Judges 1: 1-11

The events in this book occurred after the death of Joshua but in reality, some of these things did occur while he was alive since he died in 2:8. Also some of the things that occurred in this book were recorded in Joshua 15 and 17. The book starts with the Lord sending the tribe of Judah out to capture Canaan. They enlisted the tribe of Simeon to help them to settle in the land of Canaan and the Perrizites. One tribe would help the other and their intent was to have to land for themselves. They did it with the help of the urim and thummim. According to the commentary: These were two stones with different marks on them. They showed different answers to questions that people asked God. People believed that God controlled these stones. ‘Men throw the stone, but the Lord controls its decisions’ (Proverbs 16:33). That to me was relevant and good that they did consult the Lord before their actions. Their actions were blessed by God as they were victorious and also as a symbol of their accomplishment they captured and cut of the thumbs and big toes of the conquered king, Adoni-Bezek. He, in turn, didn't protest since he did it to 70 of his opponents as well. The commentary called it a means to remind him of his defeat and he knew that he was the conquered rather than the conqueror. Judah's men also captured Jerusalem  as well which would become the center of activity for the Judeans. However, they burnt it down and went to fight the Canaanites who were housed in three areas. Jerusalem would be captured again (v21) but they wouldn't truly occupy it until David's time.

This is a savage but necessary time in the history of Israel. They were now ready to take the "land of milk and honey". I have avoided this book since I have done an Adult ed class on this a while back so it will be good to take a fresh look at it.

So far it has been a good start to the vacation with the relatively easy drive down and the condo in good shape. Saturday was one of gathering and trying to get stuff for here. We did get a chance to catch a cheap matinee at PI of Lincoln and I really liked it. Quiet dinner in was also good. Sunday was nice since we had a great church service locally as well as going to see AK as well. The highlight of the day and perhaps the rest of the week was the surprise visit by our great friends, the Leungs and Penny's sister as well who decided to come down here as well. We will look for opportunities to hook up. Don't know where we will be today but still on the agenda for me will be to get speaker stands and perhaps get some maintenance stuff done here.

Praise for today: Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting. Psalms 118:1