EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God
Thursday March 5

Abimelech’s Rebellion,
Jephthah
Judges 9-12


Summary:
The stories of Abimelech’s rebellion and Jephtha
mark a steady downward cycle in the history of
Israel under the Judges. Whereas earlier
unfaithfulness brought oppression from outside,
Abimelech’s rebellion sets the Israelites against each
other. Eventually Abimelech comes to a bad end
for the murder of his brothers, but the
Israelites learn little from this and turn once again
to the very gods whose sacred groves Gideon had
cut down. Oppressors return to Israel. This time,
the deliverer is someone no self-respecting
Israelite would have chosen—a Jesse James sort of
figure named Jephthah. Jephthah knows little of
God’s ways, as he proves by making a rash vow
and carrying it out. Nevertheless God makes him a
judge, empower him with the Spirit,
and rescues Israel through him.

Sample of Today’s Reading
Judges 9-12
9:1 Abimelech son of Jerub-Baal went to his
mother’s brothers in Shechem and said to them and
to all in his mother’s clan, 2 “Ask all the citizens of
Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: to have all
seventy of Jerub-Baal’s sons rule over you, or just
one man?’ Remember, I am your flesh and blood. . “
10:15 But the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have
sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but
please rescue us now.” 16 Then they got rid of the
foreign gods among them and served the Lord.
And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer.

To read today's full reading click here: Judges 9-12

Question of the Day:
God often chooses to do his work in us through
unlikely—even off-putting—people or
circumstances. Is there someone like that in your
life right now? What might God be saying to you or
doing for you through that person?

Prayer Focus:
Lord, help me to be alert for your presence in unlikely people and circumstances. Give me grace to receive what you have to give me through these relationships and experiences.