Judges 9-10

“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths ... And because the Israelites forsook the Lord and no longer served him, he became angry with them” (10:6-7). When the Israelites chose to chase false idols, God allowed them to experience the result: “Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!” (10:14). The Israelites discovered that the gods of violence, power, and revenge quickly turned against them.

“Have you acted honorably and in good faith...?” (9:16). God calls us to be imitators of him rather than the world, even in conflict. His ways are trustworthy to the very end.