There were 12 judges - from Othniel to Samson - in the book of Judges before Eli and then Samuel who served as priests and judges. In the book of Judges we see a constant cycle of the Israelites sin and repentance: Serve the Lord > Fall into idolatry > Israel enslaved > Israel cries out to the Lord > God raises up a judge > Israel is delivered > Israel has peace and serves the Lord under the judge's leadership.

Following the Lord is a constant battle and we must pray for help as well as try to calibrate ourselves through daily prayer, worship, church, and reading scripture. It is truly wonderful that the Holy Spirit is alive and moving in us as we continually seek God.

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