it has affected every area of life. This is evident in our indulgence of every fleshly desire, our attitude to work, our commitment (or a lack of] in our relationships, our fidelity to God and His church, and our rejection of God s truth and moral absolutes. The result is that our society is increasingly secular, progressively pagan, and vehemently anti-christian. Judges is a record of people with God-given potential for greatness. When they dared to trust God and depend upon Him, they were indeed people with hearts of iron, who could do great and mighty things for God. And they made a positive, godly impact on their times. However, when they turned away from God, and left off their godly ways, when men of God relied on their arms of flesh; their courage would melt, their strength would fade, and they like Samson wist not that the LORD was departed [Judges 16:20]. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance. Psalm 33: _DMQ3_SL.indd 7 5/6/17 12:18 pm

8 6 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:1-3 Crisis in leadership VERSE 1 Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the Lord, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? JOSHUA 6 PSALM 139 Keeping His covenant promise, God used His servant Joshua to lead Israel into Canaan to possess it. Joshua gave them a head start by defeating the major fortified cities of Canaan. What remained were just mopping-up operations. So long as Joshua and the elders were alive, Israel followed Joshua in serving the LORD [Joshua 24:31]. But when Joshua died, Israel underwent a crisis in leadership. Who could fill in the gap and lead them to complete the work of inheriting the land? The immediate responsibility rested on the individual tribes of Israel. It was a test of their faith in carrying out what God required of them in Deuteronomy chapter 6 that if they obeyed His Word they would enjoy victory. But if they disobeyed, they would face defeat and enslavement by the enemy. There is a couple of lessons that we can learn from this passage, First, God s servants know that no matter how much they have attained in their lifetime of service unto the Lord, the day will come when they must leave the work of faith to the next generation. There will be challenges ahead. But God will never abandon His purpose. He will raise from among His people, leaders to continue His work through His Church. Second, the children of Israel were right in taking the leadership crisis to God in prayer. Prayer is the first essential for victory. Prayer looks to God to provide the leadership as well as the strategy to possess the Promised Land. We pray for 1) our spiritual leaders; 2) God to raise the next generation of leaders; 3) ourselves to remain faithful and to work in unity building His Church on God s Word. 8 REMINDER Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you. 2 Thessalonians 3: _DMQ3_SL.indd 8 5/6/17 12:18 pm

9 7 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:2-3 Is God s Word enough? VERSE 3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him. JOSHUA 7 PSALMS SONG OF VICTORY The first thing that Israel did was to ask the LORD in prayer to designate which of the tribes would represent them in leading the fight against the Canaanites. The Lord answered, Judah shall go up; behold, I have delivered the land into his hand. Prayer was answered and God gave Judah assurance of victory. Based on His assurance the next step was to obey His Word. What is the use of having a head knowledge of God s Word and saying that we believe but stop short of obedience? Isn t this the reason why many professing Christians today are not experiencing the joy of trusting the Lord? Instead of acting upon the sure promises of God s Word and adopting a can-do spirit, they wallow in defeat and self-pity. There is no excuse for God s people not to obey His Word. If there is a sense of weakness and inadequacy to step out in obedience, don t forget that God has given us fellow believers of faith to provoke one another unto love and to good works. That was what Judah did in forming an alliance with Simeon to fight the enemy together. The bigger tribe Judah was helping the smaller tribe Simeon to work as one. So Simeon went with Judah. They marched forward and there was victory. And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand [verse 4a]. For God s people to enjoy continuing victory in the battle of faith, we must continue to look to God in prayer, hold fast to His promises and be faithful to act in obedience to His Word. At the sign of triumph Satan s host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, On to victory! Hell s foundations quiver At the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, Loud your anthems raise! (tune:- Onward, Christian Soldiers) _DMQ3_SL.indd 9 5/6/17 12:18 pm

10 8 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:4-7 Battle against Bezek VERSES 5a, 6b And they found Adoni-bezek in Bezek: and they fought against him caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes. JOSHUA 8 PSALMS The joint effort of Judah and Simeon in attacking the Canaanites and the Perizzites paid off. The Lord delivered them and they slew in Bezek ten thousand men. But the irony is that they did not kill Adoni-bezek the ruler of Bezek right away. Instead they kept him alive, cut off his thumbs and his great toes and put him on display as a kind of war trophy before they brought him to Jerusalem. This was in violation of what God said to Israel concerning the treatment of enemy kings in Deuteronomy 7:24a: And He shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under heaven However, even though Adoni-bezek himself admitted that his suffering was a retribution from the just God for what he had done in cutting off the thumbs and toes of seventy kings, the point is that Israel had sunk to the level of adopting the methods of the heathen in mutilating the bodies of their enemies, before they were killed. The lesson here is that if we begin to disobey God s Word and follow the ungodly ways of the world, even taking a small step of following mancentered methods, we can get used to it and soon be led astray from God. That is why it is so vital for us to know what is written in the whole counsel of God s Word and to ensure that we obey all that is written. Partial obedience is disobedience. In this way we will not accommodate and compromise with the errors of the ungodly world and displease God. 10 MEMORISE This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1: _DMQ3_SL.indd 10 5/6/17 12:18 pm

11 9 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:1-7 Judah went up, the LORD delivered VERSES 1b, 2a Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up JOSHUA 9 PSALM 144 SING In answer to the enquiry of the children of Israel on leadership (after the death of Joshua) for the conquest and occupation of the land of promise, the LORD designates Judah as the tribe to lead. In response, Judah went up and the LORD blessed Judah s obedience with victory against the Canannites and the Perizzites. Why was the tribe of Judah given the leadership role? This is because Israel s deepest need is for the divinely chosen righteous king from Judah to come. The patriarch Jacob in Genesis 49:8-12, prophesied that the sceptre shall not depart from Judah nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be [verse 10]. The sceptre held by Judah is a Messianic prophecy that Jesus Christ the Messiah King and Saviour would emerge to rule over the people of God. Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Judah s obedience to lead Israel reminds us of our Lord Jesus of how He was willing to condescend to wretched depraved sinners to save us from sin by His perfect sacrifice on the cross. Our God and King took our sins upon Himself, suffered, shed His precious blood and died on the cross that we through repentance and faith in Him have received forgiveness of our sins and eternal life. Having received so great a salvation how should we then live? Surely we will walk in obedience to God s Word and be good examples to lead our closest to follow us as we follow Christ. Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things; Give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the KING OF KINGS _DMQ3_SL.indd 11 5/6/17 12:18 pm

12 10 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:8 Battle against Jerusalem VERSE 8 Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire. JOSHUA 10 PSALM 145 Following the capture of Adoni-bezek, the combined forces of Judah and Simeon took him to Jerusalem and there he died. Why did they take him to Jebus (Jerusalem) and also set the city on fire? Adoni-bezek must have held some relation to that city hence they fought against the Jebusites in Jerusalem and set the city on fire. The next question is, Why didn t they go further to occupy Jerusalem given God s command to do so? The tribe of Benjamin should do the work of occupying Jerusalem since it was within his assigned area for conquest. But according to verse 21, the Jebusites were still present in Jerusalem. It was not until King David that the Jebusites were totally destroyed and the stronghold of Zion taken. [2 Samuel 5:6-9; 1 Chronicles 11:4-8] Here is the beginning of failure in occupying the land. The Jebusites were able to reoccupy the land because - 1) Judah did not drive them out completely; 2) Judah s failure as God s appointed leader to assist the tribe of Benjamin to take out the Jebusites; 3) Lack of co-operation among the tribes - selfish mentality - this is not my job ; 4) Failure to see the big picture of the Lord s work for His people to carry out in unity to the Glory of His Name; and 5) Lack of faith on Judah s part not only in failing to drive out the Jebusites but also allowing them to dwell with them. May the Lord help us to put into practice these lessons of faith and build our church spiritually in obedience to His Word. SOBERING WORDS As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day. Joshua 15: _DMQ3_SL.indd 12 5/6/17 12:18 pm

13 11 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:9-15 Battle against the Canaanites VERSE 9 And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley. JOSHUA 11 PSALMS The occupation by the Israelites of their promised land involved a continual struggle against the Canaanites whom they had displaced but not eliminated as God had commanded. Now that Joshua was dead, those remnants seemed to have re-established themselves making it necessary for the Israelites to engage them militarily once again. Israel in Canaan is like the Christian in the world. God s enemies who have a foothold are never ready to concede without putting up stiff resistance. Their presence was everywhere felt - in the mountain, in the valley and in the south. Not being completely eliminated, they would trouble, test and tempt time and time again. Hebron was given to Caleb, but still he had to expel the giant Anakims to gain possession of the city. Like Canaan, this world is Satan s domain in which he has a momentary foothold. And although Christians live in this world by the sovereign will of God, we are just temporary tenants, sojourners marching through Immanuel s ground to our permanent home above. Along the way, we have Canaanites to contend with. Our tainted old nature still rages within us to corrupt and stumble worldly attractions, fleshly lusts, covetousness, pride, self-will, mean-spiritedness, unwholesome speech, anger, malice all continue to tempt and challenge us at every turn. God s great enemy seeks to reclaim us and will never leave us alone. Only by relying on God s strength can the true disciple soldier march on, keeping the faith and resisting the devil. And he who perseveres to the end and prevails, will receive the victor s laurel. We re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion; We re marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God _DMQ3_SL.indd 13 5/6/17 12:18 pm

14 12 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:11-15 Battle against Debir VERSE 12 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. JOSHUA PSALM 148 This account of the conquest of Debir [Kirjathsepher] is a reiteration of Joshua 15: We can reasonably infer that Debir was no mean city to conquer, from the fact that Caleb was moved to offer the hand of his daughter to the one who could successfully attack and capture it. So often it is, that the true mettle of a man, the proof of his character, courage and profession, is only tested and forged in the fires of conflict. Othniel, son of Caleb s brother Kenaz, proved to be such a man, not only taking the city, and winning the hand of Achsah to wife, but in time, becoming the one chosen and commissioned by the LORD to be Israel s first judge and deliverer from their oppressors. Christians are challenged in their daily lives too, but often thankfully to lesser battles than Othniel was. We need not go into a bloody battle, but may be required to share the gospel with a stranger. We need not take a city but may need to take a stand for the Lord in some social issue of the day. We need not take up arms in warfare but there may be a need for volunteers in our church ministries. We need not lead an army, but a leader may be needed for a Bible study group or Sunday school class. Are we courageous? May God grant us the spirit of Othniel, fearless, ready and willing. A crown of glory awaits him who strives for Christ, endures the tests and is faithful to the end. The refiner s fire consumes the dross but purifies the gold. May we be as gold to God. But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23: _DMQ3_SL.indd 14 5/6/17 12:18 pm

15 13 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:15 Give me a blessing VERSE 15 And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs. JOSHUA PSALMS Which father will not give his children what they ask for, if the thing asked is for their good? Caleb had given the south land [in the arid Negeb district in southern Judah] to Achsah and Othniel as a wedding gift, and now as the time came for her to bid farewell to her family, she was moved to ask from him one further blessing water for the land. And Caleb gave unstintingly, both the upper and lower springs that were essential and beneficial for the land. A loving father not only gives; he gives generously. Recall Jacob who asked for a blessing that night before his feared meeting with Esau, as he wrestled with the angel of the Lord. And the man gave him not only the blessing of a new name, Israel ( prince who prevails with God ), but also a new nature and new endowment of power. Jacob, the erstwhile supplanter encountered God that evening, and prevailed with Him. The apostle James reminds the Christian to ask their heavenly Father in faith, not wavering, for He will give liberally and willingly, and without reproach to the suppliant. Jesus Himself taught His disciples to ask, seek and knock on God s door with confidence because the loving and compassionate Father who is without evil intent, will answer and give only good to them who ask in faith. This therefore should be our constant plea. Give me a blessing, Lord so that a blessing I might be, for the glory of Your great and holy name. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him? Matthew 7: _DMQ3_SL.indd 15 5/6/17 12:18 pm

16 14 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:16-17 Dwelling with enemies VERSE 16 And the children of the Kenite, Moses father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people. JOSHUA ACTS 1 The Kenites were a nomadic people of Cushite or Ethiopian origin who were living in the land of Cush [Arabia] whereto Moses had fled after his killing of the Egyptian. They became related to him through his marriage to Zipporah, one of the daughters of their leader and priest, Jethro [Exodus 2]. From this, they would become closely allied to the Israelites and in time, came to dwell in the territory around Jericho, the city of palm trees. Evidently they were living in the proximity of Canaanites who may have regarded them with hostility and suspicion because of their ties with the Hebrews. Now following the destruction of Jericho, and with the Israelites on the move to occupy all Canaan, the Kenites therefore uprooted themselves, cast their lot with the Jews, moved and settled in the wilderness area of southern Judah with their affinal brethren, free from the molestation and harmful influence of their enemies. Our friendships and fellowships matter. Friendship of the world is enmity with God. The world seeks to influence the Christian by corrupting and drawing them into some compromise. Recall Lot who, attracted by the cities of the plains, pitched his tent toward Sodom and was soon found sitting prominently at its gates. We are to be careful in the choice of where we plant roots and make associations. Conversely, Christians are instructed not to forsake the fellowship of like-minded believers, for in them will be found the mutual encouragement and strength for spiritual challenges that we will face. The Kenites chose wisely. Will you? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 2 Corinthians 6: _DMQ3_SL.indd 16 5/6/17 12:18 pm

17 15 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:18-19 Stopped by chariots of iron VERSE 19 And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. JOSHUA ACTS 2 PRAYER As Judah had received support from Simeon [v. 3], now he returned the favour by fighting alongside Simeon. They took the coastal territories of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ekron and the hill country, but they were unable to defeat the inhabitants in the valley. Today s verse is seemingly a contradiction in terms. The LORD was with Judah... but could not drive out the inhabitants Judah failed because their memory was poor and their faith lacking. It was not long ago that the LORD had handed them under Joshua a miraculous victory against an overwhelming army and commanded them to hough the horses and burn the chariots, for then would they understand that God was all-sufficient [Joshua 11:4-9]. Had they but remembered this and believed that God s words to the house of Joseph [Joshua 17:18] was theirs too, then doubtless would they have prevailed against even iron chariots. Their spiritual sight was marred by what their physical eyes saw, and they forgot the battle was the Lord s, that the omnipotent God would undertake to secure the victory if they only trusted fully in His invisible arm and unbreakable promise. An astute writer notes, It was distrust, the want of a simple and firm reliance on the promise of God that made them afraid of the iron chariots [JFB]. How true it is in our lives today. Chariots of iron abound to obstruct, hinder and overcome the Christian. We often forget God when we see these chariots. But as the LORD was with Joshua, Judah and Joseph, so the LORD is with us today to save. Help me, O Lord, to remember and trust fully your Word and promises to us. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20: _DMQ3_SL.indd 17 5/6/17 12:18 pm

