A Disobedient Nation Becomes Prey

When the nation of Israel was obedient to Jehovah, it regularly benefited  from his watchful care.  Yet, all too often the people left their Maker and turned to gods of wood and stone-"unreality's that are of no benefit and that do not deliver." (1 Samuel 12:21) After centuries of such rebellion, the nation as a whole had become so steeped in apostasy that it was beyond recovery.  Hence, Jesus lamented: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent forth to her, -how often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks together under her wings!  But you people did not want it.  Look! Your house is abandoned to you." -Matthew 23:37, 38.

Jehovah's abandonment of renegade Israel was make painfully evident in 70 C.E. In that year Roman armies, holding high their standards emblazoned with the image of the eagle, swooped down upon Jerusalem to inflict a terrible slaughter.  The city was then crowded  with Passover celebrants.  Their many sacrifices failed to win them God's favor.  That was a tragic reminder of Samuel's words to disobedient King Saul:  "Does Jehovah have as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of Jehovah?  Look! To  obey is better than a sacrifice, to pay attention than the fat of rams." -1 Samuel 15:22.


Despite his insistence on obedience, Jehovah is well aware of the limitations of imperfect humans.  (Psalm 130:3, 4) What he requires are sincerity of heart and obedience based on faith, love , and a wholesome fear of displeasing him.  (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13; Proverbs  16:6; Isaiah 43:10; Micah 6:8; Romans 6:17)  That such obedience is possible is demonstrated by a 'great cloud of pre-Christian witnesses,' who held to their integrity in the face of formidable trials, even death.  (Hebrews 11:36, 37; 12:1)  How these ones make Jehovah's heart rejoice!  (Proverbs 27:11)  Others, however, started out faithful but failed to remain in a course of obedience.  One of these was King Jehoash of ancient Judah.

Next time: A King Ruined by Bad Associations

The Watchtower, 2002