Judges 3:12–14 (ESV) —
12 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the
Lord, and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because
they had done what was evil in the sight of the Lord. 13 He gathered to himself the Ammonites and the Amalekites, and went and
defeated Israel. And they took possession of the city of palms. 14 And the people of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
NOTE: In another
part of the nation, Moab attacks and actually takes a city from Israel. Last
time, there was 8 years of oppression. In this region, there are 18 years of
oppression. God raises up a left-handed man Ehud who would rescue the land. The
pattern is similar. After times of peace, the people no longer cling to God.
They are ensnared into sin. God allows them to fall into the hands of their
enemies, who scourge them. But they forget, because they are blinded by their
sin, and they will once again fall into the trap. Of note is that I do not
think the whole land of Israel experienced every one of these stories. I
believe they are somewhat regional in nature. That would also explain the
problem with adding up the years, since the years refer to the specific region
or area. Some were definitely repeated events, and the whole land probably knew
of the individual judges, but the effect may have varied across the country.
The application remains, do not forget God. Cling to God with all your heart,
soul, mind, and strength. The consequences of forgetting God can remain with a
person their entire life.
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