The Nation of Israel saw their leadership collapse. The Priests, Levites, Judges, Shepherds, and Prophets failed the nation. (Jeremiah 2:8) A nation or a civilization would collapse when their leadership does not value truth, righteousness and justice. History has many ruins of many such nations. Sadly, even the Nation of Israel that had God’s revelation, including His righteous judgments, did not care to read, learn, meditate, understand, and apply. When the Church fails to produce holy and righteous leaders for a nation, such a nation will be governed by wicked rulers.
Priests and Levites: God had chosen them to be ministers in the Tabernacle/Temple, worship Him, perform sacrifices, and bless the worshippers. They did not seek the Lord, asking: Where is the Lord? Instead of seeking the Lord, their focus was on mundane things, worldly things, and selfish gain. They forgot their special and unique call, and lived foolish and wicked lives.
Judges: Those who were to judge people neither knew the Lord nor His Word. Thus, they did not have God’s holy and righteous standards, requirements and expectations. Hence, their judgments were corrupt, discriminatory, and erroneous because of bribery. Because of the irrational and illogical nature of their judgments. The righteousness of God was neither taught nor implemented.
Shepherds: By not being stewards and ignoring the needs of the sheep, the shepherds transgressed against God. They did not fulfil their call and responsibility to lead the nation in truth and righteousness. Pursuit of power replaced teaching, meditating, and applying the Truth. Without wisdom from God, they were leading the nation towards disaster and making it right for God’s harsh judgments.
Prophets: The representatives of God, the prophets, stopped being the interpreters of the Law. Instead, they were representing Baal. Immorality, wickedness, evil, and adultery were affirmed, instead of being condemned. The civic and religious leaders did great damage to the holy nation, so that it was worse than neighboring nations. Instead of being watchmen, they became blind and mute dogs, allowing enemies to enter the gates of the cities. (Hosea 9:8)
How is leadership today in our community and nation?