February 2023

Deborah

In Judges, chapter four, verse four, Deborah was a prophetess. She had prophetic gifts, which enabled her to hear messages from God and communicate His will to the people. Deborah’s close relationship with God gave her a strong influence on her people. She is the only female judge or ruler in Jewish history, except for …

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They ceased not from their own doings

In Judges, chapter two, verse nineteen, again, the failure of many of God’s chosen people to remain faithful to Him and His Word is a recurring theme throughout Biblical history. The Old Testament reveals God’s people repeatedly turning from His love, righteousness, forgiveness, and revelation. Some noteworthy examples are the rejection of God’s will by …

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Corrupted themselves more than their fathers

In Judges, chapter two, verse nineteen, reveals a progressive deterioration in Israel. An escalation of backsliding and hardness of heart characterize each successive generation. Similarly, second and third-generation believers under the new covenant should ask themselves if they are committed to God as was the generation that preceded them. Or are they conforming more and …

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turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked

In Judges, chapter two, verse seventeen, the understanding of the fundamental nature of Israel’s spiritual decline is in verses ten through seventeen. During the time of the judges, the new generation of Israelites departed from the ways and teachings of their fathers. They forsook their covenant relationship with God and turned to evil. They began …

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Baal and Ashtaroth

In Judge, chapter two, verse thirteen, Baal, a chief god worshipped by the Canaanites, was a god of fertility, rain, and vegetation. Baal worship included cult prostitution and child sacrifice. Israel’s compromise with Baalism received condemnation from the prophets. Ashtaroth, the goddess of war and fertility and the female consort of Baal, was depicted by …

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