As we delve into our daily devotional on Judges 10, we encounter the stories of two more judges who led Israel during a tumultuous time. Though the chapter spans only eighteen verses, it challenges us to reflect on the consistency of our own walk with Jesus. Have we remained steadfast in our faith, or have we, like Israel, strayed and fallen away? This chapter not only recounts Israel’s repeated disobedience but also serves as a reminder of God’s enduring faithfulness—even after our failures. As you read or listen to Judges 10, consider your journey with Christ and seek His guidance to remain faithful amidst life’s challenges. To learn about Abimelech, read the daily devotional on Judges 9.
Judges 10 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In Judges 10, we will be introduced to two more judges of Israel, though it is only eighteen verses. Have you maintained a consistent walk with Jesus, or have you fallen away? Please read or listen to the eighteen verses in Judges 10.
In 1983, after reading Judges 10 and 11 on the same day, I wrote, “God is faithful after so much disobedience. He still delivered Israel after they displayed their sincerity to Him.”
What to Do When You’re Struggling to Get a Job?
In 1995, the saga was continuing about leaving one job and trying to find another, and on this day, I wrote, “Decision day. ABA (American Business Advisors) is not sure I have the right profile to be in full-time sales. Most people are encouraging me to take the Foundation job, use it as a bridge to the next career. I’m whacked out, stunned, by ABA’s assessment. I am a ‘leader,’ according to them.”
I recorded my prayer after all that, “Like multiple leaders in this scripture, I ask You, do I go to battle for ABA? Will You go before me and give me the victory? With You, I will win. Without You, with all my personal strength and power, I will never win. What are You testing me about? Do I need to lose both opportunities to show I trust in You?”
Then I read Judges 10 (NKJV) and wrote, “It’s hard to sustain a lifetime of faith and obedience. Israel went in and out of its relationship with the Lord. I pray my walk has been and will be a bit more consistent with the Holy Spirit’s help.” I quoted verse 13, “‘Therefore I will deliver you no more.’ God, please never say that to me.” Then I quoted verse 18, “‘Who is the man’. Is some organization looking for me today?”
How Many Judges did God Raise Up?
In 2016, after reading Judges 10, I wrote, “Many of those judges rose up to save Israel, but the scripture does not say they were appointed by God or that God raised them up. Chapter 2:16 says, ‘Then the Lord raised up judges’, but did He raise up all of them or some of them? Othniel, the first judge, the Lord raised up, according to chapter 3:9, Ehud, chapter 3:15, but not Shamgar 3:31 or Deborah 4:4. Gideon, yes, 6:12. Abimelech is not even counted as a judge. He was made king by the people, not God, referring to 9:6. Tola and Jair, no, according to chapter 10:1 and 3. So far, only three, Othniel, Ehud, and Gideon are raised up by the Lord.”
I continued, “Israel was now serving virtually every god but their own, stirring God to anger. Finally, they cry out to the Lord, but God does not want to listen anymore. Finally, they put away the foreign gods from among them and serve the Lord. God loved them and us so much He finally has to respond.”
What is the Meaning of Judges 10:6-16?
We are almost halfway through the Book of Judges, and what is happening to Israel? Verses 6 and 7 tell us, “The people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites, and the gods of the Philistines. And they forsook the Lord and did not serve him. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel”.
What Does the Lord Mean When He Says He will No Longer Save His People in Judges 10:13-14?
As I mentioned in my journal, Israel was serving every god but The God. Continuing in verses 11-14, the Lord says:
Did I not save you from the Egyptians and from the Amorites, from the Ammonites and from the Philistines? The Sidonians also, and the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you, and you cried out to me, and I saved you out of their hand. Yet you have forsaken me and served other gods; therefore I will save you no more. Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress.
Are we the same today? Do we serve everything and everyone but the one true God?
Prayer
Lord, forgive us. Bring us back to You. Let us realize, by reading this chapter, we need to commit to You and You alone. The Lord is God, there is no other. Through these chapters in Judges, Lord, guide us back to You. Forgive us, like You did Israel when we stray away from You. May we put away the foreign gods that keep us from You, and may You hear our cry for Your deliverance, once again. In the Savior Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
