Judges 2:17 And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after gods, and bowed themselves unto them; they turned quickly out of the way which their walked in, obeying the commandments of the Lord, but they did not do so.
Why would the people turn so quickly from their faith in God? The Canaanite religion appealed to their sinful nature and offered short range benefits. One could act selfishly and still fulfill religious requirements; they could do what they wanted and still obey a god.
One reason for their whoring was that they did not listen. By not listening to the judge, to Moses, or to the fathers they ended up not believing or obeying God. They selfishly turned away to follow the gods (demons) of the world. The consequence was that trouble would come from enemies. Then they turned back to the Lord by crying out for help, and God raised up a Deliverer.
Every time we sin we are turning away from the God who loves and saves us. We don’t see it that way, but the Lord is revealing to us what is really going on in our lives: Sin gets us in trouble; Jesus delivers from evil. We don’t have to wait until we are in the foxhole to repent; we don’t let the troubles mount until we turn to the Lord and pray. The Lord promises: “Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you.” But also, we prevent the day of trouble by praying without ceasing. We respond to trouble by daily and weekly listening to Law and Gospel, praying often, and by regular repentance and remembrance. We don’t have to experience the up and down pattern of Judges. “Deliver us from evil.” Turn quickly!