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The Book of Judges

Book of Judges in the Old Testament
Law (5) Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy History (12) Joshua Judges Ruth 1&2 Samuel 1&2 Kings 1&2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Wisdom (5) Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Prophecy (17) Major Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Minor Prophets Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Judges Among the Twelve
Joshua = the possession of a nation Judges and Ruth = the oppression of a nation 1 and 2 Samuel = the stabilization and expansion of a nation 1 and 2 Kings = the glorification and deterioration of a nation

Judges Among the Twelve
1 and 2 Chronicles = the preparation and destruction of the temple Ezra = the reconstruction of the temple Nehemiah = the reconstruction of the city Esther = the protection of the people

Time Period in OT History
Creation The Flood Patriarchs Bondage in Egypt Wilderness Wanderings Conquest of Canaan (1390 – 1090 B.C.) Period of the Judges (Judges – Ruth) United Kingdom Divided Kingdom Captivity and Exile Return and Restoration

Book Background Title: “Judges” (Heb. shophetim) means a ruler who is a “deliverer” or “savior” (2:16) Authorship: Anonymous. Jewish tradition assigns the book to Samuel or one of his prophetic students (1 Sam. 10:5) Date: Written sometime around the time of Samuel (see Judges 1:21; 2:7; 11:26; 17:6; 18:1,31; 19:1; 20:27; 21:25)

Book Background Audience: Israel in the land of Canaan under a united monarchy is reminded of their immediate past idolatry and forsaking of the Lord. Time: About 300 years (1390 – 1090 B.C.) Location: Israel in the land of Canaan for approximately 300 years (11:26)

Keys to the Book Key verses: 2:11-23; 21:25
Key theme: “sin cycles” of Israel (2:11-23) Key characters: Judges (2:16; Heb. 11:32-33)

Outline of the Book The Deterioration of Israel (Judges 1-2)
Living with the Canaanites The Deliverance of Israel (Judges 3-16) Living under the Canaanites The Depravity of Israel (Judges 17-21) Living like the Canaanites

Failure to Complete the Conquest (Judges 1) Judgment for Failure to Complete the Conquest (Judges 2)

Outline of the Book The Deliverance of Israel (Judges 3-16)
Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar (Judges 3) Deborah (Judges 4-5) Gideon (Judges 6-8) Abimelech (Judges 9) Tola, Jair (Judges 10) Jephthah (Judges 11) Ibzan, Elon, Abdon (Judge 12) Samson (Judges 13-16) [ Note: Last two judges: Eli and Samuel, 1 Samuel 1-8 ]

Outline of the Book The Depravity of Israel (Judges 17-21)
Idolatry (17-18) Immorality (19) Infighting (20-21)

Joshua and Judges A Story in Contrasts
Faithful (24:16-28,31) Faithless (2:10-15) Victory (21:43-45) Defeat (3-16) Peace (11:24; 14:15; 23:1) War (20-21) Freedom (21:43-45) Bondage (2:18) Joy (21:43-45) Sorrow (2:4) Unity (22:30-34) Division (20-21) Spirituality (1:6-9; 23:6-12) Immorality (17-19) Honor (6:27) Dishonor (16:20)

Judges 1 Lessons for Today
It is good to go to the Lord for advice on what to do in life and let him give the answer (1:1-2; Jas. 1:5). It is good to join hands with our brethren in our spiritual fight against the Devil (1:3,17; 1 Tim. 6:12; Tim. 2:3-4). The Lord is with those who faithfully serve him (1:19; Mt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5-6).

Worldly influences left unconquered in our life will cause us problems (1:21,27-36; Jas. 4:4). The failure to conquer the land was not the Lord’s fault, but was caused by the sin of the people (1:27-36; Prov. 14:34).

