The Book of Judges
Chapter
3
¹ Now these are the nations that the LORD left to test all those in Israel who had no experience of any war in Canaan ² (it was only that successive generations of Israelites might know war, to teach those who had no experience of it before): ³ the five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaannites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far as Lebo-hamath. ⁴ They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their ancestors by Moses.
( The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 1 to 4)
Oh God my beloved Father I thank You for those grey areas in my life that I still need to be tested in, they are not compulsions or disorders as I had perceived them to be but testing grounds for my healing and for You to see if I will remain faithful to You Amen.
⁵ So the Israelites lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites; ⁶ and they took their daughters as wives for themselves and their own daughters they gave to their sons; and they worshipped their gods.
⁵ So the Israelites lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites; ⁶ and they took their daughters as wives for themselves and their own daughters they gave to their sons; and they worshipped their gods.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 5 to 6)
When put to the test, like you and like me, Israel failed the test and became contaminated by the pagan nations and their people with whom they had been allowed to live for their testing. Today the same thing is happening. In Malta their is an influx of many foreign people and migrants of different culture and religions and the Maltese women are being united in marriage, with the consequence that the offspring end up having to attend a Mosque and learn the Koran instead of being active or members of the Roman Catholic Church. We are also failing the test.
⁷ The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, forgetting the LORD their God, and worshipping the Baals and the Asherahs.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 7)
Oh God my beloved Father during our times we also have our idols, in many areas of life, such as fashion, music, football and even technology itself. I pray that You free us from the possession of such means that we are giving so much value. Amen.
⁸ Therefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim; and the Israelites served Cushan-rishathaim eight years.
⁸ Therefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim; and the Israelites served Cushan-rishathaim eight years.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 8)
Oh God my Father, You are just in Your ways, when we do good You shower us with praise, however, when we do not obey Your ways You manifest Your anger, which is terrified to experience, however as a loving father, You know how much we can endure, and You never drive us beyond our limits because even though You put us through the test, this is for our own good because You love us and want us to grow out of our sinful ways. Amen.
⁹ But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the Israelites, who delivered them, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
⁹ But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the Israelites, who delivered them, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 9)
Oh God, my blessed Father, You love us so much that You never turn Your face away or have a deaf ear for our cries and sorrows. You always answer our prayers in some way or another. Thank You, Jesus, for delivering me from many different situations Amen.
¹⁰ The spirit of the LORD came upon him and he judged Israel; he went out to war, and the LORD gave King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. ¹¹ So the land had rest forty years. Then Othniel son of Kenaz died.
¹⁰ The spirit of the LORD came upon him and he judged Israel; he went out to war, and the LORD gave King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. ¹¹ So the land had rest forty years. Then Othniel son of Kenaz died.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 10 to 11)
Oh God my beloved Father, how I wish that Your Spirit would also fall on me and make me one of Your spiritual warriors. I wish to have that preaching spirit to proclaim Your Word to others on a full-time basis and help others in the salvation of their souls Amen.
¹² The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. ¹³ In alliance with the Ammonites and the Amalekites, he went and defeated Israel; and they took possession of the city of Palms. ¹⁴ So the Israelites served King Eglon of Moab eighteen years.
¹² The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. ¹³ In alliance with the Ammonites and the Amalekites, he went and defeated Israel; and they took possession of the city of Palms. ¹⁴ So the Israelites served King Eglon of Moab eighteen years.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 12 to 13)
Oh God, my beloved Father, once You are out of our lives, there will be a sudden change of status, from that of Sons and Daughters of God to that of Slaves, from that of Conquerors to that of being conquered. I pray that I will always be faithful to You my God and Father Amen.
¹⁴ So the Israelites served King Egdon of Moab eighteen years.
¹⁴ So the Israelites served King Egdon of Moab eighteen years.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 14)
Oh God my Father, after spending 16 years of marriage, I am finally free to be myself, free of the stressors of family demands, however, on the other hand, I have a new life which I dedicate to You. I pray to serve You for the rest of my life Amen.
¹⁵ But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The Israelites sent tribute by him to King Eglon of Moab.