18 16 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:20 Caleb and the Anaks VERSE 20 And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak. JOSHUA ACTS 3 The Anaks were the terror to the Jews. They were the long-necked giants whom Joshua finally destroyed through the power of God. And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak [Joshua 15:14.] Caleb drove the 3 sons of Anak out of Canaan as he was asked to do so. The Anakims were armed with iron chariots whereas the Jews only had hand weapons. It was like using an egg against a stone. However, this is faith versus brawn. God is the creator of the universe. He is Almighty. No weapon can match the power of God. Caleb knew the importance of reliance on God as he was one of the spies who had the faith to believe that the Jews would occupy the Promised Land. What did the other spies see? Giants! What did Caleb see? He saw an opportunity that God has given to the people of Israel [Numbers 13:30]. Obviously when Caleb said that we are well able to overcome it, he meant that they fought with God on their side. Some man may seem invincible in our sight, but eventually they will wear out in due time and become as frail as anyone would. Unless we trust in God we will never be able to overcome anything. The spies who saw only giants and lost their confidence to move forward despite God s promise of delivery perished. Caleb proclaimed victory. Man knew that there is life after death; each race has a perception of heaven. They try all means to reach it on their own. But they cannot. Jesus is the only way to heaven. And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee. Psalm 9: _DMQ3_SL.indd 18 5/6/17 12:18 pm

19 17 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:21 Living with the enemies VERSE 21 And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day. JOSHUA 22 ACTS 4 God instructed the Jews to destroy the inhabitants of the land and to take over the Promised Land. God was with them to encourage and to give them the assurance that the Promised Land would be delivered as He said so. God could have cause a calamity to totally eliminate the people on the land before He led the Israelites into Canaan. However, He wanted the Jews to have a small part to play; to show that they are not just receiving the land on a silver platter. Yet instead of following the commandments of God, the Benjamites did not eradicate the Jebusites. Like the Jews, we too have failed to abide by God s laws and to follow His commandments. Disobedience will cause us harm. A little omission or deviation is likened to poison. A small portion of poison is potent enough to cause death. Adam and Eve did just that when they took of the forbidden fruit. There was build up to the fall finally. Eve was attracted by the sight and then the conversation with the serpent. God in His grace gave a check and balance [as He has to us, too]. Adam had the opportunity to remind Eve of God s word. We are not recreated to be robots in that we have a free will of our own. We have time to reflect before we carry out a thought or a deed. We have a choice of walking away from sin or taking a path that honours God. Pray that we do not abuse the freedom that God has given to us. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15: _DMQ3_SL.indd 19 5/6/17 12:18 pm

20 18 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:22-26 A little tolerance VERSE 26 And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day. JOSHUA 23 ACTS 5 You might have heard of the experiment on killing a frog while it is in its comfort zone. The frog is first placed in a tub of cold water, and the temperature of the water is slowly raised. The frog did not realise the change in the temperature of the water until it is too late. Here we read of a man who was spared in Bethel for showing the entrance to the enemy s city. Is it wrong to spare the man who helped? Rahab and her family were spared, too. Herein lies the difference. Whereas Rahab and her household adopted the Jewish way of life and genuinely believed in the Almighty God, this unnamed man built a city and lived as a heathen. This will soon bring negative effect to the Jews as they would slowly be influenced by the beliefs and practice of this man and his descendants. We are living alongside the world and our duty is to live according to the Word of God so that we can bring the Gospel to the world. We are to be separated as we are sanctified. Instead sadly, many have brought the world into the church. The worldly way has crept into churches today, like how the Jews had allowed the unnamed man to build a city of his own. For this reason, we ought to pray for the leaders of our church to stay faithful to the teachings of the Bible. Do not be like the frog in the experiment as described above. By the time you realise the danger, it might be too late. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 1 Corinthians 5: _DMQ3_SL.indd 20 5/6/17 12:18 pm

21 19 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:27-28 Covenantal compromise (I) VERSE 28 And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out. JOSHUA 24 ACTS 6 The Jews thought they were in control. They did what was best in their sight instead of following what God had instructed them to do. They had confidence in themselves and human judgement. Was it not better for the Jews to collect tribute [taxes] from the Canaanites than to have killed them? Maybe God did not think of this. God indeed had figured out all these. He created man. It is just that He allowed the bitter lesson to take place since He also gave man the free will to choose. Thus, we have to receive the just consequences of our own folly. There is a tendency for us to apply whatever we learn from the world into the church. Many may even think that the church has been operating the old-fashioned way. Using new ways will be a winwin situation, is it not? No, it is not necessarily so. Certain things cannot be done in man s way. God s way is to point out the sin of man and that the only way to salvation is repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ. Nothing is new about this. God does not need to give miraculous power to anyone so that he can convince others about the truth in the Bible. If seeing is believing, then all those who had witnessed the miracles of Jesus should have been His followers. No, instead most went away without accepting Jesus as their Saviour. Faith is not through our eyes but from our hearts. Do we think we know more than God? Are we wiser than God? Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1: _DMQ3_SL.indd 21

22 20 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:29-30 Covenantal compromise (II) VERSE 30 Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries. JUDGES 1 ACTS 7 Throughout history, Man has always been trying to outsmart God. We keep breaking God s law by doing things we perceive as better than those of our Creator. God loves us and thus wants man to walk the path of righteousness. It is for this reason that He gave us laws to direct our ways. If we love Him we will follow His word and commandments. Unless we stick to the teaching of the Bible alone, we will drift away from God. Sadly, many church leaders and pastors today have been influenced by the world and the desire for popularity. They make the Gospel more acceptable to the people. They are afraid that many will be offended because the scripture says all have sin. Some dilute the Gospel to say that God is love and that He will not send anyone to hell. Some preach that all religions are the same and will lead to the worship of the same God. This is a result of compromise. The Bible clearly states that there is only one God and there is only one way to heaven. There is only one God Almighty the Creator in three Persons. There is salvation through Jesus only and no others. In Christ the Solid Rock we stand; all other grounds are but sinking sand. The Apostle Paul warns in Galatians 1 that people can so quickly turn to preach another gospel. Be thus forewarned, compromise can lead to gradual disobedience and become a curse. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. 1 Corinthians 16: _DMQ3_SL.indd 22

23 21 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:31-33 Covenantal compromise (III) VERSE 33 Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them. JUDGES 2 ACTS 8 The repeated failure of the Israelites to exterminate the Canaanites and their religion, and to occupy the land completely was blatant disobedience to God s earlier command [Exodus 23:32-33; 34:10-16; Deuteronomy 7:1-9]. It was also outright compromise by Israel on God s covenant with Abraham and Moses. Judah was derelict in her duty to drive out the inhabitants occupying their land; the other tribes followed their evil example. How important it is for a leader to set a godly example for others! Asher did worst as it submitted to the inhabitants and assimilated with them, while Naphtali made tributaries of the inhabitants. Both allowed the Canaanites to live and worship their deities in towns named after their idols, with their monuments of idolatry still standing tall. The same problem that kept their fathers out of the Promised Land 40 years ago now prevented them from taking full possession of it. Unbelief in the power and promise of God made them lose the advantage, resulting in misery and shame for many years to come. They were cowardly and covetous reckoning the labour and money of the Canaanites more convenient than shedding their own blood. They did not abhor idolatry enough to destroy it. They secretly lusted after the lewd Canaanite practices of idol worship and temple prostitution. God requires His children to obey Him absolutely at all times, believing in His promises. In doing His work, we are not to rely on our own wisdom, for the human mind is depraved and carnal; nor on our own strength, but only on Christ who strengthens us. [Philippians 4:13] But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40: _DMQ3_SL.indd 23

24 22 JULY BIBLE Judges 1:34-36 The danger of covenantal compromise VERSE 34 And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley: JUDGES 3 ACTS 9 Dan s cowardice, lack of will to drive out the Amorites and her readiness to compromise emboldened their enemies to retaliate. They prevented the Danites from coming down to the valleys, forcing them to remain in the mountains. The neighbouring tribe of Ephraim could subdue the Amorites but did not lend a hand to their brothers to overcome their common enemy. This reflects the self-centredness and avarice of the tribes then. They were fragmented and disunited, having little regard to assemble at Shiloh where the Tabernacle were for centralised national worship, revealing their waning reverence for God. Hostilities forced the Danites to look for land in the far north [La ish]. Dan leaving its land allotted by God was disobedience to God. The Danite migration [chapter 18], the story of Micah and his private priest [chapter 17] when every man did that which was right in his own eyes [Judges 17:6], and the subsequent Benjamite war records the apostasy during the period of the Judges. Israel s sin was disobeying God by not destroying the Canaanites and their religion. They rejected God s lordship, ignored His warning [Exodus 34:10-17] and compromised His covenant. By living close to the Canaanites, the Israelites were strongly influenced by them. Intermarriage resulted in their children adopting the Canaanites idol worship and lewd practices. As they spiralled deeper into sin [Isaiah 30:1], they drew further and further away from God, only to await His retribution. As children of God, may we take heed to His command, Be ye holy; for I am holy [1 Peter 1:16]. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6: _DMQ3_SL.indd 24

25 23 JULY BIBLE Judges 2:1-2 God s warning VERSE 2 And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? JUDGES 4 ACTS 10 Sin precedes a visitation and rebuke by God. The Angel of the Lord was none other than God Himself, the Pre-incarnate Christ, who declared to Israel, I made you to go up out of Egypt. The magnitude of Israel s sin was exposed under the glaring light of God s mercies. God reminded Israel of how He had delivered them from slavery, then guided, protected and sustained them in their journeys. He finally brought them into the Promised Land as He had covenanted with their fathers. The Angel of the Lord came to the Israelites from Gilgal, the old encampment from which God led them to many victories. This emphasized His past mercies on them. They now defied God and made a league with the enemies whose monuments of idolatry and altars still stood. The enemies of the God of truth were now living in peace side by side with God s people! Israel s sin was inexcusable [John 15:22] as God s command had been delivered clearly to their fathers and lately through Joshua [Joshua 23:1-16; 24:1-28]. We have been delivered from the bondage of sin, redeemed by the precious blood of our Saviour, and translated into His kingdom of Light. Have we been faithful in obeying His Word? Have we driven out the enemy from our hearts casting out every idol and tearing down its altars? Do we daily mortify every sin in our hearts [Colossians 3:5], put off the old man and put on the new man [Colossians 3:10]? For all His mercies and blessing upon us, may we be always thankful and obedient to His Word. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4: _DMQ3_SL.indd 25

26 24 JULY BIBLE Judges 2:3 Thorns and snares VERSE 3 Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. JUDGES 5 ACTS 11 After God charged Israel with her sin of disobedience, He pronounced His judgement and punishment. The ye have not of the people was met with the I will not of God. Since Israel omitted her duties, God would omit His help. He declared that He would leave those who sinfully left Him. Israel s forsaking of God would be punished by God forsaking them. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you [Jeremiah 5:25]. God s rebuke pointed to coming sorrows. God would not drive out their enemies and their victories would cease because of their infidelity. Disobedience and unfaithfulness result in spiritual weakness, preventing one from accomplishing the will of God. The Canaanites whom they made a league with would be thorns in their side, their direst foe, harassing and warring against them for many years, giving them neither peace nor rest. God would use their enemies as an instrument of chastisement upon the Israelites. God declared their gods shall be a snare unto you. The altars which they spared, contrary to God s command, became the future place of their own sacrifice. We cannot keep as possessions those things that God has forbidden. Disobedience to God is the seed of temptation to more disobedience. Sin sown in the heart grows naturally, flourishing in the fertile soil of a deceitful and desperately wicked heart [Jeremiah 17:9]. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. [James 1:15]. May God s warning ever cause us to flee from sin. For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. Hebrews 12: _DMQ3_SL.indd 26

27 25 JULY BIBLE Judges 2:4-5 Repentance but VERSE 4 And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. JUDGES 6 ACTS 12 The children of Israel were gathered at Shiloh for their national festival and worship, even with all the heathen altars around them. As the Lord delivered His scathing rebuke, the people stood in fearful silence. Who can answer when God contends with him on account of his sins? If God be against us, who can be for us? For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart [Hebrews 4:12]. Fearing God s wrath, they wept and pleaded with God. The congregation was supposed to sing psalms and songs of praise in joyful worship but were wailing and weeping instead (Bochim). A Christian s life should be one of joy and serving God in victory [Ephesians 5:18-21], not one of living in shame and defeat from cavorting with the devil [James 4:4]. Sin is the cause of tears [Psalm 6:6]. On earth, there will be much tears because sin abounds until we arrive in heaven where there is no sin or tears because God has wiped away all tears [Revelation 21:4]. The tears and sacrifices of the Israelites were to no avail as they were not accompanied by the destruction of the heathen idols and altars. There was no true repentance. They had lived for so long in sin that it became too deeply rooted to be wiped out. True repentance requires a turning away from sin and returning to God. Only the blood of Jesus can wash away our sins. If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7: _DMQ3_SL.indd 27

28 26 JULY BIBLE Judges 2:6-7 When Joshua was alive VERSE 6 And when Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went every man unto his inheritance to possess the land. JUDGES 7 ACTS 13 When Joshua dismissed the people to take possession of the land and their own inheritance, he was close to the age of hundred and ten. Before dismissing the Israelites, Joshua gave his farewell speech, which was outlined in Joshua 23. Joshua wanted the people to trust in God who had been faithful to them. He wanted them to be strong and to remain faithful to God just as he did. He also warned them not to turn away from God to serve other gods. The generation under the leadership of Joshua and the elders of his time experienced God firsthand, and they responded to God faithfully [v. 7]. There are Christians who talk about their relationship with God and how they are glad for holding the ticket to go to heaven. Yet they think, live and behave no differently from the rest of the world. Are you one of them? Are you like the majority of the people who make confession with their mouths that they believe in God or even Jesus Christ, but show no evidence of their confession in their daily living? Or are you fighting daily for the living encounter with God, striving every day for the time to read God s word, to talk to Him, to do His will? When you fight for it, God becomes real. When God becomes real to you, you will change. When you change to be more like Jesus, the world notices it. You stand out in the crowd! CHALLENGE That people may see Christ in you _DMQ3_SL.indd 28

