ADULT STS LESSON 171_ CONSEQUENCE OF ISRAEL’S PARTIAL OBEDIENCE
Memory Verse: “Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed. Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them” (Judges 2:15,16).
Text: Judges 1:1–36; 2:1–23
The book of Judges describes a tumultuous period in Israel’s history, marked by moral decline, spiritual compromise, and recurring national crises. After the death of Joshua and the elders who followed him, Israel spiraled into partial obedience and idolatry. Rather than enjoying peace and prosperity in the Promised Land, the Israelites repeatedly faced oppression due to their failure to completely obey God’s command. This Bible study examines the tragic consequences of Israel’s disobedience, the faithfulness of God in sending judges, and the lessons modern believers must learn from this historical account.
The Choice of Judah Over Other Tribes
Divine Guidance in Leadership
Following Joshua’s death, Israel sought divine direction, asking, “Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites?” (Judges 1:1). God appointed Judah to lead. This decision reflects the significance of seeking God’s guidance in leadership transitions and spiritual battles. Judah, meaning “praise,” symbolizes the power of worship and faith in overcoming challenges (2 Chronicles 20:21; Acts 16:25–26).
Synergy and Spiritual Partnership
Judah invited Simeon to join the battle, exemplifying unity and cooperation among God’s people (Judges 1:3). Their teamwork illustrates Ecclesiastes 4:9–12: “Two are better than one…” This synergy enabled them to defeat strong enemies, including Adoni-bezek, a cruel king who confessed his defeat as divine retribution.
Faith Versus Fear
Despite early victories, Judah failed to conquer the inhabitants of the valley due to their iron chariots (Judges 1:19). This highlights how fear can limit divine help. When believers focus on obstacles rather than God’s power—like Peter who saw the waves (Matthew 14:30)—faith wanes and defeat looms.
Consequence of Israel’s Disobedience and Unfaithfulness
Failure to Drive Out the Canaanites
While Judah achieved success, other tribes failed to eliminate Canaanite influences. Benjamin, Ephraim, Manasseh, and others allowed pagans to remain, leading to spiritual contamination and compromise (Judges 1:27–36). Some even utilized the Canaanites for forced labor, prioritizing economic gain over obedience.
The Snare of Partial Obedience
This tolerance led Israel into idolatry, proving that partial obedience is disobedience. God sent an angel to rebuke them (Judges 2:1–5), declaring the Canaanites would become “thorns in your sides.” Modern believers must sever ties with sin and worldly influences or risk spiritual decay (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15; Romans 12:2).
The Reality of Divine Judgment
God upheld His covenant: blessing for obedience and punishment for rebellion (Deuteronomy 27). Israel’s decision to coexist with sin provoked God’s wrath. He ceased driving out their enemies, leaving them to suffer the consequences of their choices (Psalm 106:15).
Cessation of Joshua’s Leadership and National Backsliding
The Leadership Vacuum
Joshua’s death marked the beginning of Israel’s spiritual decline. During his lifetime, and that of the elders, the people remained faithful. However, a new generation arose “which knew not the LORD” (Judges 2:10), revealing a failure in intergenerational spiritual discipleship.
The Cycle of Apostasy
Without godly leadership, Israel adopted foreign gods and forsook the covenant. As a result, God delivered them into the hands of their enemies, and “they were greatly distressed” (Judges 2:12–15). This pattern—sin, suffering, supplication, salvation, then sin again—shows the instability of a life disconnected from God.
The Commission of Judges to Deliver the Children of Israel
God’s Mercy in the Midst of Judgment
Despite Israel’s rebellion, God raised up judges to deliver them (Judges 2:16). These leaders were divinely appointed, not by lineage but by calling. Their mission was to rescue, judge, and lead the nation back to righteousness (Hebrews 11:32–34).
The Ministry and Role of the Judges
Some well-known judges include:
- Othniel (Judges 3:7–11): Delivered Israel from Mesopotamian oppression.
- Ehud (Judges 3:12–30): Slew King Eglon and led a successful rebellion.
- Deborah and Barak (Judges 4:4): A prophetess and general who brought victory.
- Gideon (Judges 6–8): Used 300 men to defeat Midian’s army.
- Samson (Judges 13–16): Battled the Philistines under divine strength.
While the judges lived, Israel served God, but once they died, the people returned to sin. This illustrates the importance of continuous, personal commitment to God beyond reliance on human leadership.
God’s Call to Full Obedience
Today, Jesus Christ is our Judge and Deliverer. Believers must respond to His call by repenting of sin and living in full, not partial, obedience. “Obedience brings blessings” remains true in every generation.
Questions for Review
- What were the factors responsible for Israel’s moral decline?
- State the lessons from the cooperation between Judah and Simeon in the fight against the Canaanites.
- Highlight three major reasons the Israelites were unable to eliminate the Canaanites from the land.
- Why was Joshua mentioned in the text?
- What were the immediate consequences of Israel’s disobedience and unfaithfulness to God?
- Why did the new generation of Israel refuse to obey God?
- Name three judges and state their relevant contribution towards the deliverance of Israel.
