Contemplative Bible Reading

Judges 3:1 (New Living Translation)

1 These are the nations that the Lord left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan.

This is part of the (hi)story of the people entering the land God had given them. This verses state that God had left some other nations in the land as a test to the people. This was sort of an ongoing exercise program or something so the people would stay sharp or ready or something good.

Let’s note that: God tests people.

Sounds like a good idea. We all need a little testing now and then to see if we are ready or diligent or something we should be. Perhaps I’ll help God here and do some testing myself and … N O P E

God is God. I am not. Let’s leave the testing to God. Perhaps I have missed it, but I do not recall anywhere in the Bible where I am given the authority to test other people. Aargh. I am well equipped by God to do such testing.

I think … N O P E. Leave the testing to God.