29 27 JULY BIBLE Judges 2:8-9 After Joshua died VERSE 8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old. JUDGES 8 ACTS 14 REMINDER Like it or not, all men have to die. Joshua died, Jacob died, Joseph died and Moses died. If Jesus Christ does not come back quickly, we are going to die too. The good news is that the death of a godly man or woman does not have to be the death of his or her legacy. If we have been running our race rightly, we will have raised up people younger than ourselves to whom we can hand the baton. They, in turn, will not only run well but may even run far better than we did. But history proves that this good-news scenario is more often the exception rather than the rule. Moses was a great leader and did not fumble when he passed the baton to Joshua. But soon after Joshua died, his contemporaries the other elders who remained alive for a short while after his death, failed badly. We read that There arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD [v. 10]. Despite all the stories of the amazing exodus from Egypt the crossing of the Red Sea on dry ground, the miraculous provision of food and protection, the signs and wonders, the great military victories, it is hard to believe that such a tragic fumbling of the baton-passing could have happened. But it did. The Lord and His mighty works were virtually unknown to the generations after the death of Joshua. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22: _DMQ3_SL.indd 29

30 28 JULY BIBLE Judges 2:10 The next generation VERSE 10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. JUDGES 9 ACTS 15 Unlike the previous generation, this post-joshua generation is said to have not known the Lord nor the wonders that He had done. Does this mean that this post-joshua generation did not have the head knowledge of God, and what He had done in history? This is unlikely. They were cultured in the Hebrew tradition. They heard the stories about God and what He had done. They were like churched people who grew up hearing the Bible stories. The real problem was that they did not know God nor have a personal relationship with the living God. All it took was one generation and we see how the offspring of that generation who was blessed and privileged to enter the Promised Land, had forgotten who the God of Israel was. This should be a stern warning to believers. Many of us are eyewitnesses of the power of God. We have not experienced as many of God s wonders and as much of His power as Joshua and his contemporaries did. As such, it is hard for us to believe that the younger generation we are raising up could ever stray from the Lord Whom we love and serve. But be warned - if we are not careful, the same thing that happened then could happen now. Our children and our youth could easily miss out experiencing God the way we have. Unless we successfully pass on the baton, the next generation may not only lose the race, but also their own souls. Give them faith and it will sustain them through every difficulty, heartache, trial of life, and save them for heaven _DMQ3_SL.indd 30

31 29 JULY BIBLE Judges 2:11-12 The acts of the next generation VERSE 12 And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. JUDGES 10 ACTS 16 REMINDER Verse 7 opens with the people served the Lord and verse 11 ends with the children of Israel... served Baalim. The above was the consequence of not having a personal relationship with the living God. Without God, Israel instead of holding fast to the Lord, forsook the Lord. Rather than following and worshipping the Lord, they followed and served the various gods of Canaan. Instead of remaining distinctive people of God, they assimilated and became like one of the Canaanites. Joshua s generation fought to get their lands and they experienced God s help. The new generation inherited this rest and comfort. They had nothing to fight for and began to feel that they did not need God. There is nothing wrong with an easy life but with that kind of comfort, we tend to drift from God. We become indifferent to God s call. We become oblivious to the plight of men. We just want to enjoy our own lives. There are three lessons for us to learn here. First, when the knowledge of God is preserved in a family or community, especially by those who have personally experienced God s power, faith is nourished and obedience follows. Second, if parents allow their children to grow up without the knowledge of God, they serve not only their ignorance and unbelief, but also lead them to destruction. Third, it is thus the solemn duty of all parents to teach their children about God and His saving work, so that the next generation will know God and be saved. Keep God in sight tell His stories, teach His Word and guard your heart _DMQ3_SL.indd 31

32 30 JULY BIBLE Judges 2:13 Forsook God for Baal VERSE 13 And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. JUDGES 11 ACTS 17 In verse 12 we read And they forsook the LORD... and followed other gods. This was repeated again in verse 13 to highlight the heinous sins the Israelites were guilty of, and how displeasing they were to God. Baal was the god over the weather and nature for the Canaanites. He was essentially the agricultural god. In an agricultural society, people served Baal because they wanted good weather for abundant crops and flocks. The main reason they served Baal was thus for personal wealth. Ashtoreth was the Canaanite goddess of love, sex, and fertility. She was usually worshipped by having sex with a priestess who was a prostitute. Nothing is more provoking to God than having other gods before Him. Yet, in all likelihood, the Israelites did not see their idolatry as forsaking God. They probably just thought they were adding a few gods alongside of the God of their fathers. But they had broken the very first commandment of the Lord Thou shalt have no other gods before Me [Exodus 20:3]. The all great God demands exclusive worship. Why would anyone want to trade a personal, real, living God for a false god? Because there is something within us that is afraid of the exact God we need. We would rather serve a god of our own creation; one that bows to our wishes and turns a blind eye to our sins. The gods we create are the gods we want in our own flesh. Who are your gods? Flee idolatry. When we forsake the worship of the Lord, we do in effect forsake God Himself _DMQ3_SL.indd 32

33 31 JULY BIBLE Judges 2:14-15 The anger of the LORD VERSE 14 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and He sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. JUDGES 12 ACTS 18 KEY When the Israelites abandoned their God, they put themselves in the path of God s wrath. God no longer fought the battle for them. God would permit miseries and defeats in their lives so that they would find themselves in great distress. Because it was only then that they would realise their inadequacy and the vanity of worldly assurance. Our God is our King, our Lord, and our Saviour; we live out His purpose, His will and His love. We should see living in the presence of God as the best thing we can ever experience. This is the meaning of true worship. It is far more than spending a few hours in church every Lord s Day. We know we are worshipping God if we desire to know God and are zealous to do His work. We know we love God when we love one another like how He has loved us. Our God has the heavenly agenda. God wants to give Himself to us through Jesus Christ as our Saviour. He has told us the meaning and purpose in life. He wants us to enjoy Him, glorify Him and love Him. His will is for us to be fully bathing in His love, His greatness, His will, for this is also the best state Man can be in and He wants the best for us too. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God [Deuteronomy 4:24]. So, fight to worship God and to enjoy Him fully. Worship God by putting Him first in everything we do _DMQ3_SL.indd 33

34 1 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 2:16-17 Nevertheless yet VERSE 16 Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. JUDGES 13 ACTS 19 Here, we see two main points. The first is God s unfailing faithfulness and love for His people. In the midst of His punishing them for their idolatrous ways [vs ], God in His mercy continues to provide them judges to deliver them out of the hands of their enemies and more importantly, to restore them to the worship of Jehovah, the one true and living God. This mercy is amazing simply because it is a mercy that is given in the midst of punishment. Truly, God s punishment is likened to a father punishing his children [Deuteronomy 8:5] not to be overly punitive, but to restore them to the right path. Secondly, we see the response of the Israelites. Despite the punishments and mercies of the one true God, they stubbornly would not listen to the good counsel of their judges and continued to go a whoring after other gods. This gives us pause. Surely we are not like these people or are we? Jeremiah 17:9 says, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Let us examine our own hearts and see if there is any habitual sin that remains, remembering that in His infinite mercy, God has already delivered us from the bondage of sin. While we may not be worshipping any visible idols, let us remember that the temptation to have other things take the place of God in our hearts is very real. Let us keep our hearts with all diligence [Proverbs 4:23]. While we may see the sin of the Israelites clearly, let us take care that we do not fall into the same sin _DMQ3_SL.indd 34

35 2 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 2:18 As long as the judge is alive VERSE 18 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them. JUDGES 14 ACTS 20 MEDITATE These fickle-minded Israelites had a great God. Despite deserving their punishment, God was moved by their groanings and would raise up judges God-fearing men and women who would deliver the Israelites out of their troubles and lead them in spiritual reform. When these judges were alive, it seems that they succeeded in both regards. The Israelites were granted a respite from their enemies and also seemed to have a reconciled relationship with Jehovah. From this, we see that the people of God benefitted greatly under the leadership of God-fearing leaders. Let us learn to pray for our leaders, that they may walk closely with God and lead us well. Let us also remember that we too, are called to be spiritual leaders to those around us as well. For all who have been Christians for a long time, let us take heed of the warning in Hebrews 5:12, and consistently ensure that we are growing in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord. We have a short time on this side of eternity, and there are many opportunities to serve God. While we are yet alive, do we have a positive influence on those around us like the judges did? Are we concerned with spiritual matters as much as we are concerned with accumulating the things of this world which can be corrupted by moths or rust [Matthew 6:19]? Let us remember to build upon Christ the foundation of our faith with gold silver and precious stones [1 Corinthians 3:12]. Parents, are we being good spiritual leaders to our children? _DMQ3_SL.indd 35

36 3 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 2:19 When the judge was dead VERSE 19 And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way. JUDGES 15 ACTS 21 Having seen the good influence a God-fearing spiritual leader had on the spiritual state of the nation, we now see the effects reversed when the spiritual leader is gone. The stubborn Israelites returned to their idolatrous ways, and corrupted themselves even more than the previous generation. It is as if the death of the judge has released them from their restraint and made them free to serve the gods that they truly had in their hearts. It is not enough for a church to have good spiritual leaders. Fathers, it is not enough for you to be a God-fearing spiritual leader at home. Children, it is not enough to have God-fearing parents at home. A relationship with Jehovah is not about following a human leader. It is about having a proper relationship with Jesus Christ. Even as we continue to worship in a church which, God-willing, will continue to have Godfearing spiritual leaders while the Lord tarries in His return, let us also ensure that we have a relationship with God, and that we are not part of a cult or personality. Finally, we also have cause to give thanks for we have a spiritual leader that will not die. Christ is the eternal bridegroom of the Church. He has conquered death, is risen and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God, interceding on our behalf. If we acknowledge Him rightly as our Lord, remembering Him in all aspects of our life, would we be living the life that we live now? MEDITATE Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12: _DMQ3_SL.indd 36

37 4 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 2:20-23 Proving Israel VERSE 22 That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. JUDGES 16 ACTS 22 In Judges 1, Israel disobeyed God s commandment to drive out all the inhabitants of Canaan, thinking that they would be able to profit from them being tributaries. Now, they have learnt that without God, they indeed could do nothing [John 15:5]. Despite their sin in allowing these nations to stay, God was able to use these nations as a means of proving Israel. This brings to mind an interesting thought If God is omniscient, why would He need to test Israel s faith? Well, perhaps one reason could be that God wanted to show the Israelites what was in their hearts. Even though God knew their hearts, they could have been deceiving themselves and thinking, just like the Pharisees in Jesus time, that their outward form of submission to religion was enough. As the cycle of sin and repentance throughout the period of Judges show, many in this hard-hearted nation were not truly followers of God, only turning back to Him as their last resort instead of their first instinct. What is our reaction when we undergo trying times? Are we like Israel, continually failing the trials that are set before us? Perhaps these trials are indications of God telling us that our hearts are not right before Him. Let us examine ourselves humbly and pray for God to search our hearts and make us right in His sight. As the hymn goes T was grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved, let us pray for God to graciously show us how to be more like Him. And said, Naked came I out of my mother s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1: _DMQ3_SL.indd 37

38 5 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 2:23 The Lord let it be VERSE 23 Therefore the LORD left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua. JUDGES 17 ACTS 23 Many times, we may wonder why God allows things to be in the state they are currently in. Perhaps the Israelites were wondering why their enemies were not driven out during the periods of spiritual reformation led by the judges. Here, we are given an answer the Lord was content to let it be because He wanted to prove them. The Lord let things be because in His sovereign will, He would use these pagan nations as instruments to refine His chosen people. There are other reasons why God chooses to let things be. For instance, in Romans 1:24, we see that God lets sinners continue in their unrepentant ways that they might be punished in the day of judgement. In Psalm 106:15, God lets things be the way that people want it to be, at the cost of the state of their souls. Across these instances, with the benefit of hindsight, we see that every time the Lord let people continue in their sinful ways it is to the detriment of their souls. However, let us take heed that just because the Lord leaves things be right now, it does not mean that it will remain the same forever. Just as these pagan nations were eventually punished for how they treated Israel, there is judgement in store for all who remain in sin [2 Peter 3:7]. Instead, let us be thankful to the Lord when He is not content to let us remain in our sinful ways, but corrects us as a Father. For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. Hebrews 12: _DMQ3_SL.indd 38

39 6 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:1-2 To toughen the people VERSE 2 Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof; JUDGES 18 ACTS 24 PRAYER The generations of Israelites who lived in Canaan after the death of Joshua were typically those who had neither experienced war nor seen the miracles of God. They hardly had personal experience of the almighty power of God. They lived together with the pagan nations, with the old inhabitants of Canaan, in spite of God s instructions to purge them from the land. These enemies continued to be a hostile threat to the Israelites, both physically and spiritually. It seems that it was the will of God to spare the remaining pagans, so that the children of Israel could be taught to know war. God would test Israel with these troublesome people so that His people might learn to increase their faith and reliance on Him, their God. It is the same for us today. God allows difficult people and trials to be part of our lives so that our spiritual lives could be moulded to be stronger. Sometimes we may question God s goodness during difficult times but we must always remember God s faithfulness and love for His children. We need to trust God and know that each trial has its purpose to mould us to be more mature spiritually. God is in control and everything is part of His plan. Just like the Israelites, we have to live consecrated lives, and be conformed to Christ s image. We can only win the struggle against sin with the divine grace and strength of God which is given to us through the Word of God. Continual reading and obedience of the Word will help us at every step of our earthly journey. God, help us to know that there is a purpose for every trial of our lives. Increase our wisdom and faith in You. Amen _DMQ3_SL.indd 39

40 7 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:3-4 Test of obedience VERSE 4 And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which He commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. JUDGES 19 ACTS 25 Following Joshua s conquest of the Promised Land, there was a considerable period of rest. God s people became idle, complacent and slothful. The enemies started to increase in number and strength. There were the five lords of the Philistines, namely Gaza, Ashdod, Eshkalon, Gath and Ekron [Joshua 13:3]. Three of these, Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron, were defeated by Judah [Judges 1:18] but managed to return to their territories. The other enemy nations were the Canaanites, a particular tribe inhabited near the sea and by the coast of Jordan [Numbers 13:29]; the Sidonians, the people who dwelt in the city of Sidon; and the Hivites who lived in Mount Lebanon. These groups of aggressive enemies were greater and mightier than the Israelites. They were used by God to discipline Israel, to make them realise that He was their Almighty God. He wanted them to hearken to His commandments again and continue being faithful to Him. When the Israelites cried out to God for divine help, He delivered them from the hand of the enemies. We do not have to be fearful of all the challenges and tribulations. We will be delivered by our Lord God. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me Thy right hand shall save me [Psalm 138:7]. What we should do instead is be obedient to our God, to repent and confess our sins. Do not forget to ascribe all our victories to the Lord and to give all glory to God. Be thankful for all the divine help and blessings from above. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4: _DMQ3_SL.indd 40

