23.November 2025
BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Daily Bible Reading
Judges 10 – When Repentance Opens the Way to Salvation
Of Human Unfaithfulness and Divine Mercy
Bible Text – Judges 10 (KJV)
1 And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim.
2 And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir.
3 And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years.
4 And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havothjair unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead.
5 And Jair died, and was buried in Camon.
6 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the Lord, and served not him.
7 And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.
8 And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
9 Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed.
10 And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.
11 And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines?
12 The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.
13 Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more.
14 Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.
15 And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.
16 And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
18 And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
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Introduction
Chapter 10 of the Book of Judges shows a recurring pattern found throughout the book: Israel falls into sin, is oppressed, cries out to God, and God sends deliverance. Two judges—Tola and Jair—lead during a period of peace. After that, Israel again turns away from God and experiences oppression from the Philistines and the Ammonites. Yet once again, God’s grace is revealed when the people repent.
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Commentary
1. The Judges Tola and Jair (Verses 1–5)
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Tola: A lesser-known judge, but his 23-year leadership suggests stability.
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Jair: A wealthy and influential judge with 30 sons, each overseeing a city—symbolizing prosperity and order.
Outwardly it was a peaceful time, but inwardly Israel was drifting away from God.
2. Israel’s Spiritual Decline (Verse 6)
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Israel serves many foreign gods: Baals, Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, Sidon, Moab, Ammon, and the Philistines.
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The people “abandoned the Lord”—a deliberate departure from faithfulness.
A dramatic spiritual decline demonstrating how easily the people adapted to their surroundings instead of remaining faithful.
3. God’s Response: Anger and Judgment (Verses 7–9)
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God hands His people over to their enemies.
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Eighteen years of suffering and oppression follow—spiritual unfaithfulness has real consequences.
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The enemies attack not only the eastern regions but also cross into western Israel.
Sin never comes without consequences. When we distance ourselves from God, we lose His protection.
4. Israel’s Repentance and God’s Answer (Verses 10–16)
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The people acknowledge their guilt: “We have sinned.”
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God’s first response is stern: He reminds them of past deliverances and declares He will no longer help them.
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Still, the people persist: they remove their foreign gods and return to serving the Lord.
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God’s heart is moved with compassion.
God responds when genuine repentance occurs. It’s not enough to ask for help—true repentance requires change.
5. Preparation for Battle (Verses 17–18)
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The Ammonites gather for attack.
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Israel assembles at Mizpah—a turning point is approaching.
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The key question arises: Who will lead Israel? The stage is set for chapter 11.
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Summary
Judges 10 reveals the familiar cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and divine help. Two judges provide peace, but the people fall again into idolatry. God’s patience seems exhausted, yet sincere repentance moves His heart. Israel gathers once more—this time with true repentance.
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Message for Today
God is faithful—even when we are not. But His faithfulness does not mean He overlooks sin. He allows consequences to bring us back to Him. True faith is not only shown in asking for help, but in action: the false “gods” must be removed. Whoever turns sincerely to God experiences His mercy—again and again.
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Reflection
What are the “idols” in my life that I may have tolerated?
Am I willing to lay them aside and serve God fully—not just with words, but with my lifestyle?
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23 – 29 November 2025
BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Weekly Reading – Spirit of Prophecy
Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 43
The Death of Moses | Justice, grace, and hope beyond the grave
Read online here
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Introduction
Moses, the great leader of Israel, dies—seemingly on the threshold of his life’s goal. Yet his death is not the end but the climax of a life marked by obedience, intercession, sacrifice, and hope. In this chapter the great themes of God’s justice, His immeasurable grace, and the future victory over death come together in a deeply moving way.
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Commentary
1. God’s Justice and Mercy
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God richly blessed Israel, but He responded consistently to sin.
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Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land because of a single act of disobedience—a reminder of how seriously God takes obedience.
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Yet God’s love remains visible: He speaks lovingly, faithfully, and reliably.
God is both judge and father—a balanced picture.
2. Moses’ Faithful Preparation Despite Personal Loss
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Although Moses knows he will soon die, he does not think of himself but prepares Joshua and the people with diligence.
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He strengthens Joshua publicly to give him support.
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The people now recognize Moses’ value—too late.
True leadership serves until the very end. Self-denial and care characterize Moses.
3. The Lonely Walk Up Mount Nebo
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Moses goes alone—no human, only God, accompanies him.
