The Book of Judges

 The Book of Judges was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Judges 10:1-18

 

I. Maintaining peace (10:1-5)

Two judges are listed during this 45 year period, Tola and Jair. Little is said about them, but the evidence seems to indicate that a certain level of spirituality and justice prevailed during this time.

One of the clues is the thirty sons of Jair ruling over thirty cities which is a type of the Millennium (Lk. 19:16-19). The entire picture gives us a glimpse at the initiation of things to come. Also, in Luke 19 the disciples are sent to fetch the colt of an ass for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Jair's thirty sons ride the same. The colt of an ass demonstrates the humility of the first coming and the thirty sons mirror the New Testament Sons of God ruling over Millennium cities. We might add they return on horses (Rev. 19).

The number thirty denotes the commencement of a ministry. Jesus, Joseph and David were all thirty when they began theirs (Lk. 3:23; Gen. 41:46; 2 Sam. 5:4).
 

II. Business as usual (10:6-10)

A. As soon as the judges are gone, it's back to rule by committee, and the results are once again disastrous. It's important to remember that evil was already in the hearts of the people or they wouldn't have headed in the wrong direction so quickly. God-called leadership just kept things in check. (Phil. 3:16-18; 1 Cor. 4:15,16; Judg. 2:19)

B. It's not coincidental that seven pagan gods are listed that Israel followed after. This shows their utter destain for the things of God because He is a God of sevens. He gave them seven feasts, seven year cycles, sabbaths worked by seven, etc.

C. When you embrace seven gods, you can find at least one to allow you to do anything you want. I'm certain comments like "which church you attend is unimportant, as long as you are sincere" were prevalent in those days.

D. Some of the old enemies that were never appropriately dealt with in the past are back to collect their pound of flesh. (Judg. 2:20-23)
 

III. Repentance… or is it? (10:10-14)

A. Israel feigns some kind of repentance (2 Cor. 7:10) which first of all demonstrates they know the problem and the solution. Most people aren't as stupid as they like to appear on these issues. They are familiar with the drill and jump through the hoops.

B. Evidently, God isn't impressed, reminds them of past deliverance's, and recommends that they seek the help of their new gods. That's exactly what God is saying to the public schools of American today.
 

IV. Back up and make another try at it (10:15-18)

A. The first repentance was with the mouth only, but the second had a stronger ring to it, because they actually put the strange gods away (vs. 16). (2 Tim. 3:1-5)

B. When it's time to fight (vs. 18), a committee won't do; they need a man to lead them and they know it.

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