A Messy People

Judges begins with a pair of introductions, which orient the reader as to what will follow in the rest of the book. This particular passage describes the spiritual situation amongst God's people. It is messy. The people are getting caught up in the influence of the world around them, and forget the God who has saved them. Nevertheless, God continues to be gracious to his people in delivering them, and calling them to a life of faith. Our lives in this world are always a bit messy, and this passage calls us in the midst of this mess to keep turning to the Lord and trusting in him.