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His view of the promised land is not only geographical but also prophetic.
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He sees what will become of Israel—both the good and the bad.
Moses’ farewell is painful, yet filled with foresight and trust.
4. Prophetic Visions: From Canaan to the Second Coming of Christ
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Moses sees far into the future: from the splendor of Canaan to Israel’s rejection, to the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.
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He realizes that his work was part of a far greater plan.
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He also sees the final judgment and Christ’s return—the great goal of redemption.
Moses looks beyond earthly boundaries to the eternal inheritance.
5. Death, Resurrection, and Heavenly Destiny
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Moses dies, but his grave remains hidden—so it would not become an object of worship.
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Christ Himself calls Moses from death to life—the first person resurrected through the power of the coming Redeemer.
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Later Moses appears on the Mount of Transfiguration—standing in the promised land, glorified.
An example of faith: Moses loses the earthly but gains the heavenly.
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Summary
Moses does not die as a defeated man but as an overcomer. He does not enter the earthly Canaan, but God calls him to a greater inheritance. His death reveals the tension between divine justice and grace. His resurrection stands as a testimony to the hope of all believers.
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Message for Us Today
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God takes sin seriously, but He never abandons His children.
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Not everything is completed in this life—some of the most important things lie beyond the grave.
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Faithfulness in small things matters. Even imperfect people like Moses can be part of God’s eternal plan.
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Our focus should not cling to earthly things. The true inheritance is in heaven.
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Reflection Questions
What is my “promised land”? Is it earthly or heavenly?
How do I respond when God does not answer my prayers in the way I expect—do I still trust His plan?
Am I willing, like Moses, to serve faithfully—even if I never see the results of my work?
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23 – 29 November 2025
BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Weekly Reading – Spirit of Prophecy
Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 44
Crossing the Jordan | How God Leads His People – Through Water, Signs, and Obedience
Read online here
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Introduction
After the death of Moses, a new chapter begins: Joshua takes over the leadership, the people stand on the threshold of the promised land, yet the Jordan at flood stage is the first great obstacle. But God remains present—and reveals His power through a new miracle. Chapter 44 describes this decisive step of faith, the transition from the wilderness into the promised inheritance.
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Commentary
1. Looking Back: Moses’ Legacy Lives On
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Moses is dead, but his influence remains alive.
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The people honor him and remember his teachings.
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His works are like sunlight that gilds the mountains even after the sun has set.
God’s faithful servants continue to have an impact beyond their death.
2. Joshua’s Calling and Encouragement (Joshua 1)
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God says to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous.”
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The promise: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.”
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The condition: faithfulness to the law, daily reflection on it.
Leadership requires courage—but even more, obedience and God’s presence.
3. The Spies in Jericho: Rahab’s Faith (Joshua 2)
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Two spies explore Jericho.
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Rahab, a heathen woman, boldly confesses faith in Israel’s God.
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She is saved—a foretaste of the inclusion of the nations.
Faith can arise even among enemies—God sees the heart.
4. The Supernatural Crossing (Joshua 3–4)
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The Jordan is overflowing—no natural crossing is possible.
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The Ark of the Covenant goes ahead—a sign of God’s guidance.
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As the priests step into the water, the river stops.
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All Israel crosses on dry ground.
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Twelve memorial stones are set up—a testimony for future generations.
God’s miracles often follow only after the step of faith.
5. Renewal of the Covenant (Joshua 5)
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Circumcision is reinstated.
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The Passover is celebrated—a reminder of the exodus.
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The manna ceases—the new life in the land begins.
New times require renewed dedication and a clear commitment.
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Summary
Israel crosses the Jordan in a supernatural way. Joshua visibly follows in Moses’ footsteps. Rahab’s faith, the memorial stones in the Jordan, and the Passover at Gilgal mark the beginning of a new chapter. God Himself confirms that He does not abandon His people—and through obedience in faith, He opens the way forward.
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Message for Us Today
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God continues to lead, even when great leaders like Moses pass away.
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Obedience often comes before the miracle—like stepping into the water.
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We need memorial stones of faith—visible reminders of God’s work.
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God wants us to claim our spiritual inheritance in faith—without hesitation, but by following Him.
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Reflection Questions
Are you standing at a “Jordan” in your life—a barrier you cannot overcome on your own?
Where is God calling you to step forward courageously—even when the way is still unclear?
What memorial stones do you want to set in your life of faith—for yourself and for those who come after you?
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