41 8 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:5-8 Othniel VERSE 7 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and forgat the Lord their God, and served Baalim and the groves. JUDGES 20 ACTS 26 We read how the Israelites succumbed to temptation and started to sin very soon after the victory of Joshua in conquering the land of Canaan. They forgot about the warnings conveyed to them by their forefathers Joshua and Moses. They turned away from their God and made alliances with the heathen nations, inter-married with them and even worshipped their idols and false gods. Joshua had earlier warned the people not to rebel against God as He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins [Joshua 24:19]. They knew the consequences of their disobedience yet chose to ignore them. They abandoned the Lord, their Maker and Preserver. Instead, they conformed to the heathens sinful way of living, worshipping Baal and other idols. As God s people, we must separate ourselves from all kinds of iniquity. Take heed to God s warnings and stay away from evil desires, motives, and behaviour. Do not underestimate the power of Satan in influencing our thoughts about the corrupted world. Do not let our flesh and spirit be contaminated by false teachers or ungodly people. Do not let the devil gain a foothold in our hearts. Stay faithful and be firm! Beware of compromising with sin. We need to be mindful of our thoughts and actions, instead of conforming to the world. Obey the Lord s instructions, observe all the commandments and walk the narrow path under close guidance of the Word of God. Our Lord God will elevate us above all the nations of the earth and bless us. MEDITATE Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Amen. 2 Corinthians 7: _DMQ3_SL.indd 41

42 9 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:9 Supplication and salvation VERSE 9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb s younger brother. JUDGES 21 ACTS 27 PRAYER The Lord was angry with the Israelites evildoings. They had forgotten about their covenants with Him and had rebelled, falling into pagan worship. In His wrath, God decided to discipline them. As a punishment, they were invaded by the Syrians and were sold into the hands of Chushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. They were oppressed and under captivity of the cruel and wicked king for eight years. The Israelites then remembered their true God and cried out to the Lord for help. They repented and begged God to deliver them from the captivity. The Lord God was merciful to His people. In faithfulness to His promise to His people and out of loving kindness, He raised up Othniel, the nephew of Caleb, as the first judge. Othniel led the nation back to God. Like Caleb, Othniel was a man with unwavering faith in God. God is full of mercy and compassion [Psalm 86:15]. If we cry out to Him, He will hear us and deliver us. He did not forsake His people. He rescued them from the miry clay even though they did not deserve His love. God abounds in love towards us, too. However, we should not take His loving nature for granted. We ought to cling to Him in the first place. We can only achieve this by fearing the Lord and serving Him wholeheartedly. Do not wait till disasters happen before crying out to the Lord for help. Straying from God only brings disaster. Be ye steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgements, and His testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself. 1 Kings 2: _DMQ3_SL.indd 42

43 10 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:9-11 Heritage of faith VERSE 10 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the Lord delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim. RUTH 1 ACTS 28 PRAYER We learn that the Israelites were chastened by God due to their disobedience. They were conquered by their enemies and had suffered for eight years. However, God showed pity on His people when they cried out to Him for deliverance. Our gracious God responded to the Israelites by raising up Othniel, the first judge of Israel. Othniel came from the clan of Caleb and Judah, with a strong heritage of faith. Othniel was a heroic man. He volunteered to conquer a fortified city [Judges 1:13] in obedience to God s command given to Joshua. With the almighty power of God, Othniel was anointed with increased courage and strength, both physically and spiritually. He led Israel to victory over the pagan enemies. Under Othniel s leadership, the people of God returned to their one and only true God, their Defender and Provider. They enjoyed peace and joy in the Lord for forty years. As stated in Psalm 84:11, For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. We must always remember God s love and goodness. Thank God for giving us the greatest gift of love: Jesus, Who redeemed us from the bondage of sin and reconciled us with God. God is also good to us in our daily lives. He will never forsake those who seek Him. Let us thus seek God and His ways every day, keeping guard against creeping sin and temptations. For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us [Isaiah 33:22]. Dear God, have mercy on me. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. May Your Holy Spirit continue to strengthen and encourage me when I am in need of the Saviour s help and guidance. Amen _DMQ3_SL.indd 43

44 11 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:12-15 Oppression under Eglon VERSE 14 So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. RUTH 2 ROMANS 1 The book of Judges depicts the history of Israel under the government of judges as occasional deliverers. They were appointed by God to rescue Israel from their oppressors. The frequent warnings and predictions of Moses could be seen here. In verses 12 to 15 we read of the oppression of Israel under Eglon for 18 years. Eglon, the king of Moab, reinforced his army by gathering the children of Ammon and Amalek. They were able to defeat the Israelites only because God allowed it the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel. It was simply because of the evil done by Israel in the sight of the Lord. They thus captured the surrounding area around Jericho. Jehovah is spoken of here as if he had become the God of heathen nations. He takes the side of the enemies of Israel, and strengthens them for the subjugation of his own people AF Muir. Why is this so? God so willed this special instrument of chastisement due to the disobedience of the nation of Israel. Continued and repeated offence will always result in more punishment. Their disobedience caused them to be in subjection to the king of Moab for 18 years, 10 years longer than they served the king of Mesopotamia [Judges 3:8] as a severer correction of them for their relapse into idolatry. This is a warning to all of us that God will always deal with sin justly. Do not be misguided that you will escape its consequences. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6: _DMQ3_SL.indd 44

45 12 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:15-22 Ehud VERSE 21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly. RUTH 3-4 ROMANS 2 In the book of Judges the history of Israel can be seen in this repeated cycle rebellion, retribution, repentance, restoration. When Israel prays again, God delivers them. Ehud, the second of the judges, was chosen by God to deliver His people from the oppressors. Coming from the tribe of Benjamin, Ehud was noted for being lefthanded. Ehud s plan of action was an elaborate one. Note the word present in verse 15. Being in subjection to Eglon, king of Moab, Ehud was sent to pay tribute to him. What a meticulous person Ehud was. He even planned his way of escape without arousing any suspicion at all. As a judge, a minister of divine justice, Ehud dutifully carried out God s judgement upon Eglon, king of Moab. It was God s right hand that gained Israel the victory [Psalm 44:3], not the right hand of the instruments He employed. Ehud was an implacable enemy to God and to Israel. To avoid any suspicion, Ehud went before the king with the usual ceremony and dutiful respect. Ehud used only his left hand either through disease or through lack of use of his right hand. Hence he was not fully fit for war because he could only handle his sword awkwardly. Yet God saw fit to use that left-handed man to be his right-hand man. We must remember that Israel was victorious only through God s right hand and not the right hand of the person he chose. What matters more is that the person is willing to serve the Lord. Let Thy hand be upon the man of Thy right hand, upon the son of man whom Thou madest strong for Thyself. Psalm 80: _DMQ3_SL.indd 45

46 13 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:20 A message from God VERSE 20 And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat. 1 SAMUEL 1 ROMANS 3 Here we read of Ehud delivering God s message personally to Eglon, king of Moab. Note the king s show of respect to receive the message - he arose out of his seat. The message from God through Ehud was the pronouncement of the judgement of the sentence of death. Without wasting any time and seizing the opportunity of being alone with the king, Ehud carried out his action very swiftly. I have a message from God unto thee. God has sent many of His prophets with such a clear message for them to warn His people. Just to name a few, Biblical characters like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Jonah, John the Baptist, etc. were sent to do God s will. They were given specific messages to warn their people at different times when God s judgement was due. What about you and me? Do you know what God s will for you is? First and foremost, have you responded to His saving grace by receiving Christ as your Lord and Saviour? If so, have you obeyed His command to bring the message of reconciliation to the lost? Even now, there is a message for you. The writing is now on the wall for us today. We are living in the last days. God s Word says that Christ is coming very soon, even at the door. Let s heed the call of Christ to salvation before it is too late. If you are not saved, what is holding you back? Do not keep on resisting God s loving call. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5: _DMQ3_SL.indd 46

47 14 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:23-30 The rest of Ehud s story VERSE 30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years. 1 SAMUEL 2 ROMANS 4 HYMN Continuing on with Ehud s plan of attack, he made his escape while the servants were busy waiting on their king. He bravely gathered all the men of Israel to attack the Moabites. The Lord gave them victory over the Moabite 10,000 lusty men of valour. Under Ehud, the nation of Israel enjoyed 80 years of long rest. Yet it is incomparable to the saints everlasting rest in the heavenly Canaan. The left-handedness of Ehud also becomes curiously and instructively prominent. His very defect proved his fitness for the special task he had to accomplish AF Muir. The left-handed man may be regarded as a type of the abnormal, the eccentric. The existence and position of such people deserves notice WF Adeney. King Eglon of Moab presumed that he was safe from Ehud. Again in the history of Israel we see a cycle here sin, suffering, supplication, saviour. When Israel sinned against God, He will chastise them because they must suffer the consequences of their actions. After much suffering, the people cried for deliverance and supplication. Then God their Saviour would mercifully step in and deliver them. Likewise, God is dealing with you and me so mercifully and lovingly. Do not test His patience for too long. Is there any besetting sin that is preventing you from asking the Lord Jesus for forgiveness? Our sovereign God is in control of every situation. He will always forgive if only you will go to Him in repentance. Then you will be able to enjoy eternal rest in Christ. Is not this the land of Beulah, Blessed, blessed land of light, Where the flowers bloom forever, And the sun is always bright? _DMQ3_SL.indd 47

48 15 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:31 Shamgar VERSE 31 And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel. 1 SAMUEL 3 ROMANS 5 The next judge was Shamgar, the son of Anath. What he did was very unusual indeed. Using an ox goad, seemingly the only weapon at hand, he was able to slay 600 Philistines. Of course, he was able to deliver Israel only with the help of God. This incident was mentioned in Judges 10:11 and the reason given in Judges 10:6. The Israelites were worshipping the gods of the Philistines, thus disobeying God s command. The Ammonites and the Philistines teamed up together to vex Israel. Further than this, nothing more was known of Shamgar. He was only mentioned in the song of Deborah [Judges 5:6]. The Lord can use different people, significant or otherwise, to do His will with whatever weapons they have. For instance, David the young shepherd boy, defeated Goliath with just a stone. Elijah, the prophet of the Lord, had to challenge Baal s 450 men. Samson, too, single-handedly slew 1,000 men with the jawbone of an ass. These were miraculous deeds, proving that God could easily empower the person and his weapon. Note the phrase after him. It was Ehud s example which inspired Shamgar. Do not ever despise anyone just because the person is a nobody in the eyes of the world. Just remember that one is a majority with God. Is your life an example to others? Whether positively or otherwise, we have an influence on people whether we realise it or not. Pray and ask God to help you be a good influence on others. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4: _DMQ3_SL.indd 48

49 16 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 3:31 Ox-goad in the hands of God s servant VERSE 31 And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel. 1 SAMUEL 4 ROMANS 6 PRAYER The Philistines frequently invaded and plundered Israel. Judges 5:6 describes the lack of public safety because of these raids. In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways. Verse 7 says life in villages ceased. Verse 8 continues, elaborating that not a shield or spear was seen among 40,000 in Israel. Those desperate circumstances motivated one man, Shamgar, to deter Philistine incursions into Israelite regions. He single-handedly slaughtered six hundred Philistines with an ox-goad, thus delivering Israel. The ox-goad or ploughshare is an agricultural tool. Jamieson says, This implement is eight feet long and about six inches in circumference. It is armed at the lesser end with a sharp prong for driving cattle, and on the other with a small iron paddle for removing the clay which encumbers the plough in working. Such an instrument wielded by a strong arm, would do no mean execution. Matthew Henry says, It is no matter how weak the weapon is if God directs and strengthens the arm. An ox-goad, when God pleases, shall do more than Goliath s sword. And sometimes He chooses to work by such unlikely means, that the excellency of the power may appear to be God, and that He may have all the glory. Shamgar used an ox-goad, Samson wielded the jawbone of an ass [Judges 15:15], and David just a sling and a stone. Shamgar s success was not due to his own physical prowess or the superiority of the weapon he used, but to the hand of the Lord upon him. Lord, whoever we are, whatever our circumstance may be, may we all give You our heart devotedly and unreservedly so that You may use us for Your glory _DMQ3_SL.indd 49

50 17 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 4:1-3 Sin and punishment VERSE 2 And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. 1 SAMUEL 5-6 ROMANS 7 After the death of Ehud, the political and spiritual trend in Israel changed. They continued to do evil. (When he was alive, Ehud restrained the people from idolatry). God s covenant people succumbed to apostasy and idolatry. Living among idolaters whom they failed to exterminate, they embraced their culture, intermarried with them and became contaminated by their abominations. We should live obedient lives in reverence to God. The Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin who reigned in Hazor. His captain, Sisera, with nine hundred chariots of iron caused dread because the Israelites had no such armaments. For twenty years Sisera oppressed the children of Israel. The oppression was so great that the whole nation of Israel was on their knees offering prayer and supplication with crying and tears unto God who is able to save. They realised that it was the punishment for their sins and sought deliverance. The merciful, gracious and forgiving Lord desired His people to repent, obey and receive His blessings. He raised up judges to lead the Israelites in military exploits to rout the opposing enemies. He would have liberated them from their spiritual bondage if they had truly repented and asked for forgiveness. They asked the Lord to relieve their suffering. David s prayer of repentance is what Israel needed to pray, Have mercy upon me, O God and renew a right spirit within me [Psalm 51:1-2, 4, 9-10]. God is righteous, just, and ready to forgive us of our sins when we confess, repent, and cry to Him for deliverance. He is our true deliverer from sin and punishment. PRAYER Lord, root out the sin in my life and fill me with Your love, so that I may fight against the evil present in the world today _DMQ3_SL.indd 50