¹⁵ But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The Israelites sent tribute by him to King Eglon of Moab.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 15)
Oh God, my Father, You always know what is best for us. When You saw that Malta's economy needed a boosting You sent us our new Prime Minister Joseph Muscat a man by whom You helped Malta get out of the rut that it had fallen in and is now competing with greater nations. When the Church needed a booster You sent us Pope St. Francis, a person by which You have given new life to the Roman Catholic Church. I pray that You continue taking care of us, my God and Father Amen.
¹⁶ Ehud made for himself a sword with two edges, a cubit in length, and he fastened it on his right thigh under his clothes.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 16)
Oh God my beloved Father, I pray that like Ehud we carry our weapons, that are not of a violent nature as in the case of a sword or dagger, but of a spiritual nature. This is the Word of God, which I carry everywhere I go. I pray that You help me in using this weapon for the best of causes Amen.
¹⁷ Then he presented the tribute to King Eglon of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man. ¹⁸ When Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he sent the people who carried the tribute on their way.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 17 to 18)
Oh God, my beloved Father Ehud had a close encounter with his king so much that he could almost touch him, however, his intentions may have not been that positive since he was armed with a knife. However on reflecting I ask myself about the many situations I had in encounter and fellowship with You practically every day and my intentions. I pray that You keep on purifying my intentions for meeting You, which are to reflect on Your Word and share it with others who are willing to read, listen to Your voice and act in a positive way in their encounter with You Amen.
¹⁹ But he himself turned back at the sculptured stones near Gilgal, and said, " I have a secret message for you, O king." So the king said, "Silence!" and all his attendants went out from his presence.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 19)
Oh God my Father many times people offer to share secrets with us, however, at times they may be testing me in order to see if I can keep a secret and not because the issue is a secret. Some may use such situations for their advantage. I pray oh God that You make me aware of such people Amen.
²⁰ Ehud came to him while he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber, and said, " I have a message from God for you." So he rose from his seat. ²¹Then Ehud reached with his left hand took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into Eglon's belly: ²² the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not draw the sword out of his belly; and the dirt came out.
²⁰ Ehud came to him while he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber, and said, " I have a message from God for you." So he rose from his seat. ²¹Then Ehud reached with his left hand took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into Eglon's belly: ²² the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not draw the sword out of his belly; and the dirt came out.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 20 to 22)
Oh God my Father, there is a saying that says curiosity killed the cat. Having knowledge is healthy however if it is not based on Your will and Knowledge it can cause us great harm, because the logic of our sinful world is much different than that of the kingdom of Heaven. Therefore I pray that we be aware what secrets or knowledge we open our hearts and mind to Amen.
²³ Then Ehud went out into the vestibule, and closed the doors of the roof chamber on him, and locked them.
²³ Then Ehud went out into the vestibule, and closed the doors of the roof chamber on him, and locked them.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 23)
Oh God my blessed Father as humans many times we close the door on chapters of our lives, that are hard to deal or cope with thinking that by doing this the situation is controlled, however when time passes the situation of unfinished business comes back to us.
I pray oh God my Father, that You give me the strength to cope with such situations and be strong especially when the time comes for my daughter to come back home and she will ask many questions. I pray to be humble empathetic and loving to her confrontation because I know how hurt she may be by the situation of separation and by the false beliefs about me that she is being exposed to. Amen. I pray that she tries to contact me again Amen.
²⁴ After he had gone, the servants came. When they saw that the doors of the roof chamber were locked, they thought, "He must be relieving himself in the cool chamber."
²⁴ After he had gone, the servants came. When they saw that the doors of the roof chamber were locked, they thought, "He must be relieving himself in the cool chamber."
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 24)
Oh God, my Father, even though at times I lock the doors of my mind and heart, You are still aware of what I am thinking and feeling. Amen. Thank You for knowing me even more than I know myself Amen.
²⁵ So they waited until they were embarrassed. When he still did not open the doors of the roof chamber, they took the key and opened them. There was their lord lying dead on the floor.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 25)
Oh God, my beloved Father many times I have had to wait on You and others. Presently I am waiting for a reply from You. I wish that You find me a partner with whom like Adam I would be able to share the rest of my physical life on earth. However even I wish to do so, I am still afraid of opening the doors of my personal chamber in order to let this someone in. My greatest fear is that of remaining alone and that someday I would also be found dead on the floor. However, if and when this has to happen I would still be happy because my soul would be finally freed from the bondage of this world Amen. May Your will be done my God and Father, You know what is best for me Amen.
