Once again, the people of Israel turned away from God. Once again, the LORD delivered them into the hand of their enemy. (Are you starting to notice a pattern here?) This time it was the Midianites who oppressed Israel for seven long years. Because of the heavy hand of ...
This is the song of Deborah and Barak. It is a song of victory. But more than that, it is a song of praise to the God who gave them victory. Deborah and Barak’s song of praise recalls the dramatic activity of God, the initiative of the leaders, and the willing service of the people which together...
Inciting someone to good works is a practice that is honored and encouraged throughout the Bible. Hebrews 10:24 commands us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” There are moments for all of us when we get down and discouraged or when we draw back when confronted by a strong...
The new generation of Israelites did not know the LORD and ended up doing evil in His sight. They forgot their God and worshiped the Baal-gods and Asherah-goddesses of the societies around them. The LORD was provoked to anger by their corruption...
They started out so well! Under Joshua’s leadership, the people of Israel had committed themselves to fear God, worship Him in total commitment, shun idols, follow the commandments, and serve only the LORD. Joshua had even given them a clear choice – serve God or serve the false gods of the society around them. They chose the LORD! Even after Joshua’s death, the very first thing...
It is the beginning of a new season in the history of Israel. The book of Joshua closed where the people were in the land but there was yet much of the land that was not yet conquered. They had not completely driven out the enemies. They had not yet taken all of the territories that God had promised unto them. And now, their leader Joshua has...
Many historical figures have certain phrases or quotes closely associated with them. Alfred Lord Tennyson, for example, is credited with saying, “Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.” Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.” Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” Each of these memorable quotes have a way of sticking with us and defining our view of...
