"Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?" - Judges 13:18 (NASB)    When I read this verse this morning, my initial response was simply, "Amen." The LORD's name is wonderful, it brings such comfort and such peace to my soul. This is most definitely true, but sometimes in our hurriedness we miss the bigger picture. In Hebrew, the word translated as "wonderful" is pil'îy. It is used only two times in the OT, both times referencing the nature of the LORD.  It means, "incomprehensible, wonderful, remarkable, something which appears to be supernatural."*  In this passage, the angel of the LORD appeared to Samson's parents, but they did not recognize Him (13:16). As they were trying to figure out who to give honor to they asked a "what" question, but the LORD gave them a "who" answer. The LORD was not dismissing their question, He was answering their question in a amazing manner. The problem was that Manoah and ...

"..Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hands." - Judges 7:9 (NASB)     The story of Gideon is remarkable. Gideon, the new judge, had enlisted a formidable 32,000 man army to go against the Midianites and Amalekites. However, the LORD did not want the people to think they could do this on their own. So, in a unique manner, Gideon was instructed to whittle the number down to a meager 300. If you do the math, that is 0.93% of the original size; not very formidable at all. Furthermore, as you continue reading, you discover that this army of 300 never lifted a weapon against their enemies. Gideon instructed them to simultaneously blow their trumpets, then break some jugs that contained torches, and then shout. As they followed Gideon's instructions, their enemies below turned on each other in sheer panic while God's people stood and watched.     Why did God do this in such a manner? Well, among other reasons only God knows,  it ...

"...and there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD, nor yet the work which He had done..." - Judges 2:10 (NASB)    As I was reading this passage of Scripture one single thought came to mind: Why? Why did the succeeding generation not know the LORD and all that He had done. The Israelites saw the LORD perform incredible miracles during their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, in His supernatural provisions for 40+ years, and in His mighty presence going before them in defeating the inhabitants of the "Promised Land." How could a generation rise up that did not know God? It's simple: they were never told. We could debate the possibilities of other reasons that this new generation rose up apart from God, but the most obvious reason is the simplest one. The generation that died failed to pass on the most important legacy. If you continue reading in the chapter you will find that the next generation, turned their back on the commands of ...

"…but they shall become as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you." - Judges 2:3 (NASB)    The angel of the LORD is speaking to His people, the Israelites, and has a pretty harsh message for them. What did they do that brought this on themselves? Nothing! Don't misunderstand me, they were supposed to do something, but they chose not to. In chapter one of Judges we find Israel not "in control" of the promised land. However, the land's previous inhabitants were still there. God had given His people specific instructions to drive them out and make no covenants with them. They accomplished this in numerous places, but there were some areas that the inhabitants were so dug-in that Israel said, "Forget it. We will just make them our slaves," (my commentary, not a quote from Scripture). You can read the full list of those inhabitants whom they allowed to stay put in verses 27-36 of the same chapter.     As I was meditating on...