Chronological Reading Plan for April 1, Judges 8-9

Today’s readings are Judges 8-9. Tomorrow's are Judges 10-12. 

In Judges 8, Gideon, seemingly over his doubts and fears, has become a conquering hero and a statesman. It all goes to his head, though and he creates his own ephod, a garment designed, by God, to be worn only by one of His designated priests. People begin to worship the garment rather than the God the garment honors and things start going downhill. It does not help that Gideon has multiple wives, one of whom, Shechem, becomes the mother of Abimilech. 

Also, in this passage, we see the first hints that Israel desires a king. Gideon wisely tells them that God is their leader. Even so, they once again begin to pursue other gods. Gideon himself, in spite of knowing God's provision and grace, is struggling as well. The extent of his struggle is revealed when he names his son Abimilech, which means "my father (Gideon) is king"!

When Abimilech comes if age, he accelerates Israel's slide away from God. He wrests control by bloody and deceitful means, ending up laying siege to his own hometown and killing all 70 of his brothers.

Abimilech comes to a bad end. It seems that Israel has not learned from their prior mistakes.  It would be easy to judge them. Wouldn't it?