These verses provide a fitting introduction to the rest of the book of Judges. These verses point out the cycle godless people go through. First, they sin, then they get into trouble because of that sin, then they cry out for help. But once their trouble is over, they turn right back around and do those same things over again. This is what the people of Israel did. They did not know the Lord (1:10). So, they did evil in the sight of the Lord. They chased after the gods of the people around them, forsaking the Lord God. Because of this, the Lord gave Israel into the hands of their enemies. The hand of the Lord was continually against them.

What happens when the hand of the Lord is against you? You can do nothing. When the Israelites went to war, they were struck down. They were in great distress. So, the Lord raised up judges who saved them out of their enemy's hands. As long as the judge lived, they would follow the Lord, but as soon as he died, they would again turn away from the Lord and invoke his wrath. Because of this, the Lord disciplined them. The Lord did this to teach them obedience to him. He wanted to teach them to listen to him and obey his words.


Application: Father, we are stubborn and rebellious people who so easily are turned from you. Forgive us and help us to listen to you. Bless us with godly leaders.
One Word: Repent our stubborn hearts and listen to the Lord