48. Pride and Idolatry

Chosen

Nevertheless, the LORD raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Judges 2:6.  Yet, as one reads the book of Judges it is easy to believe that not all the judges of Israel were called by The Lord.

The following episode is among the goriest pictures painted in the Bible.

So Ehud (the second judge of Israel) came (brought the tribute) to him (Eglon, a foreign king) (now he was sitting (alone) upstairs in his cool private chamber). Judges 3:20.  With all the stealth and fortitude of James Bond, Ehud dispatched Eglon into the next world.

Notice that at least four judges were specifically called:

1. Othniel. the LORD raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel. Judges 3:9.

2. Ehud.  the LORD raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud. Judges 3:15. 

3. Gideon.  The Lord said to Gideon, Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel. Judges 6:14.

4. Samson. She called his name Samson; and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. And the Spirit of the LORD began to move upon him. Judges 13:24-25.

5. Deborah.  There is no statement, of that nature, made about the calling of Deborah.  Was it because she was so "full of herself", or was it, maybe, because her theology was so far off base?

In her song she praised herself; she sang, Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel, Until I, Deborah, arose, Arose a mother in Israel. Judges 5:7.  Do you recall that old adage, "self-praise stinks"?  The Bible has much to say about pride going before a fall.  We will have more on that when we study King Saul.

From their wanderings, in the wilderness, the Israelites should have learned that praise belongs to Jehovah.  

Deborah, however, had a different theology.  She sang They fought from the heavens; The stars from their courses fought against Sisera. Judges 5:20.  Astrology is also very prevalent in our time.  Some speak of the stars not "being lined up" in someone's favour.  

The Jews claim that Jehovah guides the affairs of humanity, but this woman, in her song, puts astrology into the place that Jehovah should have.  Perhaps she was not called to be a judge at all; she did not win any victories against the nation's enemies. However, her sidekick, Barak did win a very decisive battle against the Canaanites.

Gideon, on the other hand, had humility as his shield, he said, O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house. Judges 6:15.  Eventually, the Lord convinced Gideon to go to war, and Gideon, through some cunning war manoeuvres, with an army of only 300 men, won the victory over 120,000 soldiers.

Gideon (Destroyer, or mighty warrior) is a strange name for this man; he was fearful, timid and afraid to move forward. See Judges 6:27; 6:36-40.

Not Chosen

Gideon's name was later changed to Jerubbaal, (contender with Baal).  If this is the meaning, this name change would refer to the time when he destroyed the altar of Baal. Judges 6:26-30. 

Some believe that Jerubbaal means, he that defends Baal.  This opinion is quite defensible. The Bible says, as soon as Gideon was dead, ... the children of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-Berith their god. Judges 8:33.

Baal-Berith is pictured as a human(ish) being with devilish looking goat-like features. Obviously, Gilead had not impressed on the Israelites the importance of worshipping only Jehovah!   Was he also interested in serving Baal?

It is so sad when "servants of God" who start out obedient to their calling, later in life, lose track of their purpose.  This happened to Gilead.  He collected the golden spoils of war and made a golden ephod. One of the meanings of ephod is an ancient Hebrew instrument of priestly divination. Merriam-Webster dictionary.  

About this ephod, the Bible says, And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house. Judges 8:27.  

People prefer to worship something they can see rather than Someone they cannot see.

One Sunday evening we visited a "supposedly" Christian church for a special service.  At the front of the church next to the podium was lying a life-size replica of the cross of Christ. The audience was invited to come forward and kiss the cross.  

This was so totally repugnant to me.  I had the same feeling about that incident as Gideon should have had about that ephod in his house.  The Bible clearly says Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. Ex. 20:4.  

We must never worship the cross of Christ!

We have been taught that Jehovah is omniscient (that He knows everything).  That means He knows the future as well as the past.  If that is true, of course, He would never have to change His mind.   Perhaps He would not even be able to change His mind.  Jehovah said to the wayward Israelites, Therefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in your time of distress. Judges 10:13-14.

However, only a few verses later, the Bible says, His (Jehovah's) soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel.  The Lord changed His mind when the people repented.  This is the wonderful thing about Jehovah.  Joel wrote, So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. Joel 2:13.  The Lord can relent, He can change His mind, therefore, it sounds as though He is not omniscient!

Many people love to dwell on the fury and retribution of Jehovah as it is displayed in the Old Testament and because of that, they condemn Him.  The thing they refuse to see is the awful depravity of humans; those repeated and horrid sinful actions which deserve Jehovah's punishment.  Do those people really believe that Jehovah should turn a blind eye to murder, adultery, lying, rape? 

If individuals, or whole nations, repent of their sinful ways, the Lord will relent of the planned destruction, and again bless that nation.