Judges 10

Ever seen what a vicious cycle looks like?

It looks like this:

Puns aside, today’s chapter is an archetype of the cycle of events we find in the book of Judges.

After the turmoil caused by Abimelech, there were two minor judges, Tola and Jair. We can assume the land was at peace in the time of these two judges and the Israelites enjoyed rest from the oppression of their enemies for 45 years (if there were no overlaps).

However, the vicious cycle of events continued; perpetuated by the forgetfulness, self-indulgence and carelessness of the people. Once again, God gave them into the hands of their enemies, the Philistines and the Ammonites. There were harassed and oppressed for 18 years before God relented and chose another judge to deliver them.

The bulk of chapter 10 is the prelude to the events concerning this judge. It is also a good mirror to us when we read it; to let us see if we too are caught in this vicious cycle.

Bible Passage:  Judges 10

Constant Backsliding

Then the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the people of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines; and they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him. (Judges 10:6)

Isn’t it strange that a people whose God actually talks to them and clearly guides them can actually leave this God to serve gods made from wood and stone? From our viewpoint, they’re really foolish and short-sighted aren’t they?

Today, although we may not go as far as to worship idols, we too can be foolish and short-sighted in putting God on hold for the things that allow us instant gratification and tangible rewards. Besides this, there may also be many areas in our lives God wants us to improve in. Change our bad temper maybe? Correct our tendency to speak too hastily perhaps? Are we doing anything about these?

As days pass, and days turn into weeks, months and years, do we see ourselves drawing nearer to God and gradually improving ourselves? Or are we, like the Israelites, caught in the vicious cycle of sin?

Remember that if we were to travel in a circle, we’d get nowhere. Therefore, as we move into the second half of the year, let us see where in our lives we are moving in circles and ask God for strength to break out of them.

Perpetual Love

And the children of Israel said to the LORD, “We have sinned! Do to us whatever seems best to You; only deliver us this day, we pray.” So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD. And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel. (Judges 10:15-16)

One of the most important things a person must do in order to break out of this cycle is to feel the love of God and be compelled by it. If a person does not feel the love of God, he will not be able to leave the old man behind to put on the new man.

As we can see in the chapter, God’s love is evident even as He punishes His people. It is something that lasts and endures despite our constant backsliding.

Therefore, while it is still possible, let us grab tightly onto this love and let it help us break through the cycles of sin we find ourselves in.