“Why Then Is All This Befallen Us?” - Judges 6:13

by Micky Galloway

In the wake of hurricane Katrina, perhaps some are asking, “Why did this happen?” The question of “Why” is frequently asked by the people of God. In this specific instance of our text, Gideon asks the question. The people of God were overcome by the Midianites and were very much afraid. They hid themselves in “the dens which are in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds” (Judges 6:2). The land was made desolate in times of harvest, and the Israelites were deprived of the necessities of life. As Gideon secretly threshed wheat, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12). In response to this statement, Gideon said, “Oh, my lord, if Jehovah is with us, why then is all this befallen us?” (Judges 6:13). Today we still ask, “Why?” From the sick room to the cemetery we continually seek the answer to this question. Why do people suffer, even the righteous?

Some suffer as a direct consequence of their own sins. This was especially true in the case of the Israelites during the time of Gideon (see Judges 6:1,10). The wisdom writer affirmed, “The wicked shall be turned back unto Sheol, even all the nations that forget God” (Psalms 9:17). The apostle Paul declared, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:7-9). Those who participate in permissive sexual activity may be afflicted with social diseases, perhaps fatally so. Drunkards through loss of coordination of body and alertness of mind may injure or kill themselves or others. Organic diseases often result from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

There are those who suffer as a result of the sins of others. While it is true that a child does not inherit the guilt of sin (Ezekiel 18:20), this does not preclude the innocent suffering the consequence of another’s sin. The consequence of sin is sometimes visited upon the third and fourth generations (Read Exodus 34:7). Many innocent victims have been slaughtered on the highways because of alcoholics who exercised their freedom of choice to drink and poor judgment to drive while under the influence of alcohol. Children and wives often suffer affliction and poverty because of indolent, alcoholic, or gambling husbands.

Some suffering results from the free moral agency of men. Righteous Able was slain by the evil choices of his brother, Cain (Genesis 4). Many righteous individuals have suffered because murderers, robbers and other law breakers used their freedom by inflicting pain and death on others.

Suffering sometimes results simply because the laws of nature necessary to maintain an orderly universe have been violated. Those who violate the laws of nature, either intentionally or unintentionally, must suffer the consequences. If a person accidentally falls from a high cliff, God will not suspend the law of gravity, not even for the righteous.

It must be remembered that human suffering is an essential part of the ideal environment for growing strong in our relationship with God. Chastening is not pleasant at the moment, but later yields peaceable fruit to them exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:6-11; I Peter 1:6-9; Romans 8:18). Sometimes suffering teaches us the most needed and valuable lessons of life. Let us remember that it was not on the mountaintop of victory over Jericho that Israel learned some of the most needed lessons, but in the valley of defeat in the city of Ai (cf Joshua 6-7). God's holy will is often seen in ways that we do not appreciate.

There are those who are persecuted simply because they are righteous (I Peter 4:12-19; cf Matthew 5:10-12; II Timothy 3:12; cf Hebrews 11:32-37; Revelation 6:9-11; 11:7-12; 12:11; 16:6; 17:6). A great number of children of God (Job, David, Steven, Paul, Timothy, James) have been persecuted and martyred for their faith in Christ. This illustrates the fact that all suffering does not result directly from sin committed by those suffering. Although we may not be able to determine the extent to which Satan acts in the natural world to bring various calamities and evils upon man, we can know that in the past he has so acted; and even now he may act with divinely prescribed limitations.

The suffering which God permits can be used for the benefit of those who experience it or for the benefit of those whose lives are touched by it. “And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope.” “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have (its) perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing” (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-4). It appears that Satan is an instrument in God’s hand and that He will use him and allow him to operate until the end of time, when he will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

When the latter end is considered everything then is brought into proper perspective (cf Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Suffering now fades into nothing when laid against the backdrop of eternal glory, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward” (Romans 8:18; cf II Corinthians 4:16-5:1). When all is considered the righteous are truly blessed and happy in life and eternity.