The people of Israel forsook God and served other gods. They cried out to God in their distress, and their repentance must lead to true repentance. We need a genuine heart to return to God in our lives.
1. After Abimelech there arose to save Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. 2. He judged Israel twenty-three years, and died, and was buried in Sha…
God desires us to keep our faith and live a life of loyalty. In Judges chapter 10, Tola and Jair may not have accomplished great feats, but they faithfully fulfilled their missions before God. Although they were considered insignificant, God saw their hearts and used them. Let us remember that by aligning our hearts with God and being faithful in small matters, we can enjoy the crown of life that God gives us.
- Judges 10 1. After Abimelech there arose to save Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. 2. He judged Israel twenty-three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir. 3. After him arose Jair, the Gileadite; and he judged Israel twenty-two years. 4. He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkey colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havvoth Jair to this day, which are in the land of Gilead. 5. Jair died, and was buried in Kamon. 6. The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals, and the Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Sidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines; and they abandoned Yahweh, and didn’t serve him. 7. Yahweh’s anger was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the children of Ammon. 8. They troubled and oppressed the children of Israel that year. For eighteen years, they oppressed all the children of Israel that were beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead. 9. The children of Ammon passed over the Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was very distressed. 10. The children of Israel cried to Yahweh, saying, “We have sinned against you, even because we have forsaken our God, and have served the Baals.” 11. Yahweh said to the children of Israel, “Didn’t I save you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? 12. The Sidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, oppressed you; and you cried to me, and I saved you out of their hand. 13. Yet you have forsaken me, and served other gods: therefore I will save you no more. 14. Go and cry to the gods which you have chosen. Let them save you in the time of your distress!” 15. The children of Israel said to Yahweh, “We have sinned: do you to us whatever seems good to you; only deliver us, please, this day.” 16. They put away the foreign gods from among them, and served Yahweh; and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. 17. Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. The children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpah. 18. The people, the princes of Gilead, said one to another, “What man is he who will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.”
- Judges 10:1 1. After Abimelech there arose to save Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim.
- Judges 9 1. Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother’s brothers, and spoke with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother’s father, saying, 2. “Please speak in the ears of all the men of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are seventy persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” 3. His mother’s brothers spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, “He is our brother.” 4. They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal Berith, with which Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, who followed him. 5. He went to his father’s house at Ophrah, and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, being seventy persons, on one stone: but Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. 6. All the men of Shechem assembled themselves together, and all the house of Millo, and went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar that was in Shechem. 7. When they told it to Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said to them, “Listen to me, you men of Shechem, that God may listen to you. 8. The trees set out to anoint a king over themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’ 9. “But the olive tree said to them, ‘Should I leave my fatness, with which by me they honor God and man, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?’ 10. “The trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and reign over us.’ 11. “But the fig tree said to them, ‘Should I leave my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?’ 12. “The trees said to the vine, ‘Come and reign over us.’ 13. “The vine said to them, ‘Should I leave my new wine, which cheers God and man, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?’ 14. “Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘Come and reign over us.’ 15. “The bramble said to the trees, ‘If in truth you anoint me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’ 16. “Now therefore, if you have dealt truly and righteously, in that you have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done to him according to the deserving of his hands 17. (for my father fought for you, and risked his life, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian: 18. and you have risen up against my father’s house this day, and have slain his sons, seventy persons, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother); 19. if you then have dealt truly and righteously with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: 20. but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.” 21. Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and lived there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. 22. Abimelech was prince over Israel three years. 23. God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech: 24. that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and that their blood might be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers. 25. The men of Shechem set an ambush for him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. 26. Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers, and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him. 27. They went out into the field, and harvested their vineyards, and trod the grapes, and held festival, and went into the house of their god, and ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech. 28. Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Isn’t he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: but why should we serve him? 29. Would that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech.” He said to Abimelech, “Increase your army, and come out!” 30. When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. 31. He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem; and behold, they incite the city against you. 32. Now therefore, go up by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field: 33. and it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and rush on the city; and behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion.” 34. Abimelech rose up, and all the people who were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies. 35. Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people who were with him, from the ambush. 36. When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Behold, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” Zebul said to him, “You see the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.” 37. Gaal spoke again and said, “Behold, people are coming down by the middle of the land, and one company comes by the way of the oak of Meonenim.” 