Apostasy in Israel and Now-Judges 2

Cycle of Apostasy in Judges

When Joshua died, the children of Israel left of tribal unity to some degree and embraced nationalism; they wanted to be like their neighbors. The government would have been the best choice, but this rising generation knew nothing of the God of the Exodus. "The Book of Judges makes it clear that the children of Israel did not conquer all of Canaan, when she first entered it...For a long time in the days of the Judges many of the Israelites were essentially hillbillies Judges 6:2, hemmed in by their enemies on every side. After the generation of Israelites who had been acquainted with Joshua passed away, the effects of Canaanite morals and religion began to be apparent upon the younger generation. For long periods of time, the Canaanites conquered Israel and this fact alone would tend to disrupt her settled religious life and practice. Times were rough and banditry was rampant. As the record itself states, 'In those days there was no king in Israel, every man did that which was right in his own eyes.' Judges 17:6 All of this seems to have taken place because Israel did not drive the Canaanites completely out. The Lord said to the Israelites, 'You have not harkened to my voice; what is this ye have done? Wherefore I also said: I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be unto you as snares and their gods shall be a trap unto you.' Judges 2:2-3 Israel's conduct during this period had a lasting effect upon her religion and morals. For centuries Israel's prophets and wise men referred to it and denounced her allegiance to old Canaanite practices and certain elements in her population must have apostatized completely." Sperry, The Spirit of the Old Testament, p. 51-52

The Book of Numbers should have been called the Book of the Apostasy Cycle, because the children of Israel chose this path over and over. They began the cycle by forgetting God, not keeping the commandments, and left the covenant. Judges 2:10, 12, 17, 20, 22

When Israel failed in her calling to eliminate the cultures the Lord considered ripe for extinction, their enemies prevailed over them. The children of Israel were weakened by the corruption and debauchery they were supposed to cleanse from the land, weakening their governmental system. As oppression from their enemies become unbearable, the Israelites would remember and cry unto God. However these God bursts never lasted. Once peace and prosperity returned, they would go back to sinful, abhorrent practices. This story is sad and tragic on many levels, even though some of the most remarkable men and women of history lived lives of courage, faith, and personal greatness at this time. Some call the time period of the Book of Numbers the hero period.

Since God has seen fit to include these stories in His scriptures, they must have been put their for our benefit. Let's liken them to our day of similar sinfulness and dubauchery---infant sacrifice, waring, and a culture of self-gratification, fornication, and pornography. Children sometimes reject the teachings of their parents out of rebellion or because they are subjected to immoral behaviour all around them. Building good relationships with our children and spending lots of time teaching the gospel, we give our children the best hope against rebellion, immorality, and apostasy. It is so important not to neglect this responsibility, because we are too tired or too whatever. It is the highest priority.