51 18 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 4:4-5 Deborah the woman from Mount Ephraim VERSE 5 And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgement. 1 SAMUEL 7-8 ROMANS 8 PRAYER Once again, the cycle of sin repeats itself, with the Israelites doing evil after judge Ehud died. The Lord sold them into the hands of the Canaanites as punishment for their sins. The Canaanite oppression was severe because of their superior military force, spearheaded by 900 chariots of iron. The oppression lasted for 20 years. In their distress, the Israelites again cried to the Lord for help. The Lord raised Deborah and empowered her to be Israel s deliverer and prophetess like Miriam, sister of Moses [Exodus 15:20] and Huldah [2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22]. She is the wife or a woman of Lapidoth. She was indeed an exceptional woman with special endowments of Godly wisdom, leadership skills and knowledge. She was the only female judge of Israel. Dwelling between Ramah and Bethel under a palm tree in Mount Ephraim, the Israelites from all parts came to her for judgement. She had come to be intimately acquainted with the misery of the people who were oppressed by Jabin. She planned for their deliverance and brought peace to her land. She was a spokeswoman for God. In Judges 4:6 and 4:14 she commanded Barak in the name of the Lord, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying? She received direct revelation from the Lord and shared that Word with His people. As Deborah prophesied, a battle was fought (led by Barak) and Sisera was completely defeated. She was stedfast and loyal to God s Word, and had inspired her people to victory in battle, guiding them to live in faith and peace. Lord, thank You for using Deborah and Barak to deliver Your people from oppression. Use me in the battle against evil. Help me always to be ready to immediately respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit _DMQ3_SL.indd 51

52 19 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 4:6-7 Barak the man from Kadesh-Naphtali VERSE 6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? 1 SAMUEL 9 ROMANS 9 The word Barak means lightning, an appropriate name for a warrior. He was the son of Abinoam, who lived in Kedesh in Naphtali, a city on the border of the sea of Galilee in ancient Israel. Though Barak s role was limited in the book of Judges, he played an important part in delivering Israel from Canaanite oppression, uniting the tribes of Israel for greater strength and commanding them with skill and daring. He was the military commander of thousands of men and highly regarded as a soldier in his hometown. He was summoned by the prophetess Deborah to lead his people to war against the Canaanites whose army was under the leadership of Sisera. The Israelites suffered at the hand of the enemy: the roads were in danger, traffic almost ceased and the cultivated country was plundered. Barak mustered ten thousand men chosen from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun and assembled them on Mount Tabor. Then the Lord caused Sisera to lead his army toward the river Kishon in the plains of Megiddo. Barak accompanied by Deborah and his ten thousand soldiers would then descend upon the enemy whom the Lord would deliver into his hands. This was the strategy given by the Lord Himself through Deborah. Barak was afraid to confront the enemy without Deborah s help, for Deborah was the mouthpiece for God. He trusted God instead of relying on himself. He is thus mentioned in Hebrews 11:32 as a hero of faith right along with Gideon and Samson. Let s emulate their heroic deeds and be a good soldier of Christ. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalm 119: _DMQ3_SL.indd 52

53 20 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 4:8-10 If thou would go, then I will VERSE 8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. 1 SAMUEL 10 ROMANS 10 Deborah realised that Israel needed to assemble an army of soldiers and a military captain to lead the army. She had heard of Barak, an experienced captain from the tribe of Naphtali. He lived far north, almost within sight of Jabin s capital. She summoned him to her side to raise and led the army. She realised God would do much of the work through him. When she unfolded to Barak God s plan of deliverance, he was timid, faltering and doubtful. Barak, soldier and army captain, could get no further than to say, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. Though it was a denial of self-reliance, it was still an unfitting response to a command from God. Barak s faith was manifestly weak like Gideon [Judges 6:15, 36] Moses [Exodus 4:10, 13] and Peter [Matthew 14:30-31]. God s command and promise ought to have been enough. Yet God has not left his name out of the list of faith, any more than that of Samson and Gideon [Hebrews 11:32-34]. Deborah said, I will surely go with thee. There was no hesitation. She predicted that the Lord would sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. It means that the honour of killing Sisera would be accorded to a woman. In the battle that followed on the plains of Megiddo, Sisera and all his host were completely defeated. Considering the fact that Israel had no weapon and no standing army, what Barak and Deborah did was an amazing act of faith. They trusted God and He gave them a great victory. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9a _DMQ3_SL.indd 53

54 21 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 4:11-13 The treachery of Heber VERSE 12 And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor. 1 SAMUEL 11 ROMANS 11 Sisera got word that Barak was gathering an army with the obvious purpose of overthrowing King Jabin s rule. Sisera went to overwhelm the Israelite army with force. He called together his entire battalion of 900 chariots as well as all the people that were loyal to him. The Kenites were normally friendly to Israel, but Heber the Kenite had separated himself from the majority of the Kenites and had allied himself and collaborated with idolatrous tyrants like Jabin and Sisera. To betray a trust is to surrender information about a situation or a person to another. It was Heber that warned Sisera that the Israelites were mustering for revolt. It was a deliberate and willful act of betraying the Israelites. But even this treachery was part of God s plan in order to lure Sisera into the trap. This battle was lopsided because God was going to war against the enemies of His people. If there is anyone who can relate to us about betrayal, it is God. Despite all who betrayed Him, He still found it in His heart to help, forgive, and rebuild relationships. Through scripture, we can find the strength to do the same. The lesson for us is important: God can make even the evil of man serve His purpose: Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee [Psalm 76:10]. Yet, that never diminishes the personal responsibility of the one doing the evil. Judas betrayal of Jesus served the eternal purpose of God, yet he is still answerable for that evil deed. God set us up for the victory _DMQ3_SL.indd 54

55 22 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 4:14 The Lord going before us VERSE 14 And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. 1 SAMUEL 12 ROMANS 12 Is not the Lord gone out before thee? These are the words that Deborah spoke to Barak. This is also a truth that we will do well to take to heart. The routing and destruction of Sisera s army was not because Barak held the high ground or had some sort of tactical advantage. The discomfit and defeat of Sisera s army was because God went before the army and disordered the enemies. It was God Himself Who did the routing and guided the swords of the Israelite soldiers. The Canaanites depended upon their iron chariots; the Israelites chose to trust in God s promise. This is the Lord s doing and no man can take credit for the rout. God uses weak and foolish people and methods. He continues to do so today. What are you depending upon to give you spiritual victory? Anything that takes place in our lives that can be defined as good, successful, upright, or a righteous victory, takes place not because of our labours and efforts, but because God is working in us and through us. He preserves and He defeats. Yet, how often we are prone to take credit for that which God has done and with that, blame God for the bad things that take place in our lives. The fall has twisted and distorted our perspective on what is good or evil. Give honour to whom honour is due. Give of your best to the Master. Will you offer yourself to the Lord? God intervenes when we act with courageous faith _DMQ3_SL.indd 55

56 23 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 4:15-16 The Lord versus iron chariots VERSE 15 And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet. 1 SAMUEL 13 ROMANS 13 The Israelites were facing a seemingly impossible situation. The Canaanites were oppressing them. How was it possible that the Israelite army consisting of merely infantry could prevail over an army with nine hundred iron chariots? In war, iron chariots can become a devastating weapon. It was also a symbol of power or glory. There was just no way that Israel could stand up to that kind of power. What could stop such a mighty battle tank? What a powerful army the Canaanites had. Barak s troops were greatly outnumbered. One person with God can put a thousand to flight. God was with Barak. Sisera s army was thrown into confusion; men, horses, and chariots being intermingled in wild confusion. The disorder was produced by a supernatural panic. Barak and his men had little to do but kill and pursue, Barak with 10,000 men went down to face Sisera. This pictures man s responsibility; God routed Sisera s army, chariots and all. This pictures God s sovereignty. Life is full of iron chariots. Problems we face. Battles we fight. Difficulties. Trials. Trouble. We sit around in defeat, paralysed in fear. For twenty years the Israelites focused on the problem instead of seeking the Lord. Are you facing some iron chariots in your life? Do they look impossible to overcome? If so - repent, confess and then commit everything to the Lord. He does His best work when things seem impossible. Call on the Lord, cry out to Him and then trust Him the results might shock you! We need to let God be God _DMQ3_SL.indd 56

57 24 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 4:17-24 The faith Of Jael VERSE 21 Then Jael Heber s wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. 1 SAMUEL 14 ROMANS 14 Deborah s prophecy was fulfilled: the honour of killing the captain of Jabin s army went to Jael, led by a divine impulse, or in obedience to a divine command, to take away Sisera s life. Her actions helped God to realise His plan by punishing Sisera, measure for measure for his wicked deeds, and by affording Israel a military victory over their enemies. It was an ordinary, mundane day in the life of Jael; a foreigner who acted out that faith in her family s tent, by herself, in the only way that she knew. Jael was a loyal woman, her allegiance firmly with the Lord. She had watched her husband Heber the Kenite trade his loyalty from the Israelites to King Jabin and Sisera. Jael, however, remained loyal to the Lord and His people. Behind the story of Jael and the death of Sisera is a God who has promised never to forget His people and Who holds to that promise. When hope seems dim and the prospect of victory seems close to impossible, God is at work, bringing about His plan. We must be courageous and be willing to know the truth and to do what is right, even when it seems too bold to accomplish it on our own. We must learn to rely on God s promises of provision and protection when He calls us to act in His name. We must learn to condition our minds and bodies keeping them in good health so that when we are called to accomplish a task that is not easy, we will have the faith not only to say yes to God, but also the means to follow through. Let us be alert in the drama of life, knowing in Whom we have placed our trust. When God breaks in on an ordinary day, it becomes extraordinary _DMQ3_SL.indd 57

58 25 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 4:22 Sin nailed down VERSE 22 And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples. Sisera, who had ruthlessly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, is now dead. The battle is over. He that had thought to destroy Israel with his 900 iron chariots, is himself destroyed with one iron nail. Barak, the reluctant warrior, could now breathe a sigh of relief. The Israelites would have prevented such carnage, if they had sooner destroyed the Canaanites as God had enabled them. The major cause of this period of decline in Israel s history was the neglect of God s Word. We should not be contented to merely defeat sin as Barak defeated Sisera. We should not rest until sin is dead. We have sin remaining in us in this life. This does not mean we should become complacent about sin. It means we must fight it daily. We are commanded to constantly kill the sin that remains in our lives [Colossians 3:5]. It is not optional. We have to put down sin, or it will put us down. Not that we ever become perfect in this age, but we go on in this spiritual battle against sin. We should never underestimate the power of sin, but we can never overestimate the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to conquer sin. Sin may remain, but it need not reign (Romans 6:12). Till then, pursue after your sins. Spare them not, neither great nor small, and God will add speed, that you may fight valiantly, and by His grace, overcome them. 1 SAMUEL 15 ROMANS 15 When God pursues the sinner, flight is vain _DMQ3_SL.indd 58

59 26 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 4:23-24 God s subjugation VERSE 23 So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. 1 SAMUEL 16 ROMANS 16 WAIT Everything happens in God s timing. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven [Ecclesiastes 3:1]. In verse 2 of the same chapter, we read that it was the Lord who sold the people into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan. In today s verse, we see that it was God who subdued Jabin before His children. Indeed, the Lord is not a respecter of persons. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord [Job 1:21b]. Yet we rest in the blessed assurance and hope that our Lord Whom we serve is not a capricious tyrant. Although He is in control of everything that happens in life, He bound Himself with a covenant to which He will always stay faithful. Through His promises toward us, we know that His thoughts toward us are thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give us an expected end [Jeremiah 29:11]. We may not be able to see past the troubles we are facing in life now. The challenges may seem so daunting that sometimes we wonder if God has forsaken us. But rest assured that He is always watching over you. In His time, He will surely deliver. How blessed it is to live in the good will of the Almighty Lord. Yet woe is to those who fall in the hands of the living God. God s promise to Man is always constant and true. He does not change. Only Man does. Stay steadfast in the faith. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1: _DMQ3_SL.indd 59

60 27 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 5:1-3 Praise ye the LORD VERSE 3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel. 1 SAMUEL 17 1 CORINTHIANS 1 Israel was saved from the tyranny of Jabin. He and his iron chariots were utterly destroyed. And by perhaps the most unlikely reason to start with. Thus it is of no wonder that Deborah and Barak are singing praises to the Lord Almighty. Hear, O ye kings, Give ear, O ye princes. Man may place himself higher than what he ought to think; he may trust in flesh and war machines, but God has proven him wrong. Kings and princes, now who has the last laugh? Some would say it was almost a song of defiance, but they cannot be any more wrong. This is because the story of mankind is never about earthly kings and princes in the first place. It is all about God. For His own glory, God has ordained for everything to happen. And only to His own glory should all things be ascribed. Indeed, the children of God have nothing to boast of themselves. If not for God s extraordinary providence of saving grace, the Israelites would still be suffering under the Canaanites. The Lord has avenged for His people, and He caused His children to come together [v. 2], then will they praise God for His name is magnified among the nations. Without Christ, we are still sinners in the bondage of sin and suffering the consequences of it. The Lord has redeemed us and He gathers His saints, so that we will give thanks to Him in unison to praise Him even unto the end of the world. SING Marvellous, infinite, matchless grace, Freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see His face, Will you this moment His grace receive? _DMQ3_SL.indd 60

61 28 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 5:4-5 The dominion of the LORD VERSE 4 LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water. 1 SAMUEL 18 1 CORINTHIANS 2 Both verses today refer to the point in human history when the glory of God descended from heaven and changed forever the way Man lived his life. The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; He shined forth from mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of saints: from His right hand went a fiery law for them [Deuteronomy 33:2]. Before the Law, sin was in the world, but it was only when the Law was given that Man knew how lost they were, and how much they needed the Saviour [Romans 5:13]. The Law of the Lord points out the inadequacy and depravity of man. It instils a sense of fear in him, knowing that he is standing before the holy God, the glory of Whom he has so fallen short. And the law covers all as God is the Lord of all. He can cause water to fall from the heavens. He can also send fire to melt mountains. As much as God has shown His glory to the Israelites, He has also proven His existence to all mankind. Sinners are without excuse [Romans 1:20]. The dominion of God should fill our hearts with awe and wonder. Yet it also serves to remind us of His love for us that He should condescend to our level and die for us. Glorious indeed is the day God first gives us His Law, yet even more glorious it is, when Christ made Himself of no reputation and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross [Philippians 2:8-9]. CONFESS I cannot tell how He could love A child so weak and full of sin; His love must be most wonderful, If He could die my love to win _DMQ3_SL.indd 61

