Walking in the Way

God's Prophets Demand Justice
God' Prophets Demand Justice

Advocates of Justice for All


God Demands Justice

Judges 2:16-23  The Message

^16-17 But then God raised up judges who saved them from their plunderers. But they wouldn’t listen to their judges; they prostituted themselves to other gods—worshiped them! They lost no time leaving the road walked by their parents, the road of obedience to God’s commands. They refused to have anything to do with it.
^18-19 When God was setting up judges for them, he would be right there with the judge: He would save them from their enemies’ oppression as long as the judge was alive, for God was moved to compassion when he heard their groaning because of those who afflicted and beat them. But when the judge died, the people went right back to their old ways—but even worse than their parents!—running after other gods, serving and worshiping them. Stubborn as mules, they didn’t drop a single evil practice.
^20-22 And God’s anger blazed against Israel. He said, “Because these people have thrown out my covenant that I commanded their parents and haven’t listened to me, I’m not driving out one more person from the nations that Joshua left behind when he died. I’ll use them to test Israel and see whether they stay on God’s road and walk down it as their parents did.”

²³ That’s why God let those nations remain. He didn’t drive them out or let Joshua get rid of them.

For Reflection 

In biblical times, judges were ad hoc chieftains.  The tribes were loose confederations and judges were military and judicial.  They did not inherit their positions nor were they elected.  However, they were recognized as tribal leaders.  Perhaps they were, in this case more like police;  selected by God and charged with establishing justice and practicing the Torah.  They were impossible to turn around so God left them to their own devices.  Their suffering from their own Godlessness will signify the need to return to obedience to God.

Pray

for those who suffer from their own disobedience to God's will.  Pray for the judges of our time who in God's wisdom point to the righteous paths.  Pray that you will continue to walk in the path of righteousness.