"Everyone Did What Was Right In Their Own Eyes" | Introduction to the book of Judges | Judges 1-2
The book of Judges traces the history of God’s people between Joshua’s death and the ministry of Samuel. It is. an account of Israel’s repeated disobedience, suffering, repentance, and restoration as Israel shows itself in need of a King. As we will see in 1 Samuel, not just any king will do. Ultimately, the account of Judges points to the need for the King of Kings.
There are some parallels between Israel’s Idolatry and the troubles of our present day. The Canaanite gods, Ba’al and Ashtoreth desired debaucherous worship practices involving transgenderism, sexual promiscuity, self-mutilation, and infanticide. Sadly, the Israelites compromised by not eradicating the Canaanites as God had commanded, and the idolatry of Canaan became a snare for the Israelites.
Apart from Christ cultures descend into self-destruction. Secularism is merely paganism under a different name. The same gods are worshipped in the same way under different names. We are witnessing it now. We are entering this study of Judges to learn how to respond in the midst of a pagan culture. What’s more, we can be reminded that the King Israel needed has already come. Let’s drive out the Canaanites, brothers and sisters.
