JUDGES 10

AFTER WORSHIPING FALSE IDOLS, THE ISRAELITES TURN TO GOD

After Abimelech, a man named Tola was the judge of Israel for twenty-three years. Following Tola was a man named Jair who was the judge for twenty-two years.

Once again, Israel is participating in wicked, unrighteous practices, so God allows them to be oppressed by the Ammonites and the Philistines. The Israelites, influenced by their surroundings, worship many other false gods, including Baal, Ashtaroth, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of the Ammonites and Philistines, and the gods of Moab.

After eighteen years, the Israelites cry out to God for help. Instead of sending a judge or a military ruler as He had previously, God reminds the Israelites of His past deliverance of the Israelites. God questions them, reminding them that their false gods have never provided for them. After exhausting all other options, the Israelites deny the false gods and turn back to the God who provided for them.

God grew impatient with their misery. Even in their rebellion, God hates seeing his people experiencing suffering. The Israelites consult with each other and decide they need to choose a leader to battle the Ammonites.

Judges 10:14 - Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress.