This is a sad time in Israel’s history. God has done great things for them and still wants to care for them as his chosen people. But when the people do not have a strong leader to shepherd them, they start chasing after other gods and only call on the Lord when they have problems. No one likes friends that only call when they have problems! God does not give up on his people, though. He gives them good leaders when they get desperate. He earnestly desires his people to follow him so that he can bless them.