Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann once wrote, “Prosperity breeds amnesia.”
I find this to be a good description of what was happening to the Israelites in Judges. Every time the Israelites prospered, they didn’t simply forget God; they forgot what it meant to be God’s chosen people in the world. They forgot their own sin. They forgot the world’s brokenness. And they forgot how desperately they needed God. So they lived as if they didn’t.
Their forgetfulness led to sin, and their sin led to death and destruction. It’s a pattern we’ll see repeated throughout the book.
We should never be too quick to explain the stories of violence and suffering in Judges. Neat and tidy answers almost always do a disservice to these difficult passages. But I think it’s safe to say that the cycle of foreign invasions had an eye-opening effect on the Israelites because God tested “all those in Israel who had experienced none of the wars in Canaan” (Judges 3:1). I wonder if this was another way of saying, “The Israelites forgot who they were. They had forgotten their weakness. They had forgotten their vulnerability. They had forgotten that they needed God.”
Don’t we sometimes do the same?
It was true then, and it is still true today: prosperity breeds amnesia. In times of comfort, we do not simply forget God, but we also forget the seriousness of sin, the reality of suffering, and our desperate need for salvation.
The book of Judges challenges us to remember. It is painful and difficult—and certainly not tidy—but in it we can almost hear the Spirit whisper, “This is why you need a Savior. This is why I came.”
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62 thoughts on "The Lord Tests Israel"
While I see the pattern of Israel and its parallel to the U. S. We are living the same reality with the exception of kinetic war. Although I believe it is coming soon to the states. God will judge. He has to. I pray repentance and guidance during these times.
Wonder if the country of Israel is reading Judges right now and praying that they are doing God’s will.. hard to believe what they are doing is on God’s path. I pray for both sides that no harm may be done
we often tend to forget that what helped us get to this place of good in our life is God and only tend to remember in the bad times that we desperately need him, we need to remember that not only is he here for us in the bad but also they good, we need to continue to praise and remember him and further our relationship with him even when things seem to be in top shape
Prosperity breed amnesia is a direct way to say don’t forget…we come from the Lord and as believers we will one day return to him. What we do in between should glorify Him not ourselves
Wow!
Prosperity breeds amnesia. That’s so true. Help Lord to give you glory in times of prosperity and in times of suffering .
❤️
WHEW!! “Prosperity breeds amnesia”
I am always in a cycle of sin, shame, and coming back to God, just like the Israelites. This is a good reminder
I am somewhat in a period of amnesia right now, which is why I found this study and am trying to find my way back to the Lord. I feel like my faith runs deep but sometimes I don’t live the way I should. Help me, Lord find my way back to you and be an example to my family.
Thank God we have a savior !
❤️
“This is why you need a Savior. This is why I came.” Phew— this stuck with me. Such a simple statement yet so powerful. We cannot do life without Christ.
Thank you for the reminder!
I have been missing my sister’s in faith
So true. Lord help me remember
Wow. Needed this.
“4 They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. – Judges 3:4”
It’s so interesting because we have Jesus now. But either way we have a way of forgetting our need for closeness with Jesus. When we have closeness and connection with our Savior we see a different aspect of His face and get to delight in Him with His Protection and knowing He will cover. I’m sure the Israelites felt so uncovered, and that’s how I feel when I’m not daily spending time with my Jesus. Yet God in His might rose up a judge so they had a face to connect with who was connected with God. That for us is Jesus. Jesus help me to connect with You daily and feel/experience Your covering!
I pray that I never forget all God has done for me! He has been so faithful and I want to be faithful to Him always!!
Molly R that’s incredible! Hello all. Happy to be back here. Was really missing you all. I’m really not feeling well emotionally (still or again) and asking for prayer for peace and guidance. Again. Thank you all !! Praying for requests
❤️❤️
I love Sharon’s reminder of God’s reminder: this is why I came. A fresh perspective as we close out the year before the advent season. I believe I’ll appreciate advent even more after reading Judges and thinking on the folly of forgetting God.
This reminded me how similar we are to the Israelites that we turn away fro him sometimes and turn to sin. But it also reminds me on how graceful the lord is and how he loves us and listens to us. That he will never turn his back on us.
When we forget who God is, we forget who we truly are.
.♥️
13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.” – Ephesians 5:13-14
Love how this verse really helps me to see how his light is to help us SEE our transgressions, so that we won’t forget, but always leads us back to him.
The common thread in these stories is that God is the ultimate hero. Despite their forgetfulness and sin, when they called out in despair, God stepped in for His people. And remember, no human can save us on their own. The book of Judges reminds us of our need for Jesus as our savior.
Lord I pray against any spiritual amnesia. Keep my eyes fixed on you in the good times and bad!
