May 10 – Judges 10, Judges 11 John 6:25-59 Psalm 59:1-8

Judges 10:1-2

After Abimelech there arose to save Israel Tola the son of Puah, son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, and he lived at Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. And he judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried at Shamir.

Tola. There’s a guy we don’t know much about. He’s known as one of the Minor Judges, not because he was insignificant but because there is no record of their exploits. 

But yet, for 23 years he judged Israel. True, we get no record of great works, but neither do we get a great downfall. 

He lived. He judged. He died. 

23 years of peace… I’d say that was a successful life. It’s not always about the glory and the great exploits but quietly making a difference and looking after people. 

Judges 11:29-31

Then the Spirit of the LORD was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD and said, “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the LORD’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.”

Jephthah really has a tragic story. He’s born to a prostitute, raised in a house by a woman who is not his mother and who wants him gone. He’s kicked out of the house by his half brothers, the legitimate sons, and then asked to come back and help because of his prowess as a warrior. 

He then tries his very best to avoid fighting. He uses every tool of diplomacy to avoid the fight and they all fail. 

So he has to fight. And the Spirit if the Lord was upon him. God blesses him. 

And then… I don’t know if it comes from doubt or fear… and he makes this foolish vow. The Spirit of The Lord was upon Him, but that doesn’t stop us making mistakes.

We need to be very careful about the promises we make and the vows we utter. He honoured his vow – but it was a great expense.

He led Israel to victory, but his life was a tragedy.