Slow Fade

Slow fade.   As we read through the Judges, we should note the spiritual condition of Israel fading over time.  When Israel finds themselves in trouble because an enemy is oppressing them, they cry out to God, as they did in the reading today (Judges 4:3).  This, in and of itself, is a good thing in that the Israelites remember where their help comes from.   It comes from the Lord.  God hears their cry and delivers them.  One would think, that this would strengthen their faith in God, and that they would remain loyal to God.  However, Israel only remains loyal for a short time before they become unfaithful to God again.  And, in each instance, there seems to be a weakening, or a slow fade, of Israel over time further away from God.  For instance, in our reading today, God was going to deliver Israel from their oppressor, King Jabin of Cannan (Judges 4:2).  God had called Barak from Kadesh to deliver Israel.  However, Deborah, who was judging Israel at the time, had to call for Barak and ask “Hasn’t the Lord, the God of Isael, commanded you” to go and that God would hand the enemy over to you (v.6-7).  Barak responds that he would only go if Deboarh went with him (v.8).  This shows a weak faith among the people, yet God does deliver for His sake.