62 29 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 5:6 The fear of the enemy VERSE 6 In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways. 1 SAMUEL 19 1 CORINTHIANS 3 Before Israel had a king, she was just a loose confederation of tribes. When we read that Israel was saved by a particular judge, we are not referring to Israel as a whole nation. The judge Shamgar was first mentioned in Judges 3:31, who slew 600 Philistines with an ox goad. This was a glorious event in Israel s history. And thus in the Song of Deborah, the days after that were described as the days of Shamgar. This happened in the west where the Philistines were active. The killing of Sisera by Jael was yet another such glorious moment in history, which the Israelites loved to tell, even to the next generation, in a time when history was mainly oral. The story of Jael happened in Hazor, which was in the northeast. And thus the days after that assassination were described as the days of Jael (though Jael was not a judge). What happened then to the rest of Israel during the period of the Judges? It was in a state of chaos and disarray, where everyone did things that were right in his own eyes. In days like these, no wonder the highways were unoccupied and travellers who needed to travel had to take winding paths to avoid danger. Thus, it was not surprising the news of Shamgar and Jael would revive the people. It tells us there is hope. And for many, hope is all they need to live on. The people groan and travail in pain until now, only to be saved by hope, the same way we once suffer in our cycles of sin, only to be redeemed unto eternal rest by our Lord. READ Romans 8: _DMQ3_SL.indd 62

63 30 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 5:7 A mother in Israel VERSE 7 The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. 1 SAMUEL 20 1 CORINTHIANS 4 MEDITATE Judges 5:6 tells us that the highways in the days of Shamgar and Jael were deserted; Judges 5:7 elaborates that even life in villages has ceased. This is mainly because villages were not fortified like the cities and would suffer raids easily. People who once lived in villages were either killed or had suffered from those constant disturbances so much that they had sought for the ways to move into the cities, just like how little chicks will move into the wings of the hen when there is an eagle constantly patrolling the skies above them. It is in times like these that the first and only female judge appeared in the history of Israel. Greatly used by God as a prophetess, she was known as a mother in Israel. She was the one who advised Barak in the defeat of Jabin and Sisera, even to the extent that Barak refused to fight unless Deborah went with him. The use of a weaker vessel to defeat God s enemies for His own glory aside, we should not be surprised by what women could do especially in times of chaos. Read 2 Samuel 20. See how the words and immediate action of a wise woman could stop a war and brought peace. In Paul s first epistle to the Thessalonians, we read of how Christian leaders need to have both the feminine and masculine touch. Like a father, we ought to be like a father who exhorts, comforts and charges [1 Thessalonians 2:11], yet we also need to be gentle like how a nurse ( mother ) cherishes her children [1 Thessalonians 2:7]. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3: _DMQ3_SL.indd 63

64 31 AUGUST BIBLE Judges 5:8 War in the gates VERSE 8 They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? 1 SAMUEL CORINTHIANS 5 Deborah described the distressed state of Israel under the tyranny of Jabin. From the days of Shamgar, who did something towards the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines, to the days of Jael who had so distinguished herself, the country had been in a manner desolate. There was virtually (1) no trade, (2) no travelling, (3) no farming and (4) no administration of justice, in the land. The gate of a city was the place where justice is administered. But there was war in the gates. The continual incursions of the enemy deprived the magistrates of the dignity, and the people of the benefit, of their government. There was no peace to him that went out nor to him that came in. Deborah showed in one short sentence what it was that brought all this misery upon them: They chose new gods [v. 8]. It was their idolatry that provoked God to give them up into the hands of their enemies. The Lord their God was one Lord, but they were not contented but they must have more, many more, and still more. Their God was the Ancient of days, still the same, and therefore they grew weary of Him, and must have new gods, which they were as fond of as children with new toys, names newly invented, heroes newly canonised. Their fathers, when put to their choice, chose the Lord for their God [Joshua 24:21], but they would not abide by that choice, they must have gods of their own choosing. 64 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1: _DMQ3_SL.indd 64

65 1 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:2, 9 Offering themselves VERSE 2 Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. 1 SAMUEL 23 1 CORINTHIANS 6 When God gave the children of Israel victory over their enemies, Deborah and Barak celebrated the victory in a song, blessing God for the deliverance He brought through His leaders. Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. The theme of the song is the joy and blessing in being a willing instrument of God. Notice that the people willingly offered themselves, for Barak had no power to compel or order them, he could only persuade and reason with them. He used persuasive words, as being of the tribe of Naphtali, and convinced them. God must have worked in their hearts, so He is therefore worthily praised. All His people are volunteers [Psalm 110:3]. He draws them and they follow Him. Leadership is important in any endeavour and especially in the work of God. God expects leaders among His people to actually lead, showing there is a genuine need for leaders and their leadership. Leaders are nothing without followers, and it is the job of the people to willingly offer themselves to their leaders. We can think of the relation between leader and people as that of the conductor and the orchestra. The conductor must lead, and the orchestra must be ready and willing to follow the conductor s leadership. When the conductor does his job and the orchestra does their job, beautiful music is made. Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. Psalm 110: _DMQ3_SL.indd 65

66 2 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:10-11 Rehearsing God s goodness VERSE 11 They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates. The song asks the civic leaders along with Deborah and Barak to tell the villagers in Israel the great things God did. The common people needed to hear of God s great works, and it was the job of leaders to tell them. As Deborah had lamented in the former verse that the soldiers of Israel had been so dispirited, that neither spear nor shield could be found among their armies, she now looks with pleasure upon them whom the Lord had chosen to be His instruments in this battle. Whereas formerly they could not go in safety to draw water from their wells, but were shot at by the archers of the enemy, now they were delivered from such tumults; and standing round the wells in security rehearsed the righteous acts of the Lord in delivering them. And they who had hidden themselves in caves and deserts, could return in security to the gates of their own cities for justice, or commerce, or to dwell there, now that the Canaanite was subdued. Metaphorically, when we are, drawing water or down to the gates, let our conversation be concerning Christ and His love; concerning the Holy Spirit and His conquering power; concerning the providence of God and its goodness and its faithfulness. And as we go our way to our different homes, let us go with music in our hearts, and music on our lips, magnifying the name of the Lord. 1 SAMUEL 24 1 CORINTHIANS 7 We should never hide our light under a bushel, but tell others of the great things God has done and is doing. Many need to wake up and sing a song of praise to the LORD _DMQ3_SL.indd 66

67 3 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:12-13 Awake! Awake! VERSE 12 Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam. 1 SAMUEL 25 1 CORINTHIANS 8 stirring up, of all our powers to praise God, A according to the words of the prophetess Awake, awake repeated yet again Awake, awake. To praise God, we ought to arouse all the bodily powers. Our flesh is sluggish; we have been busy with the world, our limbs have grown fatigued, but there is power in divine joy to arouse even the body itself, to make the heavy eyelids light, to reanimate the drowsy eye, and quicken the weary brain. We should call upon ourselves to awake, especially our tongue to praise and worship. Wake up, my mind, and find the reason for the hymn of praise. Tell what God has done for me in days gone by. Awake, my judgement, and give measure to the music. Come forth, my understanding, and weigh His loving-kindness in scales, and His goodness in the balances. See if you can count His mercies and His blessings. See if you can understand the unsearchable riches which He has given to you in that unspeakable gift of Christ Jesus my Lord. Come, let us as children of God, bless His dear name; for does not all nature around you sing? If you were silent, you would be an exception to the universe. If you had kept quiet, you would have defeated the very purpose of your creation. But, believer, shall not your God be praised? May we be revived in our faith and worship our King in spirit and in truth. May the name of our Lord be magnified. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55: _DMQ3_SL.indd 67

68 4 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:14-15 The ministries of the tribes VERSE 15 And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. 1 SAMUEL 26 1 CORINTHIANS 9 As Deborah remembered God s help, Deborah knew that His help came from the tribes of Israel, stirred to join in the battle. Deborah praised the tribes that helped, notably Ephraim, West Manasseh, Benjamin, Zebulun, Issachar, and Naphtali. But not every tribe joined the battle. In carrying on this great work God has been pleased to demand and to bless human efforts. In the case before us the power of God was supernaturally exerted. The stars in their courses, the swelling of the river, the thunder and the tempest, were all effects of supernatural interposition. But, even in that age of miracles, these supernatural means were not intended to supersede those means which were ordinary. Deborah and Barak exerted themselves to the utmost; and, with many others, were required to come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the God of miracles. And similar is the case as to the conversion of the world to Christianity. God gave some, apostles; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. It was by the instrumentality of holy, enlightened, zealous missionaries that the world first received the glad tidings of salvation; it was through their agency that tens of millions have been brought to the saving knowledge of Christ. Let us all be God s channels of grace, the bearers of His gospel, the messengers of peace and His vessels of His blessings. Are you ready to volunteer your services for the cause of God? _DMQ3_SL.indd 68

69 5 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:16-17 Sideliners VERSE 16 Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. 1 SAMUEL 27 1 CORINTHIANS 10 This splendid ode, so full of poetic fire and vivid dramatic effect, with its startling contrasts, its picturesque descriptions, its glowing eulogiums, its burning patriotism, its striking characters thrown into high relief by the stroke or two of genius, its passion and its pathos, is not deficient in ethos. Preachers Homiletics. Deborah s awakening call to voluntary sacrifice for public good, the blast of Barak s trumpet to the help of the Lord to fight against the mighty, sounded loud and clear. But the Reubenites and Gileadites, the bleatings of their flocks and the lowing of their herds among the rich pastures of Jazer and Gilead seemed louder. How could they leave those peaceful pastures and exchange them for the battle-field? The Danites and Asherites, they were all busy by that sea-side. Loading and unloading the ships, giving and receiving orders, piloting the foreign ships into harbour, there was no end of business to be done, and of money to be made. Why leave these peaceful gains and rush inland at the peril of the sword? Alas, the countercall to the call of duty and of love, a call that is louder and a more persuasive the call of personal gain and worldly interest. Here is painted the true picture of the Church always only a small percentage of the Church members is actively serving selflessly and sacrificially. Laggards, cowards, bystanders and sideliners aplenty, leaving to others to jeopardise their lives in the battles of the Lord. Let us take instructive warning to the hindrances which the world continually places in the way of high-minded action and generous self-sacrifice for the battle of the work and for His glory! For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6: _DMQ3_SL.indd 69

70 6 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:16 Searching hearts, idle hands VERSE 16 Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. 1 SAMUEL 28 1 CORINTHIANS 11 HYMN The word divisions here is often taken to mean the divided counsels, and the consequent heart-burnings and party strife that prevailed in the tribe of Reuben. Translated divisions, it signifies divisions into classes or ranks, or division of a whole into its parts, and not by any means division of heart-thoughts, or heart-purposes. The proper rendering of the original word is at the brooks of Reuben [Job 20:17; Psalm 1:3], there were great resolutions of heart formed, not merely thoughts. The Israelites would do great things they would go in a body to the war; they would not be behind their brethren, nor would they forsake them; they would stand firm in the hour of danger; as became the tribe of the eldest brother, they would set an example to be followed by all the others with many such thoughts. Preachers Homiletics. At first they seemed to be loud in their professions of zeal and resolved to do great things. It was easy to do so by the water-courses, sitting at ease, with nothing to make them afraid. But as they continued to think over the matter, and the many dangers and sacrifices they would have to make, by joining in the war, came more fully into view, they began to hesitate, and at length preferred to remain quietly at home following their comfortable pastoral pursuits. So is the loud profession of zeal among many in the absence of danger, sacrifice and inconvenience that cause others to wonder! However excellent the professed zeal of faith may be, such profession is nothing with God if it is a dead one. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own. Put on the Gospel armor, Each piece put on with prayer; Where duty calls or danger, Be never wanting there _DMQ3_SL.indd 70

71 7 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:18-19 Jeopardising lives VERSE 18 Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field. 1 SAMUEL CORINTHIANS 12 In contrast with those just mentioned, Deborah makes most honourable mention of Zebulun and Naphtali. These two tribes were chiefly concerned in this war, who willingly offered themselves, and were the most active and vigorous. They not only came forward, but they exposed their lives in the open places of the field. On the top of Mount Tabor, where they were mustered, and from whence they beheld the vast host of Sisera surrounding them; and yet, with an undaunted bravery and courage, descended the hill to fight with them. They acted with contempt of life, when the honour of their God was at stake. This spirit of free self-consecration makes the service done specially well-pleasing to God. When devotion to God rises higher than the love of life itself, it is pre-eminently a sacrifice which comes up with an odour of a sweet smell unto God. Similar contempt of life, when sacred principles were at stake, was exemplified by the apostles before the Sanhedrin, and especially by Paul and his coadjutors [Acts 20:24-26; Acts 21:13-14; Revelation 2:10]. Let s remember the death of deaths in the death of Christ, Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despised the shame suffered the cruel death on the cross only to rise again to conquer death for us. Such love for us is as strong as death that He was willing to die for us. We in our country, in our generation, rightly I may say, are called not to die for Him but to live for Him. After all, for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain! HYMN I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed, That thou might ransomed be, And quickened from the dead. I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast thou given for Me? _DMQ3_SL.indd 71

72 8 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:20-22 Divine deliverance VERSE 20 They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera. 1 SAMUEL 31 1 CORINTHIANS 13 This verse has been variously interpreted an astrological allusion of a thunder-storm, accompanied by wind, hail, and floods, producing confusion (Historian Josephus); or the angels of God came to the assistance of Israel. From sacred records, God employed both means or agents [Joshua 10:12, 13; 2 Kings 19:35] in the defeat of Israel s enemies. The mind of the prophetess dwells upon God as the Helper and Avenger. Also the river of Kishon, to which Sisera s army was drawn, and where it was discomfited; and very probably many of them, in their confusion, endeavoured to make their escape by fording or swimming over the river, by which they were swept away and drowned, the waters of it at this time swelling in a miraculous manner. The combatants are not only men; the whole universe is involved. Angels join in the fray. God himself is against the sinner. The latter must be vanquished (John Gill). Now the battle is not merely physical but spiritual, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, and the Devil himself. Who then is sufficient for these things? But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? For He is our Shield, our Defender and our Deliverer! HYMN From victory unto victory, His army shall He lead, Till every foe is vanquished, And Christ is Lord indeed _DMQ3_SL.indd 72

