Read Judges 2:10–23

Experts in financial investing understand that investor memory is not to be relied upon. Investors tend to downplay or even forget downturns in the market and remember very clearly the upswings with exciting returns. We tend not to learn from the pain. The book of Judges can feel a lot like those financial markets. The nation swung from times of obedience and victory to times of disobedience and suffering. Their situation reflected the forgetfulness of people and their need for a strong, godly leader. They didn’t learn from the pain; someone would have to guide them.

When Joshua died, no national leader emerged to shepherd the nation, and they lost spiritual momentum. They failed to drive the Canaanites out and instead became like them! God disciplined Israel by empowering their enemies. The discipline had its intended effect; the people turned to God and begged for help. God raised up judges, who led them to victory and a time of righteousness (v. 16). But when the judge died, like a forgetful investor, they forgot the bad times and turned from the Lord again and again.

Turning from the Lord meant following other gods, serving and even worshiping them (v. 19). As expected, their disobedience provoked the Lord to anger, and He declared that He would not drive out the Canaanites before them. Instead, they would remain as a test for Israel (v. 22). It was a test they would often fail. But during this difficult time, there were some Israelites who dedicated themselves to obeying the Lord and following His commands. An example is given in the book of Ruth. We are reminded that following God takes sacrificial commitment, and the blessings God showered upon the faithful are worth the sacrifice!

Go Deeper

Have you minimized the effects of sin in your life? Have you forgotten what life apart from God looks like? Take time to remind yourself of your need to remain close to Him. Extended Reading: 

Judges 1-2

Pray with Us

Merciful Father, we receive Your somber warning today about the deadly power of sin in our lives. May we stay close to You and to Your faithful love, we pray.

The LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders.Judges 2:16

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Read Joshua 23:1–16

Think about the last time you completed a significant project. Do you remember the feeling? Do you remember the moments when you almost quit? Do you remember the little victories along the way that kept you going? Finally, you arrived at the finish line!

When Israel crossed the Jordan River into the land God had promised them, they were at the finish line of a journey that had taken 40 years and two generations. But because the land was inhabited, Israel would have to drive out the people who lived there. God was punishing the Canaanites and using Israel to do it. He was making sure the land would be a safe place where His people could thrive.

While the Canaanite coalition had been defeated, many of them remained in the land and represented a significant temptation for Israel. So, with his final words Joshua encouraged the people to remember that God fulfilled everything He promised them (23:14). They should remain loyal to Him with all their hearts!

He warned them against making alliances with the Canaanites who remained (v. 12). These alliances were often sealed with marriages, which meant Israelite families would be merged with Canaanite families. Often this meant that the people of God would worship the gods of the Canaanites. The result of this behavior would be that Israel would not enjoy the land (v. 13).

As the curtain closed on the book of Joshua, the nation stood at a crossroad. Their next steps were critical. Would they follow through on the victories that had brought them control of the land by remaining faithful to God, or would they give in to the temptation and ally themselves with the Canaanites?

Go Deeper

Why was the entry into the promised land such a significant crossroads for Israel? What is the danger for us when we experience victory? How can we avoid letting our guard down at those moments?

Extended Reading

Joshua 21:43

Joshua 23:16

Pray with Us

Almighty God, thank You for the encouragement from Joshua, which resonates in our hearts centuries later: “Not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed” (Joshua 23:14).

Not one of all the LORD’S good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.Joshua 21:45

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Read Deuteronomy 8:1–20

When a child heads off to college it is easy for parents to get anxious. They wonder, is my child ready? Will they succeed? Will the trauma of the teenage years wear off so our relationship can be normal again? Wise parents take time to prepare their child for the big change. As the Book of Deuteronomy opens, Israel is poised to enter the land God had promised them. But the journey had not been easy. What should have been a brief journey took 40 years because of Israel’s disobedience at Kadesh Barnea (see Num. 14:33). Despite this, God had brought them through. As they awaited the command to cross over, God took time to prepare them by reaffirming His covenant with them.

These people were the offspring of the men and women who had met with God at Mt. Sinai (Ex. 20:22). They were too young to understand the special relationship God had with the nation. As they prepared to inherit this land, they needed to be reminded of who they were, who God is, and what He expected of them.

