Reading 33 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Thursday, October 16, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Judges 2:11–19

Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and worshiped the Baals; and they abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; they followed other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were all around them, and bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. They abandoned the Lord, and worshipped Baal and the Astartes. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers who plundered them, and he sold them into the power of their enemies all around, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies. Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them to bring misfortune, as the Lord had warned them and sworn to them; and they were in great distress. Then the Lord raised up judges, who delivered them out of the power of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen even to their judges; for they lusted after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their ancestors had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord; they did not follow their example. Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord would be moved to pity by their groaning because of those who persecuted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they would relapse and behave worse than their ancestors, following other gods, worshiping them and bowing down to them. They would not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. (NRSV)

Reflection

I usually find the Old Testament difficult to understand. This passage from Judges, if taken at a high level, seems to me to be about God’s continued love and guidance for the people of Israel. Kind of similar to a parent, God reminds them over and over again of various things.

God sends many witnesses of how to live a faithful life in community with others. The people get it for a while but then revert back to old habits and patterns. However, God doesn’t give up. God keeps trying by sending them more examples of God’s love.

Prayer

Lord of all, please continue to send me messages and messengers as examples of how to live faithfully in your kingdom. I know I will succeed sometimes and fail at other times, but I also know that your love and mercy are everlasting. Amen.

Written by Lisa Garay, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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