Absolutely GramsieSue! I appreciate your insight here. Also, the funny about the names of Elgon and Ehud. Well said, Mary Henderson, that He is testing His people to “teach warfare.” It is the Lord’s will that His people, by His strength, do battles, the art of war is as much here in earth as in the spiritual realm.
Diving into today’s reading, I am awed, that in no way, ever, did God break His covenant (2:1). He did outline in the book of Joshua (summarized in Judges 2:1-3) His ‘rules of engagement,’ and yet, now we start one generation later in Chapter 3 to find that these people did not know war at all. How is this? Israel defied God by making ‘their own peace’ in the land, but peace does not come at the treaty table where they had negotiated, made trade deals, established treaties and tributes, and even married into the enemy (all examples we see in Judges 1:8-36; 3:5-8). God’s peace comes when His people obey and evil is eradicated.
Wow – I read, wrote it down, and re-read the devotional. We are in this same pattern. We have been a generation of great prosperity and have taken God out of our lives. It is so sad to see people reaching out in all kinds of destructive ways and to realize they are still not happy, peaceful, or content. We all are in need of the Savior. I need to be better about sharing the good news. To be a living testimony of our God. After all where would I be without Him? Searching in the same destructive ways.
Another great action chapter we have today. But what got my attention are these 2 verses:
1. The WHOLE commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply….(Deuteronomy 8:1). Spelling this out, if you disregard My commandments, or do them half-heartedly, partially, carelessly, you may perish and decrease. I am so reminded to be careful and diligent in carrying out the commandments to the best of my abilities, with prayers for help and grace from the Holy Spirit.
2. Forty years in the wilderness (times of lack, intense experiences, tough trials of discomfort and even danger) is to humble you, and to test you to know what is in your heart (Deuteronomy 8:2). Thankful for the time in the wilderness, if not, we might be so proud and arrogant, with a deceitful and puffed up heart, forgetting our Humble Savior who came to die for our exchange.
Praying along with you dear she’s, and especially for ISRAEL situation as the Bible commands us to pray. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity (Psalm 122). Israel’s ongoing painful lessons are for our benefit. The people of Israel are treated as God’s enemies, so the good news can come to you Gentiles (Romans 11:28). May the fear of the Lord rest upon the children of obedience. May peace be with God’s people.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Amen! I pray to never forget God and his goodness! If I do I pray to get back on track quickly! It definitely shows our need for a savior!!
The comments from yesterday and today have been wonderful, helping me to dig deeper and ponder more. I loved the study questions from yesterday.
Today’s Scripture says that God left those nations in order to test those who had never fought in battle (Judges 3:3). God had a reason for those nations to be left. The Israelites were further tested by being told not to intermarry (Deut. 7:3-4; Joshua 14:3; 23:12-13). They failed those tests miserably. “Judges 3 begins by identifying those undefeated nations that would test Israel’s reliance on the Lord. Specifically, they would be used to test new generations of Israelites who grew up without knowing war. These nations included the five Philistine lords, the various Canaanite nations, the Sidonians, and the Hivites. These unconquered enemies would be a source of attack and struggle for Israel for years to come (Judges 3:1–4, bibleref.com). The events in Israel and Gaza today show that the tribes that Israel failed to conquer are still a major source for conflict and war.
IGod takes the results of Israel’s sins and uses them to teach the younger generation how to fight. How does God use the results of my own sins to teach me what He wants me to understand? Looking back, I can see instances in my life where I learned important lessons and drew closer to God after I had sinned, then cried out to Him for redemption. Our God loves us. He uses many things to teach us and draw us closer to Him. May I be diligent to spot the seemingly small things in my life that God uses to draw me closer and achieve His will.
I pray for all the named requests as I read them. Also praying for Israel as well as the Palestinian civilians who are suffering the results of war.
Thank You Lord for sending Your Son to save us. You always beckon us back to you no matter what we have done. I am so undeserving and so grateful for your love and pursuit.
Such a faithful God, remembering the covenant with Abraham, he does not forget his people even when they turn their eyes to other gods. Judges is a tough book and it gets worse but this is our God working out his plan to forever redeem you and me.
SEARCHING and ADRIENNE – ❤
When God goes to war, He usually chooses the most unlikely soldiers, hands them the most unusual weapons, and accomplishes through them the most unpredictable results.
As long as we’re in this world, God’s people are involved in a spiritual battle against satan and his armies, and God is still looking for men and women who have what it takes to win: power, strategy, and courage. Sometimes satan comes like a lion to devour, but often he comes as a serpent to deceive.
Never underestimate the good that one person can do who is filled with the Spirit of God and obedient to the will of God.
May we all be filled with God’s Spirit and obedient to His Will.
And here’s a funny:
King Eglon’s name means “little bull calf”. Ehud had killed “the fatted calf”.
Victory comes by trusting the Lord and not by depending on your own strength.