The Angel of Jehovah in the Book of Judges
Reference Appearance Purpose 2:1,4 Israel Punishment 5:23 Curse 6:11-12,21-22 Gideon Encouragement 13:3-21 Manoah Instruction

Judges and Jesus Deliverance for the People
Sin brings oppression (2:11-15) Sin brings oppression (Rom. 3:23; 6:23) Deliverance from physical oppression needed (2:16-23) Deliverance from spiritual oppression needed (Rom. 11:26-27; Gal. 1:4) A judge was a warrior (Gideon, Samson), a priest (Eli), a prophet (Deborah, Samuel) Jesus is a warrior, priest, and prophet (Rev. 19)

The Book of Judges 1. Silence Sin Cycles of Israel 5. Salvation
4. Supplication 3. Servitude

Why Did Israel Serve Idols? Judges 2:11
Worshipping God Worshipping Idols Focus on the spiritual side Focus on the physical side Long-range benefits Short-range benefits Gratification postponed Gratification immediate Morality required Immorality condoned High ethical standards Low ethical standards Neighbor’s sins disapproved Neighbor’s sins approved Unseen God worshipped Visible idols worshipped Unselfishness expected Selfishness encouraged

Why Did Israel Serve Idols? Judges 2:11
Worshipping God Worshipping Idols Business relations limited Business relations improved Strict religious practices Loose religious practices Changed life demanded Changed life not demanded Ethical stand expected Compromise tolerated Concerned for others taught No concern for others taught Focus on outward laws Focus on inward feelings

The Lord does not break his covenants with his people (2:1; 2 Tim. 2:13). The Lord’s people must not make covenants with the people of the world (2:2; Jas. 4:4). There is no good reason to disobey the Lord (2:2; Tit. 1:16). The evil influences of the world are like a snare to God’s people (2:3; 2 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 2:20).

Sin and its punishment bring sorrow (2:4; 2 Cor. 2:5,7; 7:10; 1 Tim. 6:10). It is important to have strong leadership over God’s people (2:6-9; Heb. 13:7,17). The Lord has done great works for his people (2:7,10; Eph. 1:3ff). It is important to teach future generations about the Lord (2:10; Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 2:2).

The Lord’s people must guard against idolatry or anything and anyone that would take the place of God (2:11-13; 1 Jn. 5:21). The hand of the Lord is against his people when they disobey and the anger of the Lord is against his people when they disobey (2:14,20; Heb. 10:30-31; 12:29). The Lord is full of mercy (2:18; Eph. 2:4-8; Tit. 3:5). Some people will enter right back into sin when times are good (2:16-19; 2 Pet. 2:14).

The Sin Cycles of Israel
Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence Judges 3:7-11 Idolatry Mesopotamia (8 years) Cried Othniel 40 years Judges 3:12-30 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years Judges 3:31 - - - Philistines Shamgar

The Judges of Israel Hebrews 11:32-33
Tribe Character Reference Othniel Judah Warrior 3:9-10 Ehud Benjamin Cunning 3:15-29 Shamgar - - - Fearless 3:31

Philistines oppressed Israel Judges 3:31 Cushanrishathaim King of Mesopotamia oppressed Israel Judges 3:8 Philistia Eglon King of Moab oppressed Israel Judges 3:12

God’s people went through a period of war before they could experience a period of peace (3:1-2; Isa. 2:4; Rev. 14:13). Living in the world provides opportunity for God’s people to be proved regarding their obedience to God (3:4; Rom. 12:1-2).

Living with the world often leads to living like the world. If God’s people live among worldly influences and marry into worldly influences, they may soon be engaging in worldliness themselves (3:5-6; Jn. 2:15-17). If God’s people are not careful, they will forget the Lord and serve the world (3:7; Jas. 4:1-4). Make sure that our remorse and repentance for sin is genuine and lasting (3:9,15; 2 Cor. 7:9-11).

Sin brings servitude, but salvation brings rest (3:8,11,14,30; Prov. 13:15; Jn. 8:32-36). Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it. Sin will repeat itself over and over again without true repentance and mature obedience (3:12; Heb. 3:12-13). Jesus Christ will save anyone today from the oppression of sin (3:9,15,31; Mt. 1:21).

Deborah ( 4:1 – 5:31 ) Deborah fought Sisera at Mt. Tabor (4:12)
Deborah judged Israel in Ephraim (4:4-5)

Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence Judges 3:7-11 Idolatry Mesopotamia (8 years) Cried Othniel 40 years Judges 3:12-30 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years Judges 3:31 - - - Philistines Shamgar Judges 4:1-24; 5:1-31 Canaan (20 years) Deborah

Tribe Character Reference Othniel Judah Warrior 3:9-10 Ehud Benjamin Cunning 3:15-29 Shamgar - - - Fearless 3:31 Deborah Ephraim? Supportive 4:4-10

A worthy woman like Deborah who has courage and conviction is hard to find and is much needed today (4:4-10; Prov. 31:10; 1 Tim. 2:9-15; Tit. 2:3-5; Pet. 3:1-6). Some need to be roused from their lethargy to obey the Lord and get busy battling for the Lord (4:6,14; Cor. 6:2; Eph. 6:10ff). The Lord will lead his people to victory over the enemy (4:14; Rev. 19:11-21).

Let us all willingly join in the fight against the enemy (5:2,9; Eph. 6:10ff). Let us rise up in a wicked society and be a beacon of light for good (5:7; Phil. 2:15). The righteous acts from the Lord in heaven must be matched with righteous acts from his people on earth (5:11; Rev. 19:8).

There is a moment when we all must decide if we will fight or if we will fail (5:15-16; Eph. 6:10ff). The strong and courageous will jeopardize their own lives for the Lord’s service (5:18; Acts 15:26; Phil. 2:30). Brethren who are fearful and cowardly are cursed (5:23; Rev. 21:8).

The enemies of the Lord will not get what they want in the end (5:28-30; Rev. 19:11-21; 21:10). Those who love the Lord will shine as the sun (5:31; Dan. 12:3).

Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence Judges 3:7-11 Idolatry Mesopotamia (8 years) Cried Othniel 40 years Judges 3:12-30 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years Judges 3:31 - - - Philistines Shamgar Judges 4:1-24; 5:1-31 Canaan (20 years) Deborah Judges 6:1-8:35 Midian (7 years) Gideon

Tribe Character Reference Othniel Judah Warrior 3:9-10 Ehud Benjamin Cunning 3:15-29 Shamgar - - - Fearless 3:31 Deborah Ephraim? Supportive 4:4-10 Gideon Manasseh Valiant 6:11-18

God Uses Common People Judges 6:11,15
Person Background Task Reference Gideon Farmer Judge Judg. 6:11,15 Jephthah Harlot’s son Judg. 11:1 David Shepherd King 1 Sam Mary Handmaid Jesus’ mother Lk. 1:48 Matthew Tax collector Apostle Mt. 9:9 Peter Fisherman Lk. 5:1-11

Midianites oppress Israel Judges 6:1

Gideon ( 6:1 – 8:32 ) Gideon fought the Midianites near the hill of Moreh (7:1) Gideon lived and died in Ophrah (6:11; 8:32)

Sin will bring the sinner down very low (6:6). When the Lord’s people do not listen to the Lord, they will bring problems upon themselves (6:10; Prov. 13:15). A “mighty man of valor” like Gideon is needed today to fight the Devil and stand for right (6:12,14; Acts 4:29; 1 Cor. 16:13; Eph. 6:19). “Why then is all this befallen us?” is a question that is often answered by looking to the sin(s) in our own life (6:13; Prov. 13:15).

Victory is based upon a strong faith in God, not upon social or economic status. The Lord can use people from all walks of life in his service (6:15-16; Ac. 10:34-35). The Lord is with his people when they obey his word (6:16; 2 Jn. 9-11). This Lord is our peace through the sacrifice of Jesus (6:24; Eph. 2:14). Idols must be torn down before we can serve the Lord (6:25-27; Mt. 6:24; 2 Tim. 3:4).

We need the Lord and we are nothing without him (7:2; 2 Cor. 12:9-10). We are of no use in the Lord’s army if we are fearful and trembling (7:3; 2 Cor. 1:7).