73 9 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:23 Cursed neutrality VERSE 23 Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty. 2 SAMUEL 1 1 CORINTHIANS 14 This city of Meroz seems to have been, at this time, a place of considerable importance, a village on the confines of Issachar and Naphtali, which lay in the course of the fugitives but the inhabitants declined to aid in their destruction. It was near the place of the fight, and therefore had the greatest opportunity and obligation to assist their brethren. After the angel of the Lord had pronounced this curse, we never read of it elsewhere in Scripture. So severely and effectual was this curse, that the very name and memory of the place was utterly destroyed from the face of the earth. Meroz was to be blamed for failing in action or staying neutral. Possibly the men on whom the curse fell were diligent farmers, kind and careful parents. But they neglected their duty to their country. Innocence of positive guilt is not enough to secure us from condemnation in the judgement of God. We shall be judged by what we have left undone as well as by what we have done. In Christ s vision of judgement, those who are made to stand on the left of the throne and are then condemned to outer darkness are not offenders against the moral law, but simply persons who have neglected the active duties of charity [Matthew 25:45]. There is no sitting on the fence or standing on neutral ground. We are either on the Lord s side or the Devil s side [Matthew 12:30]. Terrible vengeance was taken upon the erring city. Shall we escape by burying our talents and remaining inactive for the good of the Church? Great emergencies reveal the evil which has existed unobserved or lurking among us unseen in quieter times till the day of trial made their character apparent to the Church _DMQ3_SL.indd 73

74 10 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:24-27 God raises a woman VERSE 24 Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent. 2 SAMUEL 2 1 CORINTHIANS 15 Our life can be changed within a day! Moses was tending his sheep in the mountain and God changed him into a prophet. David was delivering food to his brothers in Saul s army and before the day ended, he had become a hero by killing Goliath. Likewise, Jael was an ordinary housewife going about her daily chores when the infamous Canaanite general Sisera stumbled into her tent; and her decision and actions that day caused her to be described by the inspired Word of God as blessed above all women in the tent. The Bible did not give many details, but it is not difficult to imagine what went through Jael s mind as she seized this God-given opportunity and decided on the course of action she had to take. We too can easily see how much courage and strength she had to summon to kill the battle-hardened general. Though her act was vicious and violent in nature, she had kept covenant-faith with the nation to which her people had joined. There are two lessons we can learn from this story. One, God often uses ordinary people to accomplish His will, examples would be people like Mary and Jesus disciples. He too can use us if we are willing to be used by Him. This brings us to the second lesson. We must be alert to the opportunities to serve God and be quick to respond when such opportunities present themselves. Like Nehemiah, we can pray a quick prayer to the God of heaven to give us wisdom in such situations. Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors. Proverbs 8: _DMQ3_SL.indd 74

75 11 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:28-30 False hope: waiting for the dead VERSE 28 The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots? Deborah closes her song on a satirical note, mocking the mother of Sisera for anticipating the victorious return of a conquering general. She sarcastically pictures her attendants as saying he will quickly return in triumph, bringing vast spoils. The delay no doubt, was because they needed to divide the spoils of war. And it is particularly disgusting to read that the loot would include a damsel or two for each soldier. It is clear that these female captives would be used as sex slaves to gratify the lusts of their captors. We moan the fact even today, in the twenty-first century, this cruel practice is still being carried out by the evil forces of ISIS in the Middle East. Sisera s mother was full of hope. She trusted that her son, with his nine hundred chariots would return victorious. If only she knew that her son lay at this time dead in the tent of Jael, without pomp or attendant, without mother, or sister, or brother, to weep over him, slain by the hand of a woman! This and other battles recorded in the Old Testament teach that victory is assured when you have the Lord on your side. When we fight the Lord s battles, one (will) chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight [Deuteronomy 32:30] because, With him (the enemy) is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles [2 Chronicles 32:8a]. 2 SAMUEL 3 1 CORINTHIANS 16 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20: _DMQ3_SL.indd 75

76 12 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 5:31 Let all thine enemies perish VERSE 31 So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years. 2 SAMUEL CORINTHIANS 1 The song concludes with a reminder that those who oppose Yahweh will perish like the host of Sisera, and all their hopes will end, like those of Sisera s mother, in bitter disappointment and shame, but all that love our Lord Jesus Christ shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. For Christians today, this verse is an invitation to join God in His work of crushing oppressors, His enemies, and so take our place among His friends. God s enemies include all who reject Jesus Christ as their Saviour. While that oft-quoted verse, John 3:16, promises eternal life to all who believe in God s only begotten Son, it also warns that all who reject Him will perish. Christians are therefore soldiers of the cross and we are expected to go into battle against God s enemies. Of course we do not fight physically. We are to fight the good fight of faith [1 Timothy 6:12]. Our enemies are spiritual. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places [Ephesians 6:12]. Our sword is the Word of God [Ephesians 6:17], and we assault error with the Truth [2 Corinthians 10:3-6]. This song also looks forward to the Battle of Armegeddon when Jesus returns to set up His Kingdom on this earth. His saints, then glorified in divine power, will fight alongside Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5: _DMQ3_SL.indd 76

77 13 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:1-6 The suffering of disobedience VERSE 6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD. 2 SAMUEL 6 2 CORINTHIANS 2 WARNING Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses warned them of the consequences of disobedience [Deuteronomy 28]. After the victory at Ai, Joshua gathered them at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, and repeated those warnings [Joshua 8:30-35]. Yet, we read with much disappointment, in the opening verse of Chapter 6, those sad words again; And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. And so once again, the longsuffering God had to deal with their disobedience just as He said He would. Forty years of rest had led to the dimming of their memories regarding the greatness of God in delivering them from Sisera s nine hundred iron chariots. The next generation fell right back into a fourth distressing cycle of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation. This time, God brought Israel into bondage through the oppression of the Midianites. They were wandering herdsmen, called children of the East from their occupying the territory east of the Red Sea. Whenever Israel had sown, the Midianites would come up. They did not continually occupy the land, but only came at the time of harvest to steal what the Israelites grew. Israel s sin made all their hard work profitless. All their produce and livestock was stolen after they worked hard to bring it to fruition. In desperation, the Israelites cried out to the Lord. We can learn two lessons. First, sin robs us of what we work hard to gain. Examples abound in our newspapers. Second, in the face of problems, prayer should be our first resource, not the last resort. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Revelation 3: _DMQ3_SL.indd 77

78 14 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:2 No homes VERSE 2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds. 2 SAMUEL 7 2 CORINTHIANS 3 The oppression of Midian brought Israel into humiliation. Not only were all their produce and livestock stolen, their very lives were in jeopardy and they had to hide in caves instead of dwelling in proper homes. Their pitiful state reminds us of the prodigal son in Jesus parable. When he was so hungry that he was tempted to eat the food for the swine, he thought of the abundant food in his father s house. The Israelites hiding in the caves of Palestine must have thought of God s promise to give them great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not [Deuteronomy 6:10-11]. No doubt they would also remember the warnings that came with that promise in the rest of Deuteronomy 6; and realise that they themselves were entirely to blame for their present sad estate. The basic lesson for all believers is this. Periods of rest in our spiritual lives can lull us into the delusion that we are self-sufficient and do not need God. We need to remember. Remember the times God had delivered us in the past out of a difficult time. Time has a way of eroding our memory and dimming our vision of the greatness of our God. We need to be in the Word daily, reading verses like Judges 6:1. If it happened to them, it can happen to us. REFRAIN Lest I forget Gethsemane, Lest I forget Thine agony; Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary. Jane Evelyn Hussy _DMQ3_SL.indd 78

79 15 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:3-4 No reward for labour VERSE 4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass. 2 SAMUEL CORINTHIANS 4 The children of Israel s sin against God resulted in God delivering them into the hands of the Midianites, driving them to flee into the mountains and to dwell in caves. And so it was, that instead of living peacefully in their cities, and sowing and reaping God s bounty in peace, the Israelites had to sow in fear and then lose what they had sown to the hands of not only the Midianites, but the Amalekites, and the children of the east. For forty years, the Israelites had an opportunity to build up their lands, but instead, the Bible only records that the land had rest for these two-score years. Clearly, after God s deliverance from the Canaanites, the children of Israel had failed to build up their nation. Worse, they had done evil in God s sight. As a result, all that they laboured for in the land came to nothing. They had become such a weak nation that other nations and peoples around them had no qualms about plundering their hard work. Christians, consider this a wake-up call for each one of us. Let us examine our own lives to see if we are reaping the rewards that we should be getting for our labours. Have we become so estranged from our God that we are not seeing any fruits from our labours? If our fires are now but embers in a cold fireplace, let us stoke it up with a renewed fervency for the Lord, and bring back the warmth that should have been there all along. We have not served Thee as we ought; alas! the duties left undone, the work with little fervour wrought, the battles lost, or scarcely won! Thomas Benson Pollock _DMQ3_SL.indd 79

80 16 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:5-6 No security VERSE 5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it. 2 SAMUEL 10 2 CORINTHIANS 5 The Midianites came upon the children of Israel in huge numbers. They came up against the children of Israel with their cattle and their tents. That means that they were not just planning a swift campaign and then leave, but rather, they brought their homes and their families with them. They planned to stay and to plunder the children of Israel indefinitely, until the land of Israel was left with nothing. Their numbers were as grasshoppers, which is an apt comparison. Even today, one swarm of desert locusts can infest 20% of the surface area of the earth, and affect the livelihood of one tenth of the world s population by consuming twenty tonnes of vegetation a day. Overwhelmed by the Midianites who took away all the fruits of their labours, the children of Israel became impoverished, and they cried out to the Lord. What is your security today? On what basis do you make sure that you are safe and secure from all ills? Do you rely on your material wealth, or your strength, or your intelligence, or even your friends and family? None of these last forever. The children of Israel were blessed richly by God and God had delivered them from enemies upon enemies. However, they had forgotten God and done evil against the Lord, in a short span of forty years. They had trusted in the blessings of God, but not in God Himself. Will the same be said of us? Let us seek first the Kingdom of God, let us seek God s own face before all else, because that is where we find the ultimate security. Turn your eyes upon Jesus... and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace. Helen H. Lemmel _DMQ3_SL.indd 80

81 17 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:7-10 Ye have not obeyed my voice VERSE 10 And I said unto you, I am the Lord your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed My voice. 2 SAMUEL 11 2 CORINTHIANS 6 When the oppression by the Midianites became too much to bear, the children of Israel cried unto the Lord for help. And the Lord sent a prophet to deliver a message to them. Such is the love of God, that He suffers long for the disobedience of His chosen people. And He is faithful to His promises to their forefathers: to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God would not forsake them, especially now in their hour of need. The message of God s prophet is clear: God reminded them of their deliverance from the Egyptians, out of the house of bondage, and brought them to the Promised Land. He kept and delivered them from the hands of their enemies who oppressed them, time and time again. God even gave them the lands of their enemies. All these were blessings from a loving and almighty God. Yet, the children of Israel had forsaken God at the drop of a pin. Once they had been delivered, they left God and did evil against Him. How did this happen? God s answer was simple: they had disobeyed all that He commanded them to do. Once duties were forgotten, it was a slippery downward slide to apostasy. Let us take heed, and learn from the mistakes we read of today. Let us start by knowing and obeying God s voice. The Bible is God s message for us, breathed directly from His mouth. We should read and understand every single word that He has for us, and obey. Trust and obey, for there s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. John H. Sammis _DMQ3_SL.indd 81 5/6/17 12:20 pm

82 18 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:11-12 Mighty man of valour VERSE 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. 2 SAMUEL 12 2 CORINTHIANS 7 The Angel of the Lord came to the house of Joash. There we find his son, Gideon, threshing wheat by the wine press. It looked like Gideon was not much of a fighter, but one who secretly threshed wheat at a place where the enemies would not be able to discover him and perhaps steal the wheat from him. But the Angel declared, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. Our God is an all-knowing God, He knows all past, present and future events, and God already saw what mighty deeds He would do through Gideon. Indeed, God chooses men and women to do His will, throughout the Bible, and even today. When God wanted to find a king to replace Saul, He sent the prophet Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, even though David s brothers seemed more suitable by worldly standard. Likewise, God chose Zacharias and Elisabeth his barren wife, to raise up John the Baptist, and told them that he (John) shall be great and shall turn many children of Israel to Him. The Angel of the Lord said to Mary, thou has found favour with God because God has chosen her to be the earthly mother of our Lord Jesus. Christians, despise not prophesyings [1 Thessalonians 5:20], because whatsoever God declares in His Word, He will surely bring to pass. Our God is a true and faithful God. Pray and ask God to use us for His glory, just as He had used those who have come before us, and we, too, can be mighty men and women of valour for God. Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things; give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of kings. William P. Merrill _DMQ3_SL.indd 82 5/6/17 12:20 pm

83 19 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:13 Where are all the miracles? VERSE 13 And Gideon said unto Him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all His miracles which our fathers told us of 2 SAMUEL 13 2 CORINTHIANS 8 It appears by the word Adonai (translated Lord here) used by Gideon that he did not think this messenger was the Angel. The term used is commonly applied to all great men. Thus Gideon failed to perceive this individual as someone of any special or extraordinary quality, but just one who wished the Israelites well. However, he took this occasion to argue that the present condition sufficiently prove that the whole nation had been forsaken by God. God had thrown them back into slavery, to be devoured by their enemy. There is no longer any evidence of God s special presence with Israel. He believed that there was no more miraculous works left. Israel was abandoned to fend for herself against the mighty Midianites. There was a similar question asked of God in the Psalm: Lord, where are Thy former lovingkindnesses, which Thou swarest unto David in Thy truth? [Psalm 89:49]. Here the Psalmist humbly reminded the Lord of His deeds of love and kindness. And so may we wrestle and urge Him based on His own character. Even when things look dark and dreary, we may bring forth our strong reasons, and debate the case with our loving God. Like Gideon, we may fail to see that the very chastisement that God brought on His people, showed that His presence is with them and His interest on them. Often, it is out of our own distrust and weakness of our faith in Him. May the Lord begin to establish our trust in Him and His Word for He will never fail in all that He has promised us. PRAYER Lord, heal my blinded eyes that I may see Your acts of love and providence, even when troubles surround me. Amen! _DMQ3_SL.indd 83 5/6/17 12:20 pm

84 20 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:14 The Lord s look VERSE 14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? 2 SAMUEL 14 2 CORINTHIANS 9 When God looks upon a man, He sees not as man sees which is always on the outward appearance, but God looks into the heart. And He knows exactly how dependable, loyal and sincere he or she is. There is no escape from His allseeing eyes. Man does not even know the secrets and intricacies of his own heart let alone another s heart, but God sees the past, present and future as well! Here we notice a look from the Lord on Gideon. Gidoen is still skeptical and unbelieving. Doubtless it was a look of a gentle kind and with a pleasant countenance. God s look on him was unlike that of Moses who kept giving excuses after excuses, which made God so angry against him [Exodus 4:14]. As such, this should be perceived as a testimony of God s favour upon him, and of His readiness to use him to save Israel. Moreover, God gave him a direct command to deliver His people out of the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon is to go in his name and strength but with the divine authority behind him to overcome the military might of their enemies. Surely this would unnerve his fears and put courage in his heart for the most perilous services ahead. It would fit him for any task no matter how difficult and impossible. Have you heard what God can do when He is the One who sends you? Have I not sent thee? Is not this sufficient authority, that one can have a commission from God? Throughout the entire book of Judges, all of them acted by a Divine warrant, so must we. PRAYER O Lord, let me not fear but have the courage and strength to face my most dauntless enemy in Your Name! Amen! _DMQ3_SL.indd 84 5/6/17 12:20 pm