38. Then Zebul said to him, “Now where is your mouth, that you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Isn’t this the people that you have despised? Please go out now and fight with them.” 39. Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech. 40. Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many fell wounded, even to the entrance of the gate. 41. Abimelech lived at Arumah: and Zebul drove out Gaal and his brothers, that they should not dwell in Shechem. 42. On the next day, the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech. 43. He took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field; and he looked, and behold, the people came out of the city; He rose up against them, and struck them. 44. Abimelech, and the companies that were with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and the two companies rushed on all who were in the field, and struck them. 45. Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and killed the people who were therein: and he beat down the city, and sowed it with salt. 46. When all the men of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith. 47. It was told Abimelech that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together. 48. Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him; and Abimelech took an ax in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it up, and laid it on his shoulder: and he said to the people who were with him, “What you have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done!” 49. All the people likewise each cut down his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them at the base of the stronghold, and set the stronghold on fire on them; so that all the people of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. 50. Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it. 51. But there was a strong tower within the city, and there fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut themselves in, and went up to the roof of the tower. 52. Abimelech came to the tower, and fought against it, and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. 53. A certain woman cast an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, and broke his skull. 54. Then he called hastily to the young man his armor bearer, and said to him, “Draw your sword, and kill me, that men not say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’ His young man thrust him through, and he died.” 55. When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man to his place. 56. Thus God requited the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did to his father, in killing his seventy brothers; 57. and all the wickedness of the men of Shechem did God requite on their heads: and on them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.
- Luke 2 1. Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2. This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3. All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. 4. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; 5. to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant. 6. While they were there, the day had come for her to give birth. 7. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8. There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9. Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10. The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11. For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12. This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.” 13. Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, 14. “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.” 15. When the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16. They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 17. When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. 18. All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them. 21. When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22. When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord 23. (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24. and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25. Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27. He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, 28. then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29. “Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; 30. for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31. which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; 32. a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33. Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, 34. and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 35. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36. There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37. and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day. 38. Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. 39. When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40. The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. 41. His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. 42. When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, 43. and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t know it, 44. but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45. When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 46. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 47. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48. When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.” 49. He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50. They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
- Luke 2:25 25. Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
Unchanging Faith in God
- The Mission of Tola
- The Light of Jair
- Israel's Repeated Pattern
- God's Warning
- The Power of Prayer
Six days of devotions drawn from this Sunday's sermon — one for each day, Monday through Saturday.
Five quick questions from this Sunday's message. Tap an answer to see if you're right.
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What warning did God give to the people of Israel in Judges chapter 10?
God warned that He would no longer save them because Israel served other gods.
Amen. Thank you, God. Yes. I am grateful to be here together this morning [clears throat]. We will begin our morning worship by singing hymn number 490.
Lord, since you have given me [music] my dreams, please fulfill them. In the night [music], show me revelations and always grant me grace. My wonderful [music] dreams will surely be inherited [music] [song]. My wonderful dreams will surely be fulfilled, Lord [song] [music]. When I am in pain and troubled, you have given me hope [music] [song]. As I look to the Lord of glory [music], I see Him together with me. My wonderful [music] dreams will surely receive grace [music]. My wonderful [song] dreams will surely be fulfilled, and I will see the Lord's face [music]. Amen.
Yes. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for touching our hearts this morning and for gathering us here. Father God, we have come forward in faith, so please let the Holy Spirit be with us and speak to our hearts. God, although the trends of the world change daily, I want to keep my faith. Regardless of how the world changes or how the circumstances and people around me behave, I want to stand firm in my faith before you, God. Please guide us to be those who run while looking to you throughout our lives. Lord, we desire to hear your word this morning, so please lead us. We entrust this to you and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
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