“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.”
Judges 21:25
In the book of Joshua, God’s people had one job: conquer the Promised Land and drive out its inhabitants. They failed to obey this God-given mission, and as a result, they not only tolerated other peoples in their midst, but tolerated other gods as well.
The book of Judges then shows the consequences of this disobedience. God’s people continually rebelled against Him. He would send foreign enemies to afflict and overpower them. They would cry out under the weight of their suffering. God would then appoint a judge to save them from their enemies. Rinse. Wash. Repeat.
Over and over, this pattern not only repeated but got worse. It looked like the days of God’s people would come to an end—and by the acts of their own hand. Even the judges God appointed to save His people constantly failed. Rebellion reigned. Yet within a few generations, a king would reign over Israel, and they would reach the height of their power. What happened? Take a look with me in the book of Ruth where you’ll see God’s perfect providence unveiled providentially.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chaplain Stephen L. Roberts
Chaplain Major Stephen Roberts has served in the Army for 15 years in Virginia, Maryland, Wisconsin, Washington, North Carolina, and now Texas. He has been a source of comfort, reason, and guidance for the enlisted men and women he serves. Stephen has written for numerous national publications, including this Anchor and five previous ones. He is married to Lindsey and has three creative, precocious young children. The Roberts crew enjoys the adventures the Lord sends them on with the military—even the hard ones—and what they discover about God’s work in each new place.
The book of Judges then shows the consequences of this disobedience. God’s people continually rebelled against Him. He would send foreign enemies to afflict and overpower them. They would cry out under the weight of their suffering. God would then appoint a judge to save them from their enemies. Rinse. Wash. Repeat.
Over and over, this pattern not only repeated but got worse. It looked like the days of God’s people would come to an end—and by the acts of their own hand. Even the judges God appointed to save His people constantly failed. Rebellion reigned. Yet within a few generations, a king would reign over Israel, and they would reach the height of their power. What happened? Take a look with me in the book of Ruth where you’ll see God’s perfect providence unveiled providentially.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chaplain Stephen L. Roberts
Chaplain Major Stephen Roberts has served in the Army for 15 years in Virginia, Maryland, Wisconsin, Washington, North Carolina, and now Texas. He has been a source of comfort, reason, and guidance for the enlisted men and women he serves. Stephen has written for numerous national publications, including this Anchor and five previous ones. He is married to Lindsey and has three creative, precocious young children. The Roberts crew enjoys the adventures the Lord sends them on with the military—even the hard ones—and what they discover about God’s work in each new place.
Scripture Focus
Judges 1:27-36
Insight
The people of God will never totally fail because the promises of God will never fail.
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 26-27
- Psalm 60
- Luke 24