Judges 6:1-10
Israel Hides in the Hills
Read the passage
1Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years,
2and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds.
3Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them,
4encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys.
5For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it.
6Israel was greatly impoverished by Midian, and the Israelites cried out to the LORD.
7Now when the Israelites cried out to the LORD because of Midian,
8He sent them a prophet, who told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
9I delivered you out of the hands of Egypt and all your oppressors. I drove them out before you and gave you their land.
10And I said to you: ‘I am the LORD your God. You must not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.’ But you did not obey Me.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
For seven years, Midian's raids strip Israel of food and livestock. Whenever the Israelites plant, Midianites, Amalekites, and other peoples of the east come with their animals and tents, destroying the produce of the land. Israel prepares shelters in mountains and caves. The people are desperately poor and cry out to the LORD.
God sends a prophet. His message begins with what the LORD has already done: He brought Israel out of slavery in Egypt, delivered them from oppressors, and gave them the land. He told them not to fear the gods of the Amorites. But Israel did not obey Him.
This word does not deny the misery of the raids. It tells Israel the truth about the LORD they have abandoned. Their rescuer has been faithful; they have turned away from His command. Before the account introduces Gideon, the people hear why their relationship with God needs attention as urgently as their empty storehouses.
Questions
1 What makes Israel so poor under Midian?
AnswerInvading peoples repeatedly destroy the crops and leave no sustenance or livestock. Israelites take shelter in mountains and caves.
2 Who does the LORD send when the people cry out?
AnswerHe sends a prophet who reminds them of His rescue from Egypt and His gifts to them.
3 What disobedience does the prophet identify?
AnswerThe LORD commanded Israel not to fear the gods of the Amorites, but they did not obey Him.
4 How can remembering God’s mercy help us receive correction?
AnswerIt reminds us that the One correcting us has cared for us. We can admit a wrong without pretending that God has never been good to us.
What This Means for Us
When we need help, we may hope only for the immediate problem to go away. God's word can also address a choice we need to confess. Listen to what Scripture actually says rather than guessing at hidden reasons for suffering. We can ask for relief and remain willing to hear correction that is clearly warranted.
Prayer
Lord, remind us of Your deliverance when fear makes us forget. Give us compassion for suffering and honesty about the sins that need confession. Amen.