The Second Introduction to the Book of Judges. Judges 2:6-3:6 This second introductory section of the Book of Judges continues and summarizes the narrative from the Book of Joshua. It also provides a preliminary overview of some of the events marking Israel’s first four hundred years as a nation in the Promised Land. Sadly, it highlights the cycle of apostasy, oppression, cries of distress, and calls for mercy to God and His gracious deliverance. Only when God's people remained loyal and obeyed the covenant did they experience rest.
The second generation now controlled the national identity and actions. Their parents were driven by fervor as they claimed the land God had promised. They were characterized by compromise; their children by materialism; and the grandchildren by apathy. Joshua was the servant of the Lord, His official representative, who had remained faithful to God and His people all the way from Egypt to Canaan. Interestingly, both Joseph and Joshua died at age one hundred and ten. Both marked the end of an era of divine guidance during difficult times, when God was truly esteemed among His people.
With the passing of Joshua and that generation that entered to possess the land and experienced God's delivering power, a change came that affected the entire nation. However, that change was not positive. Morally and spiritually, decline altered the character of the whole nation. This decline triggered a cycle of sin, judgment for sin, times of repentance, and temporary recovery to God. Some things can be changed temporarily because of fear, oppression, or guilt. True recovery begins when a person is born again, and their nature becomes that of a new creation. (2:6-9) The impact of Joshua faded as they dismissed all that had happened in their history as simply ancient history that was no longer relevant to their present. Joshua was responsive to God's word. (Josh.1:7-8) Joshua had active faith and experienced God's power in everyday life and in supernatural ways (Josh.1:5). The miraculous defeat of Jericho, the day the sun and moon stood still, victories — even though he failed at times, the scriptures testify to how God used him. It was not because of his talent and ability but because he trusted God and guided his life by God's word. One man, fully committed to God and His word, can make a significant positive difference in the lives of God's people. One woman living for Christ can bring blessings to many.
(2: The failure of the second generation may be somewhat prevented if older generations dedicate themselves to passing on their faith and experiences with God to the younger generation. Hopefully, in this way, they will want to obey, love, and follow God because it is the best and the "right way." The flaw of the second generation of Israelites was that they knew about the Lord and His deeds, but they did not know Him personally. They became complacent about living for God and engaging in fellowship with Him. They lost touch. Instead of wonder, they yawned and became lukewarm, complacent, and apathetic.
Apathy is the opposite of love; complacency spreads like cancer. That same issue remains today as a reason for failure in God's work. People are content with the status quo: "Why bother? We're okay." Do we take God's blessings for granted and fail to acknowledge Him (Deut.6:10-12; 8:11-18)? "In everything, give thanks." They neglected God's word—ignored it, lacked conviction about it. Which do I have? Secondhand or personal conviction?
Another Generation in Our Day Judges 2:10. “And also all that generation were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, not yet the works which He had done for Israel.”
The names are the same, the places are the same, the faces are similar, and the traditions are similar. They speak the same language and use the same words, but these were people from a different generation who did not know the Lord. They are kind people who want to live peacefully. They name their dogs and cats so they can personalize their animals and make them comforting companions. They don’t want to hunt or fish because that would mean taking the life of “another living being.” They prefer to buy what someone else raised, killed, and prepared for food so they can believe their “hands are clean.” Many people in this generation talk about “Mother Nature” but do not know the Lord God Almighty, who created all things by the word of His power.
They oppose war, so they are willing to tolerate evil practices, deliberate wickedness, lawbreakers, and even the murder of unborn children who sacrifice their own offspring on the altar of pleasure. They avoid criticizing anyone to prevent offending them, leading to compromises in standards, morals, and long-held values the older generation upheld. They possess much, which they keep to themselves as proof of success. Occasionally, they share a little to those who know them and to maintain a good reputation. This generation believes they earned everything they have, scarcely recognizing that the previous generation made it all possible, yet they do not know the Lord.
They recognize there are hungry people and complain, so why doesn’t someone send help? They know disasters can happen and will provide some financial assistance to those suffering. They see people dying from disease and can’t understand why nobody has invented something to prevent death. This generation has all the answers but doesn’t understand the problem or the Lord.
They enjoy music, drama, religious films, TV preaching, and socializing at church. They seek belonging — it’s good for business, but they want “no commitment, please.” They desire church weddings and white gowns, yet they overlook adultery. This generation has a form of religion but does not honestly know the Lord. Bigger is often considered better in business, churches, and wealth; small is usually seen as a sign of failure. Pleasure is life’s purpose; possessions symbolize success, and the more, the better. Work is merely a means to get what they want; worship is seen as “occasional fun.” They idolize materialism with all its trappings but do not honestly know the Lord. They believe truth is relative; “Your truth is different than my truth.” God is seen as a force, an idea, or anything you choose; they believe they control their lives. Nothing is absolute; that’s viewed as intolerant and judgmental. This generation tries to make themselves a god but does not honestly know the Lord.