First and foremost, they needed to do carefully what God commanded (8:1). Doing so would enable them to enjoy the land He had promised. To help them obey, God instructed them to remember how He loved them by caring for them in the wilderness (v. 2). Those days were indeed difficult, but God used those trials to train them for their own good (v. 3). He had also provided for them miraculously (v. 4). Even the times of discipline were for their development (v. 5). He concludes by describing the benefits of obedience. They would enjoy a land filled with abundance (v. 9). But they would need to be on guard, for abundance could breed a different kind of unbelief (v. 10)!

Go Deeper

Has abundance or good times ever decreased your dependence on God? Why do you think that happens? How can we remember God during bad times and good?

Pray with Us

We praise You, Lord, for Your love for us, in good times and in times of trials and hardships. Your faithful love endures forever! It accompanied the Israelites in Deuteronomy, and it guides our steps today.

Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to him.Deuteronomy 8:6

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Read Numbers 11:1–35

Each year I get the privilege of welcoming freshman students to the Moody Bible Institute. In those first weeks they want to know what they are required to do for class. They also want to know the consequences if they fail to do what they are supposed to do. As we turn to the book of Numbers, we learn that disobedience to God carries consequences. While we have just learned that God provided a way for forgiveness, we also know that God is willing to hold the line even if it means punishing His people. This is a significant theme in the Bible.

After meeting God at Mt. Sinai, the nation made its way to the land God had promised. Along the way He tested them to see if they would obey Him. Often their living circumstances were difficult. They were in a desert without the food and comforts Egypt had provided. Often, they complained bitterly (v. 4). Ironically, they forgot they were slaves in Egypt!

On their desert journey, God had provided miraculous food in the form of manna (v. 9). Still, they complained. We see that, more than just a sign of displeasure, their complaining signified a deep spiritual problem. They refused to trust that God would bring them to the promised land. They doubted He would care for them. They even suspected He meant ill for them. All of these were deeply displeasing to God. He made promises to them based on His character. Their behavior implied He was unreliable. They were committing the sin of unbelief (Heb. 3:19).

As tragic as these narratives are, they taught Israel and teach Bible readers today an important lesson: God judges unbelief. We learn that unbelief, like other sins, has consequences. God has made promises to you. Trust Him!

Go Deeper

Why did the Israelites complain? How did their complaints signify unbelief? Have you struggled to believe God’s promises? Recommit yourself to believing His promises today.

Pray with Us

As we move to the book of Numbers, we receive a somber warning about the sin of unbelief. Almighty God, may we never forget that Your mercy and forgiveness go together with judgment. Teach us to trust You completely.

The anger of the LORD burned against the people.Numbers 11:33

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Read Leviticus 5:14–19

At most places of employment there are rewards for success: public recognition, a raise, maybe a promotion. And when a job is done poorly, the penalties are equally clear. But what happens when someone repents, apologizes, and commits to do better? Will their employer forgive them or write them off as a liability? How many times can they be forgiven before their prospects for advancement are diminished?

At Mt. Sinai, God reminded Israel that He knew they would disobey. They had already done so several times, and He knew they would do so again. So, He created a system that would allow them to confess their sin, receive forgiveness, and find their way back to fellowship with Him. Leviticus describes a series of sacrifices that Israelites could offer, which would help them express their desire to be close to God.

The Guilt Offering was about covering sin (v. 15). This sacrifice was an act of worship, a way for an Israelite to humbly declare his love for God by acknowledging he had done wrong. The act of confession was not about informing God; He already knew the Israelite had sinned. Rather, confession required sacrifice, in this case a ram without defect (v. 15). This was a physical act that provided the Israelites an opportunity to acknowledge that sins needed to be covered and to receive the comfort of knowing God had forgiven them. It cost something.

Sin is not without cost; it mars relationships. And because God loved Israel, He offered forgiveness so they could enjoy Him. Centuries later the Psalmist would express his delight when he said, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Ps. 32:1). Later still, God would offer the final sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, and make a way for our sins to be covered!

Go Deeper

Have you experienced God’s forgiveness? Describe a time when you experienced His love and restoration. What was the cost of your sin?

Pray with Us

The book of Leviticus shows us from ages past what a merciful God You are. From the system of sacrifices to the ultimate sacrifice of Your Son, You are the God who forgives. We rejoice in Your salvation!

In this way the priest will make atonement for them for any of these sins they have committed, and they will be forgiven.Leviticus 5:13

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