We may grow tired in battle but we must keep fighting (8:4; 1 Cor. 15:58; Gal. 6:9). Sometimes young people fear to do what is right (8:20; 1 Tim. 4:12). We must let the Lord rule over our lives (8:23; Mt. 28:18). How quickly evil can follow good (8:27, 33-35; Lk. 8:13; Acts 8:18-24).

Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence Judges 3:7-11 Idolatry Mesopotamia (8 years) Cried Othniel 40 years Judges 3:12-30 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years Judges 3:31 - - - Philistines Shamgar Judges 4:1-24; 5:1-31 Canaan (20 years) Deborah Judges 6:1-8:35 Midian (7 years) Gideon Judges 8:33 – 9:57 Played the harlot Abimelech? 3 years? Judges 10:1-2 Tola 23 years Judges 10:3-5 Jair 22 years

Tribe Character Reference Othniel Judah Warrior 3:9-10 Ehud Benjamin Cunning 3:15-29 Shamgar - - - Fearless 3:31 Deborah Ephraim? Supportive 4:4-10 Gideon Manasseh Valiant 6:11-18 Abimelech? Self-serving 9:1-57 Tola Issachar 10:1-2 Jair Manasseh? 10:3-5

Was Abimelech A Judge? Argument For Argument Against
1. He fits within the language of the sin-cycle (8:33; 10:1,3) 1. No mention is made of a servitude, a supplication, a savior, or a silence (rest) 2. All the main characters in Judges 3-16 are judges 2. Only wicked things are said about him

We must be careful that we are not influenced by the world to do evil (9:4,24; 1 Cor. 15:33). The company you keep will tell what kind of character you have (9:4; Jas. 4:4). Christians must not support the evil policies of their civic leaders or the evil policies of their eldership (9:6; Acts 5:29; 1 Tim. 5:20).

People who do not live right will bring trouble into their life (9:20; Prov. 13:15). True love does not vaunt itself and is not puffed up, and pride goes before a fall (9:2,53-57; 1 Cor. 13:4; Prov. 16:18). Vengeance belongs to the Lord and he will requite the wickedness of man (9:56; Rom. 12:17-19).

Abimelech ( 9:1-57 ) Abimelech makes himself king over the people and wars with the men of Shechem (9:1-57)

Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence 3:7-11 Idolatry Mesopotamia (8 years) Cried Othniel 40 years 3:12-30 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years 3:31 - - - Philistines Shamgar 4:1-24; 5:1-31 Canaan (20 years) Deborah 6:1-8:35 Midian (7 years) Gideon 8:33 – 9:57 Played the harlot Abimelech? 3 years? 10:1-2 Tola 23 years 10:3-5 Jair 22 years 10:6 – 12:7 Ammon (18 years) Jephthah 6 years

Tribe Character Reference Othniel Judah Warrior 3:9-10 Ehud Benjamin Cunning 3:15-29 Shamgar - - - Fearless 3:31 Deborah Ephraim? Supportive 4:4-10 Gideon Manasseh Valiant 6:11-18 Abimelech? Self-serving 9:1-57 Tola Issachar 10:1-2 Jair Manasseh? 10:3-5 Jephthah Vowing 11:29-33

Jephthah (11:1-40) Jephthah fled to the land of Tob (11:3,5)
Jephthah sent a message and made a vow at Mizpah (11:11,29-31) Jephthah was victorious over the Ammonites from Aroer to Minnith (11:32-33)

Chemosh – Lord of Moab Chemosh was the national deity of the Moabites whose name most likely meant "destroyer," "subduer," or "fish god." While he is most readily associated with the Moabites, according to Judges 11:24 he seems to have been the national deity of the Ammonites as well. His presence in the Old Testament world was well known, as his cult was imported to Jerusalem by King Solomon (1 Kings 11:7). The Hebrew scorn for his worship was evident in a curse from the scriptures: "the abomination of Moab." King Josiah destroyed the Israelite branch of the cult (2 Kings 23). Information on Chemosh is scarce, although archaeology and text can render a clearer picture of the deity. In 1868, an archaeological find at Dibon provided scholars with more clues to the nature of Chemosh. The find, known as the Moabite Stone or Mesha Stele, was a monument bearing an inscription commemorating the c. 860 B.C. endeavors of King Mesha to overthrow the Israelite dominion of Moab. The vassalage had existed since the reign of David (2 Samuel 8:2), but the Moabites revolted upon the death of Ahab. Consequently, the Moabite Stone contains the oldest existing inscription of a Semitic alphabet. Mesha, by way of textual example, attributes his victory over the Israelites and their god to Chemosh stating "And Chemosh drove him before my sight." (2 Kings 3:5) Source:

The Moabite Stone The Moabite Stone is a priceless source of information concerning Chemosh. Within the text the inscriber mentions Chemosh twelve times. He also names Mesha as the son of Chemosh. Mesha made it clear that he understood Chemosh's anger and the reason he allowed the Moabites to fall under the rule of Israel. The high place on which Mesha oriented the stone was dedicated to Chemosh as well. In summary, Mesha realized that Chemosh waited to restore Moab in his day, for which Mesha was grateful to Chemosh. Chemosh seems to have also had a taste for blood. In 2 Kings 3:27 we find that human sacrifice was part of the rites of Chemosh. This practice, while gruesome, was certainly not unique to the Moabites, as such rites were commonplace in the various Canaanite religious cults, including those of the Baals and of Moloch. Mythologists and other scholars suggest that such activity may be due to the fact the Chemosh and other Canaanite gods such as the Baals, Moloch, Thammuz, and Baalzebub were all personifications of the sun, or of the sun's rays. They represented the fierce, inescapable, and often consuming heat of the summer sun (a necessary but deadly element in life; analogs may be found in Aztec sun worship). Source:

Photo by Chris Reeves * 05.03.10 * The Louvre, Paris
The Moabite Stone Photo by Chris Reeves * * The Louvre, Paris

The Vow of Jephthah Did He Kill His Daughter?
Yes No 1. The vow (Heb. ‘olah) was a literal- death sacrifice, not a figurative-living sacrifice (11:31) 1. Human sacrifice was unauthorized in Israel (Lev. 18:21; Deut. 18:10; etc.) 2. “Whatsover” (whosover) in the Heb. language refers to person, not an animal (11:31) 2. The daughter was given into a life-long service to the Lord at the tabernacle (Ex. 38:8) 3. “And” in the Heb. means “and,” not “or” (11:31) 3. There is mourning, virginity and a memorial (Judges 11:39-40) 4. He did according to his vow (11:39) 4. The Lord would not have blessed Jephthah if he had killed his daughter (11:29,33; Heb. 11:32)

No man can serve two masters (10:6; Mt. 6:24; Rom. 6:16). The Lord is angered and grieved over the sinful trouble of mankind (10:7,16; Mt. 23:37-38). Sin brings troubles, distress and misery to the people who commit it (10:9,16; Prov. 13:15).

Our journey back to God begins with confession (“We have sinned”), followed by repentance (“And they put away the foreign gods”) (10:10-16; Lk. 15:18- 21; Acts 2:37-38; 8:22-24; Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 1:9). The fruits of repentance lead to change (10:16; Mt. 3:8; Lk. 3:8). “What man is he that will begin to fight?” is a good question for us to ask ourselves today as we battle the Devil (10:18; 2 Sam. 10:12; 1 Cor. 16:13).

The Lord can use people from all walks of life in his service (11:1; Acts 10:34-35). The Lord is the Judge of all the earth – the Judge of judges (11:27; Gen. 18:25). We must be careful not to make rash vows and when we make a vow we must be careful to keep it (11:30,39; Lev. 27:1-33; Deut. 23:21; Eccl. 5:1-7).

Unnecessary complaints among brethren can lead to needless division, in-fighting, and loss of life (12:1-6; Gal. 5:15). Our speech identifies who we are (12:6; Mt. 26:73; Pet. 4:11).

Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence 3:7-11 Idolatry Mesopotamia (8 years) Cried Othniel 40 years 3:12-30 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years 3:31 - - - Philistines Shamgar 4:1-24; 5:1-31 Canaan (20 years) Deborah 6:1-8:35 Midian (7 years) Gideon 8:33 – 9:57 Played the harlot Abimelech? 3 years? 10:1-2 Tola 23 years 10:3-5 Jair 22 years 10:6 – 12:7 Ammon (18 years) Jephthah 6 years

Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence 12:9-10 - - - Ibzan 7 years 12:11 Elon 10 years 12:13-15 Abdon 8 years 13:1 – 16:31 Evil Philistines (40 years) Samson 20 years

Tribe Character Reference Othniel Judah Warrior 3:9-10 Ehud Benjamin Cunning 3:15-29 Shamgar - - - Fearless 3:31 Deborah Ephraim? Supportive 4:4-10 Gideon Manasseh Valiant 6:11-18 Abimelech? Self-serving 9:1-57 Tola Issachar 10:1-2 Jair Manasseh? 10:3-5 Jephthah Vowing 11:29-33 Ibzan 12:8-10 Elon Zebulun 12:11 Abdon 12:13-15 Samson Dan Strong / Weak 14:6,19; 16:20

Samson (13:1 – 16:31) Samson is from Zorah (13:2,25)
Samson married a woman from Timnah (14:1) Samson fights the men of Ashkelon (14:19) Samson went to a harlot in Gaza (16:1) Ashkelon

We must dedicate our lives to the Lord by abstaining from unclean living (13:7,14; 2 Cor. 6:14 – 7:1; Peter 2:11). The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Parents need to learn from God how to raise a child before the child is born (13:8,12,14; Eph. 6:4). There is great fear in the presence of the Lord. One day we all will see God in the judgment day (13:22; see also 6:22-23; Heb. 12:28-29).

The Lord blesses those who offer sacrifices to him (13:23; 1 Pet. 2:5-9).

Christians need to be careful who they date and marry (14:2; 1 Cor. 7:39; 1 Pet. 3:7). Parents need to be careful what they give their children. Ruined character often begins at home (14:2-3; Eph. 6:1-4; Tit. 2:4). The marriage covenant and vow between a husband and wife should be taken seriously (14:20; Mt. 5:32; Mt. 19:9; Lk. 16:18; Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 10:11-12).

Strong men like Samson can have a weak character that leads to a tragic downfall (14:2,9,15,17,20; Mt. 26:41; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 10:12). God can strike a straight blow with a crooked stick. God can use foolish, weak, and sinful men like Samson to accomplish his purposes (14:2,9,15,17,20; Gen. 45:4-8; Ex. 9:16; Acts 4:27-28; 8:1-4; Phil. 1:12-19).

We should not return evil for evil (15:1-8; Rom. 12:17-21). Sinners and fools trouble their own house (15:11; Prov. 11:29; 14:1; 15:6,29). The rule is: Do unto others, what you would have them do unto you; not, Do unto others what they do unto you (15:11; Mt. 17:12).

Give credit to God for your victories and successes (15:18; 1 Cor. 15:10). The Lord is rich toward all who call upon him in time of need (15:19; 16:28; Phil. 4:19; Heb. 4:16). It takes great faith to fight the Lord’s enemies (15:20; Heb. 11:32).

True love does not work ill toward others (16:15; Rom. 13:10; 1 Cor. 13:3-7). Love for the wrong person or thing can lead to one’s downfall (16:16-19; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). Broken vows lead to broken lives (16:17; Mt. 5:37). The Lord leaves those who leave him (16:20; Rom. 1:24,26,28; 2 Tim. 2:12; 2 Jn. 9-11).

Strong men like Samson can have a weak character that leads to a tragic downfall (15:3; 16:1,15; Mt. 26:41; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 10:12). God can strike a straight blow with a crooked stick. God can use foolish, weak, and sinful men like Samson to accomplish his purposes (15:3; 16:1,15; Gen. 45:4-8; Ex. 9:16; Acts 4:27-28; 8:1-4; Phil. 1:12-19).