85 21 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:14-16 I am the least VERSE 15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father s house. 2 SAMUEL 15 2 CORINTHIANS 10 From the way Gideon addressed this Person, he did not seem to have fully recognised the Angel as yet till He disappeared from his sight. This is significant. What could be the reasons? From his words in this verse, it appeared that Gideon was really upset with the whole episode that had plagued his nation and his family. Gideon intimated that the families of which he was made a part were very much diminished. He did not have the strength to go forth. He could not see himself as someone who could do great things for God. His thought of himself as insignificant as he was from the smallest clan in his tribe, and that he was the least in his own family. Gideon was correct in his perception: he could not save Israel at all. But a great God could use a small and weak Gideon to rescue Israel. It is said that, The least fit are usually the most forward, the most fit the most backward, to undertake great offices [Judges 9:8-15]. True humility is the usual companion of true greatness. This show of diffidence of humility is in those whom God will finally select for His service [Exodus 4:1-13; 1 Samuel 9:21; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 1:6-7]. God delights to advance the humble, and often chooses such to do great things. He chooses the weak things of the world to confound the wise, and things that are despised, and things that are not, to bring to naught the things that are; that no flesh may glory in His presence. [1 Corinthians 1:27-29]. PRAYER LORD, may You use this unworthy and insignificant vessel for Your glory now and always. Amen! _DMQ3_SL.indd 85 5/6/17 12:20 pm

86 22 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:17-21 Show me a sign VERSE 17 And he said unto Him, If now I have found grace in Thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. 2 SAMUEL 16 2 CORINTHIANS 11 Gideon was still hesitant to obey God s commission to go and save Israel. This is because it is not a mean feat for anyone to accomplish. He saw his own inability that he had no qualifications whatsoever in himself, or in his family or tribe, for this high calling to save his people. Therefore he desired some assurance that the message he had just received was indeed from God, and not a mere dream or delusion. Thus he asked for a sign that this mysterious visitor s words could be trusted. It is clearly not wrong for Gideon to ask for a confirming sign. It makes sense to ask God to confirm some areas of His direction that are not specifically detailed in His Word. And more importantly this is with regard to something that concerns life and death; leading Israel into battle against a seemingly invincible enemy. Unless he is certain about God s favour on him, it would be a fatal decision to make. God then confirmed His Word and His choice of Gideon with a miraculous fire that consumed the offerings that Gideon brought. The sudden disappearance of this stranger also filled Gideon with awe. He finally perceived that the Lord was speaking to him by His Angel. Hence he is assured of the divine blessing for him in his undertakings which are ahead of him. Whenever we are in doubt as to the next step to take, stop for a moment to pray and seek God s face and favour. Realising your dependence on His guidance for the uncertainty in front of you, you can be assured of His providence and presence. PRAYER LORD, give me such a childlike faith to rely only on You, for You know what is best for me. Amen! _DMQ3_SL.indd 86 5/6/17 12:20 pm

87 23 SEPTEMBER BIBLE JUDGES 6:22 Alas! VERSE 22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face. 2 SAMUEL 17 2 CORINTHIANS 12 The word Alas reflects Gideon s dismay for he felt he would die. This is the immediate, natural expression of one who has had God revealed to him. To the Israelites, God had been revealed to be supreme in holiness and authority. Reverence for Him resulted in fear that Gideon believed he could not receive such a visitation and hope to live. Perhaps this very reverence for God s awesome holiness and glory set apart Gideon from his fellow Israelites. Imagine if the entire nation had such a fear for God AND lived it out in their daily lives: the nation would not be in the sorry state as described here. Christians who claim to know of God and His holiness, but live otherwise, are practical atheists. We recall the words of the prophet Isaiah having been revealed a vision of the LORD in His incomparable holiness, awesome majesty and unsurpassed glory. His natural reaction was to be overcome by his own sin and uncleanness before a thrice holy God. Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts [Isaiah 6:5]. Yes, we may approach God s throne only through the blood of the Lamb of God, and Christ s righteousness is imputed upon us. Yet, while we are on this side of heaven, we continue to sin daily. We must ask the Holy Spirit to teach us to view the sin in our lives from the viewpoint of our Holy God. What does our attitude towards worship/prayer/ the study of God s word show about our view of God s holiness and our sin? _DMQ3_SL.indd 87 5/6/17 12:20 pm

88 24 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:23 Thou shalt not die VERSE 23 And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. 2 SAMUEL 18 2 CORINTHIANS 13 God is a merciful and gracious God. He speaks peace to Gideon. He allays Gideon s fear. God assures Gideon that he will not die. The Angel of the LORD (pre-incarnate Christ) not only spared Gideon s life thus, but brought a message of peace and encouragement, having already commended and commissioned Gideon, promising His presence and blessing [v. 12, 16]. This disproves evil men s claims that our God is cruel, heartless and impersonal. Were God to judge mankind s sins immediately in the fullness of His righteous wrath, there would be no one alive. God is infinitely patient and kind. Mankind often calls for justice from God. At the same time, we should recall that He has not meted out the ultimate justice for our own sins. It was Christ who faced and appeased God s wrath on the cross of Calvary, in order that we should not die [1 John 4:10]. It was mankind s sin which brought spiritual and physical death into this world. It was God s intent for mankind to have life, and this life is to be found in Him alone and obedience to His word. The Fall of Man was no mere consumption of a fruit but a choice of a life without following God that is death. This message to Gideon is also true to us today. It reflects God s message of Life whom He is giving us in His Son, God Incarnate. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly [John 10:10b]. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life : no man cometh unto the Father but by me [John 14:6]. He is the Way, that we can go. He is the Truth, that we may know. He is the Life, that we might live _DMQ3_SL.indd 88 5/6/17 12:20 pm

89 25 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:24 Jehovah-Shalom VERSE 24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 2 SAMUEL 19 GALATIANS 1 Jehovah-Shalom means Jehovah is peace or The One who exists is peace. Gideon worships God for who He has revealed Himself to be: a God of peace. Shalom refers not merely to the absence of war/conflict but a state of complete harmony and tranquility. Within this context, it means that the worshipper is in contentment, and at complete peace and friendship with Jehovah in a covenant relationship. What a blessed state! Gideon was a man aware of his sinfulness before a holy God [v. 22], reassured by God Himself, and having tasted of God s grace and mercy [v. 23], was then at complete peace and friendship, worshipping God in a covenant relationship. How did this come to be? By God s grace because He is Jehovah-Shalom. God commendeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us [Romans 5:8]. We who were once lost in sin, were enemies of God [Romans 8:7], children of wrath [Ephesians 2:3] and disobedience [Colossians 3:6]. This is a state we were unaware of ourselves for we were spiritually blind [Isaiah 6:10], with hearts of stone [Ezekiel 11:19], spiritually dead until He made us alive [Ephesians 2:5]. Continual meditation on these spiritual truths is necessary for we often forget. With spiritual amnesia, we grow cold and lifeless in our walk with God. We tire of God s work and declaring His kingdom to the unsaved. Rekindle the fire by remembering Christ is our Peace [Ephesians 2:14]. Praying to Jehovah-Shalom, He guards our hearts and minds with His peace that passeth all understanding through Christ, the Prince of Peace. Philippians 4: _DMQ3_SL.indd 89 5/6/17 12:20 pm

90 26 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:25-28 Destroy your idols VERSE 25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father s young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: 2 SAMUEL 20 GALATIANS 2 Having realised his own sinfulness in stark contrast to God s holiness, and received peace from God, Gideon had worshipped God in submission. The first task given by God was to tear down the idols in his father s household. The Lord s work requires urgency and He requires our immediate obedience. The Lord s work challenges us to firstly tear down idols in our lives and those closest to us. Gideon was commanded to perform this even before taking on the Midianites. Consider 1 Peter 4:17: For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? Holiness is required of God s people as He is holy [Leviticus 19:2] and we His people are the Bride of Christ which will be presented by God, completely pure and spotless in heaven [Revelation 19:7-9]. Gideon and his ten men worked feverishly through the night to destroy a Baal altar, an Asherah pole and used these for fuel for a bullock of sacrifice on a new altar to God! True repentance from idolatry must be in action and not merely lip service. It may take hard effort of prayer, reading God s word and submitting to the Holy Spirit but we must by His strength. Moreover, God gives us brothers and sisters in Christ to help in the Lord s work, to tear down idols. Finally, destroyed idols must be replaced with worship of the living and true God [1 Thessalonians 1:9]. Is it God or an idol on the throne of our hearts and minds? _DMQ3_SL.indd 90 5/6/17 12:20 pm

91 27 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:29-30 Public testimony VERSE 29 And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing. 2 SAMUEL 21 GALATIANS 3 SING The people of Ophrah awoke and were astonished to see that their altar to Baal had been torn down and an altar to worship God had been erected in its place. There was even a burnt sacrifice on the altar! They were enraged and wanted to kill the perpetrator. Their reaction demonstrated the extent to which Baal worship had taken over their lives and their thinking. Instead of standing up for God and His glory, they wanted to punish those who offended Baal. This underlined the depraved state Israel was in and the desperate need to cast idolatry out of their lives. Gideon was easily identified as the culprit, probably because he had refused to join in Baal worship. He must have been mocked, despised and ostracised in the past, leading to his being the least in his father s house. Gideon knew that obedience to God meant he could not be a light hidden under a bushel. His behaviour had to be different from others around him. Despite the dangerous consequences of offending the townsfolk, Gideon did not shrink away but willingly obeyed God to the latter. Gideon trusted God to protect and preserve him, even to fulfil the promise that Gideon would deliver Israel from the Midianites. We live in a world that rejects God but glorifies sinful behaviour. Standing up for Christ and refusing to participate in ungodly activities may mean we suffer ridicule, lose friends, business opportunities or our standing in society. Let us trust God to guide and preserve us as we make a stand for Him. Living for Jesus a life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do; Willing to suffer affliction and loss, Deeming each trial a part of my cross _DMQ3_SL.indd 91 5/6/17 12:20 pm

92 28 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:31 Will you plead for Baal? VERSE 31 And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar. 2 SAMUEL 22 GALATIANS 4 Gideon was saved from the lynch mob by his father, Joash. The words of the prophet [Judges 6: 8-10] planted seeds that led Joash, after witnessing Gideon s actions, to be convicted of his sins of idol worship. Joash s words carried two messages to the people. Firstly, it was absurd for them to plead for Baal. As God s chosen people, they ought to be on the side of the only living and true God. Their worship of idols had brought them years of misery and national humiliation. If they desired God to deliver them from their enemies, they had to repent of their sins and put away all their evil practices. Secondly, if Baal were truly a god it would be needless for them to plead on his behalf. Baal s inability to defend his honour proved he was not worth their worship. Joash s argument was simple but sound and persuasive. Indeed, the foolishness of creating and worshipping idols is reinforced elsewhere in the Bible [Isaiah 44: 9-20]. The eyes of the men of Ophrah were opened. This was the beginning of the reformation of their hearts that would lead to their deliverance from sin and their enemies. Have we any idols in our lives? Even idols hidden in the closets of our hearts are an abomination to God. God will withhold His blessings if we do not honour Him as the King of our lives, making us ineffective in our witnessing and service for Him. May we thrust these idols out of our lives and live in obedience to Him. REMINDER Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God Exodus 20: _DMQ3_SL.indd 92 5/6/17 12:20 pm

93 29 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:32-33 Putting faith to the test VERSE 33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel. 2 SAMUEL 23 GALATIANS 5 The people had been superstitious and feared man-made objects more than they feared the Almighty, living God. They now saw that Baal was powerless to bless or protect them and their faith in Baal had been misplaced. Convicted that they should return to Jehovah, they began to put their faith in God. After the heady events following Gideon s tearing down the altar to Baal, God had a new test of faith for Gideon and the Israelites. Almost on cue, the Midianites and their allies from the east swarmed across the Jordan and set up camp in the Valley of Jezreel, a vast, fertile plain which was cultivated by the Israelites. During each seasonal invasion, they would plunder and devour all the produce of the land before returning back to their country without resistance from the Israelites. They had camped on this historic plain many times but the ending of this invasion would be different. God would deliver the enemies into the hands of the Israelites, not by their might, but through His power. Gideon and the people had to put their faith in God that He would do as He promised. Gideon had to accept the leading role that God had appointed him to. God has a role for each of us to serve Him and prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though our efforts to bring our friends and loved ones to Christ seem thwarted by the Devil, let us remain faithful in preaching the Word and serving Him. Our God will prevail! Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Hebrews 11: _DMQ3_SL.indd 93 5/6/17 12:20 pm

94 30 SEPTEMBER BIBLE Judges 6:34 The Spirit of the Lord VERSE 34 But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him. 2 SAMUEL 24 GALATIANS 6 The Spirit of the Lord rested upon Gideon and clothed him, giving him courage, strength, grace and wisdom. The same description was given of Joseph [Genesis 41:38], Joshua [Deuteronomy 34:9], Othniel [Judges 3:10], David [1 Samuel 16:13], Daniel [Daniel 4:8] and many others. They were led by God and not working through their own wisdom and strength. This was a watershed in Gideon s life. Where he was once a pariah, rejected and ignored, he was now a leader. The Abiezerites responded promptly to his call. But the trumpet call in Israel was not primarily a call to wage war, instead it was a call to obey and respond to God s instructions and to do things God s way. In the wilderness, they signalled the assembling of the people or commencement of the march. Trumpets blew loud and long when God came down onto Mt Sinai to give Moses the Law. They marked the start of the Jubilee Year where all property was restored to their original owners, slaves were freed and there was no sowing or reaping for the whole year [Leviticus 25:9]. Trumpets were deployed as unconventional weapons in the battle at Jericho and Gideon s victory over the Midianites. These battles were won because God s work was done using God s methods. When we embark on God s work, let us pray for the Spirit of the Lord to empower and guide us to do His will. Let us also pray for our spiritual leaders to be filled with the Holy Spirit as they carry out God s work for the glory of His name. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1: _DMQ3_SL.indd 94 5/6/17 12:20 pm

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