Sunday Devotional: Judges 2:17

17 And yet they did not listen to their judges, for they prostituted [themselves] with other gods and they bowed down to them; they turned aside quickly from the way which their fathers walked, to hear the commandments of God–they did not do thus.

A few weeks ago, we looked at Judges 2:16, and how God does not leave us in our sin, but provides a Savior, just as He provided judges for wandering Israel. These judges would protect the people from their enemies, and remind them of the Lord’s faithfulness and commandments. And yet, despite this, the hearts of the people still craved after other gods, and refused to listen to those the Lord raised up to guide and protect them. The Hebrew uses very strong imagery to describe the faithlessness of Israel: they “prostituted” themselves. Literally, this verb refers to committing adultery. The relationship between God and His people, at least from God’s perspective, was like that of a husband and wife. There were expectations on both sides born from a love-commitment. God would care for and protect His people, shower them with blessings, and provide for their needs. He would be their God, and in return, they would be His people. They would express their love for Him in their commitment and devotion to Him as the only true God. They would serve Him, follow His commands, honor His name, and teach and proclaim His ways.

This is, I think, why the wandering of Israel is spoken of in terms of “playing the harlot.” When they turned aside to serve other gods, it was the spiritual equivalent of cheating on a spouse. It was a violation of that trust relationship, an expression of disrespect, a rejection of God’s love, and a giving of affection to another. Israel had no covenant relationship with the Ba’als. The Ba’als had made no promise to keep and protect them, to shower them with blessings, and provide for them. God’s people simply gave in to their passions, following the culture, doing what those around them were doing. They considered the love of God so cheap, they could dismiss it just to fit in. They looked upon the gods of Canaan as worthy substitutes for the true and living God.

Do we ever consider our own sin and faithlessness in these terms? When we make idols of the things in our life, whether it’s entertainment, convenience, or our own selfish desires, we are committing spiritual adultery. We are saying these things are a worthy substitute for the God who loves us and gave Himself for us. Are these other things that have no investment in our lives, have made no promises to us, and don’t care about our physical or spiritual well-being, worthy of such devotion? When times are tough, and it seems like things are against us, does it make sense to turn to idols, or to turn the God who says, “And behold, I myself am with you always even until the end of the age”?

May we, by the power of the Holy Spirit, remain faithful to the God who loves us and remains faithful to us.

Have a great week!