What can we learn from Israel's actions after Joshua's leadership in Judges 2:6? Setting the Scene “After Joshua had dismissed the people, the Israelites went out to take possession of the land, each to his own inheritance.” ( Judges 2:6) What Israel Got Right at First • They obeyed promptly—no delay, no debate • They trusted God’s promise of the land (Genesis 17:8) • Each tribe accepted personal responsibility—“each to his own inheritance” • Unity flowed from shared obedience under one covenant Why Momentum Slowed • Leadership vacuum—when Joshua and the elders died, devotion wavered (Judges 2:7, 10) • Compromise—tribes left pockets of Canaanites (Judges 1:27–36) • Forgetfulness—new generation “knew neither the LORD nor the works He had done” (Judges 2:10) • Attraction to culture around them—idols seemed easier than holiness (Judges 2:11–13) Key Lessons for Today 1. Spiritual inheritance must be possessed, not merely promised – Philippians 2:12: “work out your salvation” 2. Lasting faith cannot rest on a human leader – Hebrews 12:2: “fix our eyes on Jesus” 3. Partial obedience plants seeds of future defeat – Judges 2:2: “But you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done?” 4. Every generation must encounter God personally – Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Psalm 78:5–7 5. Remembering God’s works fuels present faith – Psalm 103:2: “forget not all His benefits” Practical Takeaways • Keep recounting God’s past victories—testimony guards against drift • Finish what God assigns; don’t settle for “mostly obedient” • Invest intentionally in the next generation’s knowledge of Scripture • Depend on God’s presence, not the charisma of leaders • Stand apart from surrounding culture when it conflicts with covenant truth Finishing Well Paul modeled the opposite of Israel’s slide: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Let Israel’s story urge us to do the same—press on, possess fully, and pass on undiluted faith. |
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