1. Chaos in the Promised Land
JUDGES
Chaos in the Promised Land

2. JUDGES: Plot
Time frame = from death of Joshua to just before anointing of Saul as 1st King (approx yrs.)
Shows realization of Moses’ worst fears
Chaos reigns b/c Israel disobeys the covenant
In the absence of a king, individualism is the only rule of law

3. The “Judges Cycle”
Disobedience
Oppression
Repentance
Deliverance

4. Who Were the “Judges”?
Not “judges” in the legal sense, although they did at times mediate disputes
Not “kings” – unlikely any of them had the allegiance of all 12 Tribes at once
Deliverers raised up by God & empowered by His Spirit to lead against Israel’s enemies; heroic warriors who rallied the people

5. JUDGES: Major Characters
Othniel – 1st Judge
Ehud – left-handed Judge
Deborah – only female Judge
Gideon – asked for a sign
Samson – strong-man Judge who violated his Nazirite vow

6. JUDGES: Major Events Death of Joshua
Failure to drive out all Canaanites; sets the stage for all that follows
Intermarriage with Canaanites & adoption of idolatry
Ehud assassinates Eglon, king of Moab
Deborah & Barak’s victory over Jabin, king of Canaan
Gideon destroys an altar to Baal & puts out his fleece
Judgeship of Samson & defeat of Philistines
Death of the Levite’s concubine
Near-destruction of tribe of Benjamin

7. JUDGES: Key Verse
“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”
Judges 21:25

8. JUDGES: Lessons for Today
1. Undisciplined individualism leads to _________________! 2. God’s people always 2 choices: obedience, or _________ to the society around us. 3. Even when we sin, God does not _______________ His people & will hear our cries of repentance. 4. The most ________________ person may turn out to be God’s instrument in time of need.