by J. Randal Matheny

"After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10, NIV).

Judges is one of the Bible's saddest books. The Lord had created the means for the Israelite family and nation to remember his salvation of his people and his constant goodness toward them. The feasts, for example, served to remind them of God's great acts in their favor. After Joshua's generation died, however, the next one did not know the Lord nor recognize what he had done for the nation (see Judges 2:7).

This book traces the sad trajectory of Israel's abandonment of God's plan. Her vision is short-term. Her sin brings oppression; the people cry to God; he saves them through a judge. But soon they return to sinning. This is the tragic cycle of the book (See Judges 2:10-19.)

How could the people, in a single generation, forget the Lord? Though there are various possibilities, we must recognize the lack of teaching in Israel. The parents did not teach their children.

Today, we cannot assume that others know the Lord's will. We must beat the same drum of the gospel, the plan of salvation, the model for the church and for worshipping God.

For we are only a single generation away from apostasy.