Title The Unfinished Conquest/Judges 1:1-30
Contents Israel conquered the Canaanites, who were so strong in the past, with absolute faith and obedience to God. However, as Israel left the faith of Jehovah, which was the central point that united the entire nation as one, the solidarity of the nation itself was broken, and they even fell into the crime of idolatry along with the Gentiles, and this tragedy dominates the entire period of Judges. In particular, the situation in Judges 1 records the history of Israel's failure to completely conquer the tribes of the land, despite Israel's dominance in the land of Canaan, not inheriting the faith of their ancestors, contrary to God's command. The text specifically describes the reason why Israel ignored God's command and refused to completely conquer the Canaanites.
1. Because of unbelief in promises.
In verse 2, God promised, “I have given the land into their hands.” Therefore, all Israel has to do is believe in the promise and go out to obtain the land that God has given to them. Indeed, the word that God, who rules all things, has placed in your hand, could not be achieved even in the face of complete conquest, which is as good as a victory already given. This is due to their lack of confidence in the Word of God and their unbelief. That is, their distrust of God's power and promises has lost their good and caused thousands of misfortunes. No matter how great blessings are promised and guaranteed, if you do not believe in them, doubt or reject them, you will not really get anything (Hebrews 11:6).
2. Because they compromised with Canaan.
Israel did not drive out the Canaanites completely because they were not strong enough in the beginning (v. 19). Thus, it can be seen that the people of Israel felt fear because they were pressed by the enemy's stereotyped power. But most important of all, Israel had compromised with the Canaanite idolaters. In verse 28 of the text, even after Israel became strong enough, they did not drive out the Canaanites, but gave them work. In other words, rather than living according to God's command, Israel wanted to settle in the land of Canaan and live in peace without expressing conflicts with each other. However, on the contrary, this attitude will remain as a thorn in the history of Israel until the unification and division of Israel (2,3). If the Canaanites had been completely annihilated in obedience to God's command in the early days of the conquest of Canaan, there would have been no continuous pain and suffering. When we compromise with the world and love the world, even if there is temporary joy, it will be eternal regret and pain. Even in times of suffering, living according to God's command is the blessed way and the way of peace.
3. Because of greed.
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1. When living in this world, it is the most important thing to live in the image of a believer who fully trusts the Word of God, not the image of “the unbelievers of a believer” despite any difficulties.
2. Have we not already loved the world too much to change it?
3. Do we really choose only rational and economical choices? Do you follow God's will even in moments of suffering?