“When the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley and those who were on the far side of the Yarden saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Sha’ul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; then the P’lishtim came and lived in them.”-1 Samuel 31:7
The death of King Saul was a seismic event for Israel.
In an instant, the people were gripped by panic, scattering like prisoners fleeing Alcatraz…
Their fear drove them from the cities, abandoning even the fortified strongholds they once believed impenetrable.
To the north of the Jezreel, up to the Galilee mountains…
Even up to the Jordan River…
The Israelites in the north abandoned their cities and villages and tore off to the outlying areas.
This gives you an idea of just how hopeless they felt and that there was no way this defeat could be reversed.
Overnight Israel’s political landscape was turned upside down.
The northern territories of the Hebrew tribes fell under the control of the Philistines, leaving the tribes that had supported Saul now under gentile rule.
Only the southern tribes of Simeon and Judah, protected by a natural mountain barrier, remained relatively secure.
The Hebrew territory on the other side of the Jordan was also largely spared, though some smaller towns and cities may not have been as lucky.
Alright, let’s stop here for the takeaway.
This ain’t just an ancient story homies.
It’s a timeless warning!
If Joshua had fully obeyed God’s command to drive out the Canaanites from the land, this catastrophe might never have happened.
The consequences of incomplete obedience can be devastating, and history has a way of repeating itself.
Think about recent events—like the October 7th tragedy.
The lesson is clear: partial obedience isn’t enough.
When God gives a command, He means it.
Ignoring or only partially following His guidance leaves the door open for future disaster.
Ya feel me?
Done.
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