Judges 10-12

God's sovereign will reigns no matter the obedience or rebellion of man. Whether it is the faithful little known judges of Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon or Abdon, God protected Israel because of His abounding mercy and that His soul could not endure the misery of His chosen people. I can't help but contemplate how the LORD was filled with compassion after the Israelites put away foreign gods and turned to worship and serve YAHWEH alone. All God wants is for man to seek and serve Him all their days - this brings Him the most pleasure. 

Judges 10:16 (NKJV) "So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD. And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel." 

God cannot endure the misery of the people He loves, a people who have turned to sin, wickedness, violence and destruction. A core biblical principle about God's character is that He does not destroy the faithful along with the wicked. To become a faithful God-fearing man or woman there must be a strict adherence to God's moral law and especially the first commandment:

Deuteronomy 5:7 (NKJV) "You shall have no other gods before Me."

God was never indifferent about Israel, though when they put trust in other gods that could not deliver them from the house of oppression or enemy enslavement, this affliction drove the people of Israel to cry out to the LORD in repentance for mercy and deliverance. A consecrated people of YAHWEH seek first His kingdom and blessing, putting aside all idolatry and distractions of the world and flesh. Resolve to serve the LORD of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel with vigor and endurance for God alone deserves all glory, honor and praise because He reigns over all the earth. I serve a God sovereign above all authority and supernatural power, our God is greater and loves endlessly. 

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