Read Judges 10:1-5
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. 2 And he judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried at Shamir.
3 After him arose Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel twenty-two years. 4 And he had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys, and they had thirty cities, called Havvoth-jair to this day, which are in the land of Gilead. 5 And Jair died and was buried in Kamon.
The cycle of Israel’s rebellion continued. With many judges, they obey and disobey God, leading to more mess and chaos. But in God’s amazing grace He sends two good judges to rule over Israel for forty five years.
It is good to note though that though there was no mention of a tribe that they had to defeat, God send Tola to save Israel and also Jair who had thrity cirties named after him. We ask who was Tola and Jair saving Israel from if there are no mentions of any enemy.
The five verses introduces us to one of the greatest enemy mankind would ever face – himself. Tola and Jair led to save Israel from itself. Sin brings self-destruction. When they chose to leave God out of the equation of their lives – they invited chaos in.
This passage is a great time to reflect upon our own lives.
Keypoint #1: Lord, I realized that I need saving from myself – my stuboorn, rebellious self. I have to remind myself of the grace of God everyday so that I can be transfomed to Christ’s likeness.
Talk it Over:
1. What are some areas in my life that I need saving from myself?
2. What steps would you take to allow the Lord to do His work in you?