Give whatever tools you have to the Lord, stand your ground courageously, and trust God to use what’s in your hand to accomplish great things for His glory.
I love learning together with you ladies.
Prayers, hugs, and blessings to each of you. ❤️
Last night was such a weird night – the last few days really have been. I began to feel like it was spiritual in nature, like an attack or discouragement since I found myself humbled and repenting. Like Satan wanted to get me in my vulnerability and discourage me from calling on God in my trouble. Well, my sleep was so fitful, my body ached, my head ached. I was really struggling to rest. Then it dawned on me: I NEEDED TO PRAY! I needed to invite the Holy Spirit to fill our bedroom, to cover us in protection, to calm my restless spirit….and HE DID! The next thing I knew I waking to my alarm, fully restored and ready for the day!
It was a sweet reminder that I can, and NEED to call out to God, not only in my moments of acute need, but in everyday to invite Him to be a part of my life. To walk with Him and not turn in rebellion to face more strife.
I have been struck in the last few days of reading what a gift the Holy Spirit is to us. We get to have that Presence and Comfort literally in us. The Old Testament seems so hard sometimes. They had to rely on the Law and Ordinances to have the presence of God with them, but now He is just a breath away. What a precious gift.
From one Mollie to another, Amen!!
The Lord tested Israel not to punish them, but to make them dependent on Him. It worked because they cried out to Him!
From Tony Evans Study Bible –
“How long does it take you to cry out to the Lord when experiencing difficulties? …
3:18-30 In this story we see not only that God providentially directed the course of history, but was also involved in the small details. For instance, it was significant that Ehud was left-handed (3:15). It kept the sword on his right thigh safe from detection because no one would’ve expected a sword to be hidden there (3:21). We tend to look for evidence of God at work in the major events and fail to notice how the little things fit together to make major events possible. Keep your eyes open for how God orders minor details before he provides deliverance.”
So much good background study! One commentary mentioned that Shamgar (v. 31) didn’t let the fact that he didn’t have a fancy weapon deter him from giving his best in service.
I am reminded that if/when God calls us to do something, He determines our success, not what we bring to the battle.
May we not only cry out in need, but in obedience to Him, remembering that without Him, we can do nothing. (like the hymn say!)
So many great comments and so exciting to dive in with all of you! Continued prayers for each of you!
The very first thing that came to my mind was, “I don’t want to ever forget“. My God, has been so faithful and has seen me through so much, that I never want forget. And if I do, I do my best to immediately ask for forgiveness. I’m so grateful to where I am today and it’s all because of my God, my Jesus. I cannot, and will not do life without HIM! He is my everything! Happy mid week sweet She’s! Thank you, thank you for your prayers regarding my work, and my ability to remember things and testing the students this week and next. I put on my game face but was a little too focused to where the teacher gently had to remind me to relax (so grateful that she was gentle on how she approached me) I was able to give her some of my ideas since you like them it’s kind of cool to make decisions for myself. thank you again sweet She’s please pray I’d be an example to the teacher.
The concept of God “testing” his people is intriguing. He did it “to teach warfare”’and “see whether they would obey.” I’m pondering the ways that God might be testing me for those reasons.
This verse stands out to me: 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.” – Ephesians 5:14
We have to be awake vim our walk. We can not grow comfortable or complacent. We can not grow comfortable in our world. Letting Christ shine through us.
Thank you Tina! I second your prayer.
Thanks be to God!
Kelly L & Jessica H – <3 thank you for sharing yourself a bit. I am glad you read along with us. I know there are a few more Shes who do these readings in quiet alongside you. :)
@Taylor – Amen to this prayer. Lord have mercy and bring strength to those who seek You. Let Your name be glorified in these places of war. Not just Israel/Palestine, but Russia/Ukraine as well as others… Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done. Give wisdom and let hearts come to the full knowledge of the gospel.
God bless you Shes and your unspoken requests. The Lord is good and may you find hope and strength in Him, today.
I am reminded in this book of Judges, how God gives us do over after do over. I am so grateful.
I pray that I would look to Him in times of good and not be forgetful of how He rescued me from my sin and shame.
Blessed Wednesday to each of you. I’m bringing your requests before our One True King. ❤️
Amen
Lord, help me and my sweet SRT sisters remember you always… in bad times, for sure, but in good times too! He knows what we need when we need it (before we do, even!), but let’s keep asking Him for help. And also let us give Him thanks every day, even for the things we think are little things. They really aren’t!
Doesn’t it just break your heart when you see the word AGAIN they did what was evil? It goes back to yesterday’s comments about patterns. Let us see our negative patterns too.
Be blessed today, sweet She’s!
“Every time the Israelites prospered, they didn’t simply forget God; they forgot what it meant to be God’s chosen people in the world.”
