Conditions in Israel
July 17, 2019
Commentary
Forty years of rest and the next generation of Hebrews had once more forgotten God and reverted to an easygoing religion that threatened to do away with Israel’s trust in God (v. 1). To punish His people, God sent in warlike tribes from the desert (vv. 2-3). These Bedouins and shepherds who lived in the land of Midian far south of the Dead Sea joined forces with the Amalekites who occupied the area south of Judah. For seven years they swarmed like grasshoppers over Israel, devastating the land and driving the Hebrews into hiding.
These nomadic people were interested in grain but not in the extensive farming of the Israelites, so the crops were destroyed (v. 4) and the animals were taken away (v.5). A new “secret weapon” was employed in the use of the camel which is the first record of this animal being used in a military campaign and it gave the Midianites and their allies a great advantage. The Midianites took almost everything that belonged to the Israelites, and the Israelites begged the LORD for help (vv. 6-9). When Israel once again called on God to come to their rescue an unnamed prophet scolded them for their disobedience and idolatry (v. 10).
Application
I need to discuss with my family how important it is to always be involved in some avenue of service for the Lord. A life that is all intake and no outlet becomes stagnate like the dead sea. There is a church in Texas where you cannot become a member unless you agree to accept some area of responsibility in the Church family. A sure way for me to backslide in the Christian life is to just become uninvolved.
Judges 6:1– 10 (NET)
1 The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight, so the Lord turned them over to Midian for seven years. 2 The Midianites overwhelmed Israel. Because of Midian the Israelites made shelters for themselves in the hills, caves, and strongholds. 3 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and the people from the east would attack them. 4 They invaded the land and devoured its crops all the way to Gaza. They left nothing for the Israelites to eat, and they took away the sheep, oxen, and donkeys. 5 When they invaded with their cattle and tents, they were as thick as locusts. Neither they nor their camels could be counted. They came to devour the land. 6 Israel was so severely weakened by Midian that the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help.
7 When the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help because of Midian, 8 the Lord sent a prophet to the Israelites. He said to them, “This is what the Lord God of Israel has said: ‘I brought you up from Egypt and took you out of that place of slavery. 9 I rescued you from Egypt’s power and from the power of all who oppressed you. I drove them out before you and gave their land to you. 10 I said to you, “I am the Lord your God! Do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are now living.” But you have disobeyed me.’”
Illustration: Moody Uses a burning coal to illustrate Church membership
D. L. Moody was visiting a prominent Chicago citizen when the idea of church membership and involvement came up. “I believe I can be just as good a Christian outside the church as I can be inside it,” the man said. Moody said nothing. Instead, he moved to the fireplace, blazing against the winter outside, removed one burning coal and placed it on the hearth. The two men sat together and watched the ember die out. “I see,” the other man said. (Source Unknown).