²⁶ Ehud escaped while they delayed, and passed beyond the sculptured stones, and escaped to Seirah.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 26)
Oh God my Father, I pray for those people who for some reason or others had to flee their homeland or their own homes due to domestic violence or other forms of abuse Amen.
²⁷ When he arrived, he sounded the trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites went down with him from the hill country, having him at their head.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 27)
Oh God my beloved Father how quick we are to respond to the leaders of the world, to follow in their footsteps to believe in every word that they say. On the other hand, how sceptic we have become when listening to priests and others who proclaim Your Word. I pray that You make us more receptive to You my God and Father Amen.
²⁸ He said to them, "Follow after me; for the LORD has given your enemies the Moabites into your hand." So they went down after him, and seized the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites, and allowed no one to cross over. ²⁹ At that time they killed about ten thousand of the Moabites, all strong, able-bodied men; no one escaped. ³⁰ So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest eighty years. ³¹ After him came Shamgar son of Anath, who killed six hundred of the Philistines with an oxgoad. He too delivered Israel.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 28 to 31)
Oh God my Father during the course of life, we are exposed to many voices which all have a different message to proclaim, however all point in different directions. Many times we need to discern those which have their roots and origins based on You and the truth, from those which are false and misleading and which have their roots in the world. Amen.
In light of this meditation on the third chapter of the book of Judges, I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:
Many times my God and Father You permit us to experience both positive and even negative situations, with a particular purpose. We call such circumstances as crisis or even tragedies, such as death or even a separation. However by means of such situations You pass Your message on to us, for during such moments we are receptive to Your voice, because You burst our bubble of alienation and come to speak to us personally Amen. I thank You for such moments Amen.
²⁵ So they waited until they were embarrassed. When he still did not open the doors of the roof chamber, they took the key and opened them. There was their lord lying dead on the floor.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 25)
Oh God, my beloved Father many times I have had to wait on You and others. Presently I am waiting for a reply from You. I wish that You find me a partner with whom like Adam I would be able to share the rest of my physical life on earth. However even I wish to do so, I am still afraid of opening the doors of my personal chamber in order to let this someone in. My greatest fear is that of remaining alone and that someday I would also be found dead on the floor. However, if and when this has to happen I would still be happy because my soul would be finally freed from the bondage of this world Amen. May Your will be done my God and Father, You know what is best for me Amen.
²⁶ Ehud escaped while they delayed, and passed beyond the sculptured stones, and escaped to Seirah.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 26)
Oh God my Father, I pray for those people who for some reason or others had to flee their homeland or their own homes due to domestic violence or other forms of abuse Amen.
²⁷ When he arrived, he sounded the trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites went down with him from the hill country, having him at their head.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verse 27)
Oh God my beloved Father how quick we are to respond to the leaders of the world, to follow in their footsteps to believe in every word that they say. On the other hand, how sceptic we have become when listening to priests and others who proclaim Your Word. I pray that You make us more receptive to You my God and Father Amen.
²⁸ He said to them, "Follow after me; for the LORD has given your enemies the Moabites into your hand." So they went down after him, and seized the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites, and allowed no one to cross over. ²⁹ At that time they killed about ten thousand of the Moabites, all strong, able-bodied men; no one escaped. ³⁰ So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest eighty years. ³¹ After him came Shamgar son of Anath, who killed six hundred of the Philistines with an oxgoad. He too delivered Israel.
(The Book of Judges Chapter 3 verses 28 to 31)
Oh God my Father during the course of life, we are exposed to many voices which all have a different message to proclaim, however all point in different directions. Many times we need to discern those which have their roots and origins based on You and the truth, from those which are false and misleading and which have their roots in the world. Amen.
In light of this meditation on the third chapter of the book of Judges, I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:
Many times my God and Father You permit us to experience both positive and even negative situations, with a particular purpose. We call such circumstances as crisis or even tragedies, such as death or even a separation. However by means of such situations You pass Your message on to us, for during such moments we are receptive to Your voice, because You burst our bubble of alienation and come to speak to us personally Amen. I thank You for such moments Amen.
