“And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.”
Context:The Book of Judges is a historical account of the period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua and before the establishment of the monarchy. It covers a time when the Israelites went through cycles of disobedience, oppression by foreign nations, repentance, and deliverance through judges raised up by God. Judges 2:10 is situated at the beginning of this book and summarizes the state of the Israelites after Joshua’s death.
The Passing of a Generation:The verse begins by stating that “all that generation were gathered unto their fathers.” This refers to the generation of Israelites who had witnessed the miracles of God, such as the deliverance from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. This generation had a personal experience of God’s faithfulness and power.
A New Generation Arises:After the passing of the previous generation, a new generation arose. The significant distinction made here is that this new generation “knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.” Unlike their forefathers, this generation did not have personal knowledge or experience of God’s faithfulness and the mighty acts He performed on behalf of the Israelites.
The Consequences of Ignorance:The verse highlights the consequences of this new generation’s lack of knowledge about God. Without a firsthand understanding of God’s character and His deliverance, they were prone to forget His commandments and fall into idolatry and disobedience. This sets the stage for the cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the Book of Judges.
Lessons and Application:
- Importance of Passing on Faith:The verse underscores the importance of passing on the knowledge and experience of God to future generations. The previous generation failed to effectively transmit their faith, resulting in a subsequent generation that did not know the Lord.
- Personal Knowledge of God:It is not enough to rely solely on the faith of others or inherited beliefs. Each individual needs to develop a personal relationship with God, seeking to know Him intimately and understand His works through personal study of the Scriptures and prayer.
- The Danger of Forgetting:Forgetting God’s faithfulness and works can lead to spiritual decline and the pursuit of worldly idols. Regular remembrance of God’s faithfulness in our lives and the study of His Word helps guard against forgetting His goodness.
- The Need for Intergenerational Discipleship:This verse highlights the need for intentional discipleship across generations. Older believers should share their faith experiences and teach younger generations about God’s character, His works, and His commandments, ensuring the continuation of a faithful and knowledgeable community.
In summary, Judges 2:10 serves as a warning about the dangers of a generation that forgets God and His works. It emphasizes the importance of personal knowledge of God, passing on faith to future generations, and the need for ongoing discipleship.
