Sixth Apostasy-Two Judges - Judges 10

Judges 10:1 "And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola, the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim. He judges Israel twenty and three years and died and was buried in Shamir. v2

v3 "And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years. v4 And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havoth-jair unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead. v5 And Jair died, and was buried in Camon."

Forty-five years just went by in a flash and we come to the sixth apostasy. Israel has gone back to serving Baalim and Ashtaroth. They also served the gods of Syria, Zidon, Moab and those of the Ammons and Philistines. The conclusion is that they forsook the LORD. v6

Often, people complain that the LORD left them and they have fallen into trouble. It would be good to remember that it was them who left the LORD. He in turn may leave them to their devices for a time until they realize their mistake.

War has again broken out on both sides of Jordan. v9. Israel as usual, cries unto the LORD for help. It is not so quick to come this time.

v14 "Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation." Was the Lord's response to them at first.

Israel starts to look for a leader.

v18 "And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another. What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead."

That is where the chapter ends. We have seen the cycle continue. Israel honors God and there is peace. They serve other gods and trouble comes. Then they repent and beg God to help them. Then another judge emerges to lead Israel. The LORD shows a lot of patience and grace.

Psalms 7:11 "God judgeth the righteous and God is angry with the wicked every day."

keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Judges, Israel, Tola, Jair, apostasy,Baalim, Ashtaroth, Milton Southerland