Am I guilty of this, do I forget what it means to be God’s chosen? I pray that i do not. I pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit living in me, I will live my life obedient to God’s commands, that I might be well pleasure g to Him. It’s so easy to get caught up in the business of this life & forget who we are and why we are here. Father God help me to never forget how desperately I need You – every single day! Thank you God for Your Son! Thank you for saving me, thank you for keeping me! And as one of my sisters stated – there are not enough thank you’s Father – for all you’ve done!!
Continuing to pray for your requests – welcome to all of my sisters who are new to SRT!
Blessings gs on your day today!
I always read the comments from the previous day before I do the current day’s scripture reading. I think I am going to have to do this at the end of the day now… so many good comments (and prayers offered as I read them.). But before I read today, thank you CEE GEE and MERCY for your posts. So good!
The land of Israel has always been promised to the Jews. Let’s not forget to pray for Israel and all victims of war. God doesn’t forget his promises and people.
My heart feels burdened today over the conflict in the Middle East. I pray for peace, that innocent lives would no longer be lost, that the Lord would move mightily in that area to bring peace. Amen <3
I’ve been doing SRT studies since the very beginning…2012, I think? I haven’t often been active in the comments and discussion, and I just want to say thank you to this community! I appreciate the encouragement and prayer I was offered yesterday. Living for Christ in this generation is hard, and raising children who choose to love God seems impossible sometimes. I’m thankful to know there are like-minded parents in the Church. It makes the hard days a little easier.
The reason I practice the spiritual discipline of meditation on scripture at the start of my day is so that I will not forget God. I need the scriptures each day to keep me grounded. My quiet time keeps me close to Jesus. Being a part of this family of believers keeps me in community. My church family helps me be accountable and allows me the opportunity to serve God and others. The Word is living and working in our hearts and minds to shape us to be more like our precious Lord Jesus. Thanks SRT for being here for us.
Morning She’s! The He Reads Truth devotional was a great added resource for me this morning. Check it out!
“What Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar could only do incompletely and temporarily, Jesus has done perfectly and eternally. What they did with swords, stealth, and cattle prods, He did by laying down his life.”
Thank be to Jesus! Have a blessed day, all.❤️
Father I am guilty of getting to comfortable in my own way. Please forgive me and light my heart on fire for you! In Jesus name, Amen
Hi She’s. I’ve been reading along for a few years now and wanted to tell you, Tina and Kelly (Neo), you are consistently here and posting when I read in the morning. I truly appreciate your words and thoughts each day. And I truly appreciate all the Shes and the community you all have in praying and caring for each other. God Bless each of you. ❤️
We are surrounded by people who live as though they don’t need God, and at times we join them. Lord God, please draw us close to You, help us keep our thoughts on You, may we NEVER forget when things are good or when they are not – we absolutely desperately need You.
CEE GEE – ❤️ thankful for the medical clarification!
SANDRA MYERS – your question yesterday – is Jesus our Judge?
John 5:26-27, Jesus says “26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Praying for requests –
MANDI
MOLLY R
RACHEL BLESSUM
JESSICA H
SUSANNE NELSON
Amen and amen, Tina. Never enough thank yous to our Savior. Never enough time devoted to His praise and adoration. Inexhaustible kindness and mercy poured out for my offenses to His Holy Name.
AMBERLENE – I’m sorry for the tragedy in your life. Praying you can heal and focus on the eternal life that is a happy-ever-after one as the Bride of Christ.
LERGIA OLIVO – welcome, agree that our understanding of this book will be better as it is read in community
MEME FAYE – praying your husband’s recovery will go quickly
SAVANNA GUTSHALL & MICHELE CLARK – glad you could join us
MANDI – praying for your son’s victory in his struggles. Praying you can help him find a Christian counselor who will give him the tools he needs to navigate life well.
TAYLOR – praying for Haley’s broken heart. May she seek the Lord in her sorrow.
JESSICA H – praying your son gets an “orange bead” moment the rocks his rebellion and turns his heart back to Jesus.
CHRISTINA BOGGS – welcome. I’m sorry about the passing of your mom. May the Lord comfort uou and continue to draw you to Himself.
How true it is. Nothing sends me running back to Jesus like adversity. How much better would it be if I never strayed to start with. Grateful that he is always there with open arms when I come scurrying back.
The book of Judges challenges us to remember. It is painful and difficult—and certainly not tidy—but in it we can almost hear the Spirit whisper, “This is why you need a Saviour. This is why I came.”
And my response to the Spirit would be..
Thank you and a resounding AMEN, because I cannot do this life without You, without your presence, without your grace, without your mercy, your provision, your Love, the Hope I have in you…
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Lord Jesus, Thank you..
BUT GOD.
AMEN.
Happy Wednesday, dear hearts, wrapped in love and prayers, and covered in hugs..❤❤