After the death of Joshua, the period of the Judges began in Israel. Judges were established by the prophet Moses to resolve disputes between the Israelites. But then these judges behaved like true leaders and became the new aristocracy of the nation.
These judges, in addition to fulfilling their task as such, had to inspire the people and serve as an example by being moved by the spirit of God. And a clear example in the history of Israel of a judge inspired by God was Samson, who with his courage and trust in God defeated the Philistines who oppressed Israel.
The Bible tells us that many Israelites upon entering the promised land broke the covenant with the Lord and began to acquire the customs of the conquered nations, which were displeasant in the sight of the Lord. This caused the Lord to allow some pagan nations to remain in the territory of Canaan, as God communicated in the oracle of Bohim. The Aristocratic government of the judges could not complete the conquest of the promised land.
The lack of fear of God (constancy, firmness, devotion) in the chosen people was also the cause in the period of the judges that many pagans became a threat to Israel, like Sisera, and thus many judges became saviors. In this way, idolatry, more than external enemies, became Israel's true threat.
This is how the Book of Judges tells us how the pagan nations remaining in Canaan were allowed by God to test Israel in its faithfulness:
"These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience): the five rulers of the Philistine, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD'S commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses." Judges 3:1-4.
For more information visit my profile follow the link and download for free my ebook.
Authors get paid when people like you upvote their post.
If you enjoyed what you read here, create your account today and start earning FREE STEEM!
If you enjoyed what you read here, create your account today and start earning FREE STEEM!