This chapter is a dark turning point in Israel’s story. After all they’d been through since Egypt, they’d already begun to forget what God had done for them. It didn’t happen all at once and was  more than an intellectual forgetting; they lost a deep covenant sense of knowing who God is, in trusting Him, and walking in His ways.
 
A concept we will see over and over again, and we see today, is introduced as the scriptures declare “another generation arose who did not know the Lord or the works He had done.” What a terrifyingly sad statement. God hadn’t gone inactive, but His work was no longer shaping the life of His people. Even when the story had been received, it wasn’t treasured. To some degree the covenant had been given and passed along, but they refused to embody it through faithful obedience. They lived in the land of promise while their hearts drifted towards the gods of the land.

Judges shows us a pattern that goes on repeat: Israel turns away, consequences come, suffering grows, they lament, and the Lord raises up someone to deliver them. In no way does this cycle excuse their rebellion, though. Their failure was real and their choices mattered greatly. What brings me hope is that God refused to allow their disobedience to be the final word for their future. When they were faithLESS, He remained faithFUL.

As I write these words I can’t help but think of the church of which we are a part today. She is drawn so easily to the lure of the gods of this age, to power, prestige, and even profit. While my soul is often grieved by what I see around me in the Body of Christ, I know this word both confronts and comforts me. Failure is never harmless, there are always consequences. Forgetfulness of God will always take us to places we never intended to go, but, thankfully, the Lord’s faithfulness isn’t brittle.

He doesn’t pretend our sin doesn’t matter, but He also refuses to abandon us in it. He refuses, then as now, to leave His covenant behind. Israel’s story, and our’s, continues because He is more faithful than His people are stubborn.

We will find the book of Judges full of grief and sorry, but even here, mercy is already on the move.

Where do you see spiritual forgetfulness quietly shaping your habits, desires, or decisions? How does Judges 2 help you take forgetfulness and failure seriously without believing it has the final word?

Father, Your mighty works for Israel and for me are many. Teach me to remember them and walk accordingly in Your ways. Keep me from slipping into forgetfulness. Help me to trust Your faithfulness when I look in the mirror and see only my faults. Grant me merciful repentance when I do. Amen.