7/23/25

Judges 1:2 NASB95 The LORD said, “Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.”

The LORD gave direction. It was simple and easy to understand but it required a complete trust in God. Judah did not have this yet. God assured them that He was in the middle of this. They wouldn't go alone, God would go before them. The LORD said I have given the land into his (Judah's) hand. He was going to take care of the battle. However, Judah's lack of faith led to them asking Simeon to go with them. In the flesh, this seems like a wise decision, but in the Spirit, we know it was being disobedient to God. I have read where some theologians have said this was a wise decision on the part of Judah. I, however, disagree. What it was, is the first step in a journey of diminishing faith. Scripture says in Romans 14:23c What is not of faith is of sin.

We see this as we continue to follow Judah's journey in this battle. We know that they were commanded to kill or drive out all of the inhabitants of the promised land, but instead they followed the practice of the inhabitants of the land. They caught the king and cut off his toes and thumbs. This was a practice to keep them from being able to wield an instrument of war or to escape captivity. One small step in the direction of diminishing faith led to another and the nation would follow suit.

Let this be a lesson to us. Complete obedience is the way to go. Don't ever doubt that in obedience God is going before you. When you step out of line you are no longer behind God.

Love Bro Scott