The Results of Rebellion
January 21, 2021
Commentary
C. The goading of God (vv 26-31) – In this chapter we see how when the people rebelled against God He gave them over to oppression. However, because of great compassion He raised up deliverers, the Judges who freed them (vv 27-28). Through centuries of Israel’s sin (v. 29), God continued to be patient and to admonish them by the Holy Spirit through the prophets (v. 30). But because of their continued sinning they were taken into exile (vv 30-31).
The Israelites would walk in God’s ways for a period of time, lapse back into sin, and the cycle would be repeated. When God disciplined them they cried out for help; and He raised up deliverers to rescue them. God is willing to give His people many privileges, but He will not give them the privilege of sinning and having their own way. He will accomplish His own purposes even if He has to chasten us to do it. Israel’s sins finally became so disgusting to God that He decided to discipline them by taking them out of their own land. He used the Assyrians to destroy the Northern Kingdom and then He brought the Babylonians to take over the Southern Kingdom. It was as if God was saying to His people, “You enjoy living like the heathen so much, I’ll just let you live with them.”
Application
God puts no limit on the number of times I can come to Him to obtain mercy, but I must come in order to obtain it. If there is a recurring problem in my life, I must continue to ask God for help, but at the same time, be ready to make changes in my attitude and behavior that will correct the situation.
Nehemiah 9:26– 31 (NET)
26 “Nonetheless they grew disobedient and rebelled against you; they disregarded your law. They killed your prophets who had solemnly admonished them in order to cause them to return to you. They committed atrocious blasphemies. 27 Therefore you delivered them into the hand of their adversaries, who oppressed them. But in the time of their distress they called to you, and you heard from heaven. In your abundant compassion you provided them with deliverers to rescue them from their adversaries.
28 “Then, when they were at rest again, they went back to doing evil before you. Then you abandoned them to their enemies, and they gained dominion over them. When they again cried out to you, in your compassion you heard from heaven and rescued them time and again. 29 And you solemnly admonished them in order to return them to your law, but they behaved presumptuously and did not obey your commandments. They sinned against your ordinances—those by which an individual, if he obeys them, will live. They boldly turned from you; they rebelled and did not obey. 30 You prolonged your kindness with them for many years, and you solemnly admonished them by your Spirit through your prophets. Still they paid no attention, so you delivered them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. 31 However, due to your abundant mercy you did not do away with them altogether; you did not abandon them. For you are a merciful and compassionate God.
Illustration: Devotional Reading of The Bible
A young lady, asked by her friend to explain what is meant by devotional reading of the Bible, answered as follows: “Yesterday morning I received a letter from one to whom I have given my heart and devoted my life. I freely confess to you that I have read that letter five times, not because I did not understand it at the first reading, nor because I expected to commend myself to the author by frequent reading of his epistle. It was not with me a question of duty, but simply one of pleasure. I read it because I am devoted to the one who wrote it. “To read the Bible with the same motive is to read it devotionally, and to one who reads it in that spirit it is indeed a love Letter.” (United Presbyterian).