The Judges in Review Judges 3-16
A Lesson About Mankind Sin brings great hardship to the one who sins Sin will repeat itself greatly without repentance A Lesson About the Lord The Lord has great compassion for sinners The Lord displays great power to accomplish his will

Living with the Canaanites The Deliverance of Israel (Judges 3-16) Living under the Canaanites The Depravity of Israel (Judges 17-21) Living like the Canaanites

Failure to Complete the Conquest (Judges 1) Judgment for Failure to Complete the Conquest (Judges 2)

Outline of the Book The Deliverance of Israel (Judges 3-16)
Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar (Judges 3) Deborah (Judges 4-5) Gideon (Judges 6-8) Abimelech (Judges 9) Tola, Jair (Judges 10) Jephthah (Judges 11) Ibzan, Elon, Abdon (Judge 12) Samson (Judges 13-16) [ Note: Last two judges: Eli and Samuel, 1 Samuel 1-8 ]

Outline of the Book The Depravity of Israel (Judges 17-21)
Idolatry (17-18) Immorality (19) Infighting (20-21)

Dan (Laish) was a place of unauthorized worship (18:27-30)
The authorized place of worship was in Shiloh (18:31) Micah set up unauthorized worship in his home in the hill-country of Ephraim (17:1-13)

Religious syncretism is practiced today by many who claim to follow the Lord and at the same time engage in unauthorized religious practices (17:2-5; Zeph. 1:5; Mt. 15:1-8; 23:1ff). Counterfeit religion is sometimes hard to detect (17:2-5; Mt. 7:21-23). Things dedicated to the Lord should not be used in an unauthorized way (17:3; 1 Cor. 16:1-2).

God’s people must guard themselves from idols (17:5; Ex. 20:3; 1 Cor. 10:7,14; 1 Jn. 5:21). “Everyman did that which was right in his own eyes” is a subjective and human moral standard that is relative and ever-changing. God’s word is an objective and divine moral standard that is fixed for all time (17:6; Tim. 1:13; 2:2; 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:25; Jude 3). When everyone does what is right in his own eyes it will lead to terrible times. We must learn this lesson! We must heed this warning (17:6; 2 Tim. 3:1-5)!

Religious leaders often exchange the truth of God’s word for a “better deal” and suppose that godliness is a “way of gain.” They lead for personal gain (17:10; 18:20; Ezek. 34:2; Jn. 10:12; 1 Tim. 6:5). We know that the Lord will bless us with good when we obey his word, not simply when we do religious things (17:13; 18:5; Mt. 7:21-23; 2 Jn. 9-11).

Many people ignore the authorized worship of God while worshipping God in their own way (18:31; Jn. 4:24; Col. 3:17).

Hospitality is always commendable (19:21; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9). Sexual immorality is “lewdness” and “folly” and sin (19:23-24; 20:6,10; 1 Cor. 6:18). We must consider the severity of immorality around us, take counsel of God concerning how to deal with it, and speak out against it (19:30; 1 Cor. 13:6; 16:13).

The men of Israel knew that sin is a reproach to any nation (Prov. 14:34), and they stood united against sin as we should today (Judg. 20:1,11; 1 Cor. 5:1-13). Lack of unity against wrong-doing leads to needless infighting among brethren (20:13-14; Gal. 5:13-15). It is good to ask counsel of God before making important decisions and plans (20:18,23,27; Peter 5:7). The Lord orders the battle (Eph. 6:10ff). Right will triumph at the end of the battle (20:48; Rev ).

Let us not forsake the assembly before the Lord (21:5; Heb. 10:25). Let us not make oaths that we will later question (21:7; Jas. 5:12). There will be a division when sin is practiced and tolerated among God’s people and when infighting exists among God’s people (21:15; Gal. 5:13-21).

“Everyman did that which was right in his own eyes” is a subjective and human moral standard that is relative and ever-changing. God’s word is an objective and divine moral standard that is fixed and for all time (21:25; 2 Tim. 1:13; 2:2; 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:25; Jude 3). When everyone does what is right in his own eyes it will lead to terrible times. We must learn this lesson! We must heed this warning (21:25; 2 Tim. 3:1-5)!

To download a copy of the Judges lessons go to TheGoodTeacher

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To download a copy of the Judges lessons go to TheGoodTeacher

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