The times were miserable. God raised up Tola, then Jair to save Israel. The real enemy, however, was within. Israel was influenced by the Canaanite culture and religion. They forsook the Lord and worshiped the false gods of the Canaanite nations. The Lord became very angry and allowed the Philistines and the Ammonites to shatter and crush Israel, especially on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead. He wanted to lead his people to repentance.

After eighteen years of suffering, the Israelites repented and cried to the Lord for help. At first, he told them to ask their idols for help. But when they confessed their sins, got rid of foreign gods and pled for his mercy, he relented. He couldn't bear his people's misery any longer. He looked for a man to send to deliver them.


Application: Lord, thank you for your compassion. When I cry out to you with a repentant heart, you always come to help.
One Word: God's compassion for repentant sinners