Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. 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(Judg. 5:1-3).
Today’s reading opens with a summary description of the state of the nation of Israel. As a result of their failure to follow His original commandment to utterly possess their new land (Deut. 20:16-18), the Lord allowed many of the Canaanites to remain. 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 (Judg. 3:4). Sadly, what was proven was that without strong, centralized godly leadership the Israelites were not disciplined enough to maintain a monogamous relationship with the Lord. 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 (3:7).
Thus, the cycle that the Israelites would live out again and again over the next 350 years was established. They would begin by freely serving the One True God, but over time, they would gradually fall into a state of apostasy. This would kindle the anger of the Lord (3:8), Who would then turn them over to their enemies. After a period spent in bondage and suffering, The Israelites would remember the Lord of their deliverance, repent, and cry out to Him for rescue. The Lord would then raise up from amongst them a deliverer to free His people, after which they would enjoy a period of peace and good fortune under the leadership of God’s appointed judge before once again turning their faces from God.
It is easy for us to focus on the irresponsible, godless actions of the Israelites as we read of the dozen or so times that they turned away from the Lord and of the horrific sins that were committed as a result, but that is not the only lesson that the Lord has for us here. The Book of Judges is overwhelmingly a book of mercy and love. The song of Deborah and Barak perhaps put it best: Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. No matter how far the people had gone or how deep and dark their sins might have become, when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord (3:9,15; 4:3), the Lord heard them and answered their call.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). The Israelites made more ‘mistakes’ than any one nation had a right to, yet each time they turned from their sin and sought the face of God, He accepted their apology. God’s love for His people was so intense that He never backed down, and He never gave up. Jesus taught that forgiveness in the face of true repentance is limitless. Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven (Matt. 18:22). Each of us today may take comfort in the fact that no matter the mess we have made of our lives, God is willing to take our call anytime we reach out to Him in true repentance. As long as we have breath in our bodies, it will never be too late to reach out to our Savior and King.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him(Ps. 103:13).
Thought for Today: God’s capacity for forgiveness is limitless; we need only humble ourselves and ask for it.
Christ Portrayed:By Othniel, a deliverer upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rested (Judg. 3:9-11). The Spirit of God was also upon Christ, our Deliverer (Matt. 3:16). There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Rom. 11:26). Jesus declared: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me . . . to preach deliverance to the captives (Luke 4:18).
Word Studies:3:1 prove = test; known = experienced; 3:2 know = understand; 3:7 groves = for idolatry; 3:13 gathered = recruited; 3:16 gird = fasten.
Pray For Government Officials:Rep. Brian Babin (TX) • Country: Ukraine (44,291,413) Eastern Europe • Major Languages: Ukrainian, Russian • Religious Freedom • 70.6% Christian Orthodox (various jurisdictions); 5.7% Greek Catholic; 1.3% Roman Catholic; 0.8% Protestant; 0.7% Muslim; 0.3% Jews; 8.6% Other Christian; 12% None • Prayer Suggestion: When discouraged over material or financial loss, praise the Lord for preparing and providing an eternal home (John 14:1-3).
Optional Reading John 14