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The Book of Judges

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Book of Judges in the Old Testament Law (5) History (12) Wisdom (5) Prophecy (17) Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1&2 Samuel 1&2 Kings 1&2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Major Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Minor Prophets Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi 4

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 5

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 6

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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 9

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) 10

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) 11

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) 12

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 13

Outline of the Book • The Deterioration of Israel (Judges 1 -2) – Failure to Complete the Conquest (Judges 1) – Judgment for Failure to Complete the Conquest (Judges 2) 14

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 ] 15

Outline of the Book • The Depravity of Israel (Judges 17 -21) – Idolatry (17 -18) – Immorality (19) – Infighting (20 -21) 16

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

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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; 2 Tim. 2: 3 -4). • The Lord is with those who faithfully serve him (1: 19; Mt. 28: 20; Heb. 13: 5 -6). 20

Judges 1 Lessons for Today • 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). 21

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

Judges and Jesus Deliverance for the People Judges Sin brings oppression (2: 1115) Deliverance from physical oppression needed (2: 16 -23) A judge was a warrior (Gideon, Samson), a priest (Eli), a prophet (Deborah, Samuel) Jesus Sin brings oppression (Rom. 3: 23; 6: 23) Deliverance from spiritual oppression needed (Rom. 11: 26 -27; Gal. 1: 4) Jesus is a warrior, priest, and prophet (Rev. 19) 23

The Book of Judges 1. Silence 5. Salvation 4. Supplication Sin Cycles of Israel (Judges 2: 11 -23) 2. Sin 3. Servitude 24

Why Did Israel Serve Idols? Judges 2: 11 Worshipping God Focus on the spiritual side Long-range benefits Gratification postponed Morality required High ethical standards Neighbor’s sins disapproved Unseen God worshipped Unselfishness expected Worshipping Idols Focus on the physical side Short-range benefits Gratification immediate Immorality condoned Low ethical standards Neighbor’s sins approved Visible idols worshipped Selfishness encouraged 25

Why Did Israel Serve Idols? Judges 2: 11 Worshipping God Business relations limited Strict religious practices Changed life demanded Ethical stand expected Concerned for others taught Focus on outward laws Worshipping Idols Business relations improved Loose religious practices Changed life not demanded Compromise tolerated No concern for others taught Focus on inward feelings 26

Judges 2 Lessons for Today • 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). 27

Judges 2 Lessons for Today • 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: 3 ff). • It is important to teach future generations about the Lord (2: 10; Eph. 6: 4; 2 Tim. 2: 2). 28

Judges 2 Lessons for Today • 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). 29

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The Book of Judges 1. Silence 5. Salvation 4. Supplication Sin Cycles of Israel (Judges 2: 11 -23) 2. Sin 3. Servitude 32

The Sin Cycles of Israel Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence Judges 3: 7 -11 Idolatry Mesopotamia Cried (8 years) Othniel 40 years Judges 3: 1230 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years Judges 3: 31 - - - Philistines Cried - - - Shamgar - - - 33

The Judges of Israel Hebrews 11: 32 -33 Judge Othniel Ehud Shamgar Tribe Judah Benjamin - - - Character Warrior Cunning Fearless Reference 3: 9 -10 3: 15 -29 3: 31 34

tia ilis Ph Philistines oppressed Israel Judges 3: 31 Cushanrishathaim King of Mesopotamia oppressed Israel Judges 3: 8 Eglon King of Moab oppressed Israel Judges 3: 12 35

Judges 3 Lessons for Today • 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). 36

Judges 3 Lessons for Today • 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; 1 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). 37

Judges 3 Lessons for Today • 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). 38

The Book of Judges 1. Silence 5. Salvation 4. Supplication Sin Cycles of Israel (Judges 2: 11 -23) 2. Sin 3. Servitude 39

Deborah ( 4: 1 – 5: 31 ) Deborah fought Sisera at Mt. Tabor (4: 12) Deborah judged Israel in Ephraim (4: 4 -5) 40

The Sin Cycles of Israel Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence Judges 3: 7 -11 Idolatry Mesopotamia Cried (8 years) Othniel 40 years Judges 3: 1230 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years Judges 3: 31 Judges 4: 1 -24; Evil 5: 1 -31 - - - Cried Philistines Canaan (20 years) - - Cried Shamgar - - - Deborah 40 years 41

The Judges of Israel Hebrews 11: 32 -33 Judge Othniel Ehud Shamgar Deborah Tribe Judah Benjamin - - Ephraim? Character Warrior Cunning Fearless Supportive Reference 3: 9 -10 3: 15 -29 3: 31 4: 4 -10 42

Judges 4 Lessons for Today • 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; 1 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; 2 Cor. 6: 2; Eph. 6: 10 ff). • The Lord will lead his people to victory over the enemy (4: 14; Rev. 19: 11 -21). 43

Judges 5 Lessons for Today • Let us all willingly join in the fight against the enemy (5: 2, 9; Eph. 6: 10 ff). • 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). 44

Judges 5 Lessons for Today • There is a moment when we all must decide if we will fight or if we will fail (5: 15 -16; Eph. 6: 10 ff). • 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). 45

Judges 5 Lessons for Today • 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). 46

The Book of Judges 1. Silence 5. Salvation 4. Supplication Sin Cycles of Israel (Judges 2: 11 -23) 2. Sin 3. Servitude 47

The Sin Cycles of Israel Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence Judges 3: 7 -11 Idolatry Mesopotamia Cried (8 years) Othniel 40 years Judges 3: 1230 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years Judges 3: 31 - - - Cried Philistines - - - Judges 4: 1 -24; Evil 5: 1 -31 Canaan (20 years) Judges 6: 18: 35 Midian (7 Cried years) Evil Cried Shamgar - - - Deborah 40 years Gideon 40 years 48

The Judges of Israel Hebrews 11: 32 -33 Judge Othniel Ehud Shamgar Deborah Gideon Tribe Judah Benjamin - - Ephraim? Manasseh Character Warrior Cunning Fearless Supportive Valiant Reference 3: 9 -10 3: 15 -29 3: 31 4: 4 -10 6: 11 -18 49

God Uses Common People Judges 6: 11, 15 Person Gideon Jephthah David Mary Matthew Peter Background Farmer Harlot’s son Shepherd Handmaid Tax collector Fisherman Task Reference Judge King Jesus’ mother Apostle Judg. 6: 11, 15 Judg. 11: 1 1 Sam. 16 -17 Lk. 1: 48 Mt. 9: 9 Lk. 5: 1 -11 50

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) 52

Judges 6 Lessons for Today • 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). 53

Judges 6 Lessons for Today • 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). 54

Judges 7 Lessons for Today • 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). 55

Judges 8 Lessons for Today • 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). 56

The Book of Judges 1. Silence 5. Salvation 4. Supplication Sin Cycles of Israel (Judges 2: 11 -23) 2. Sin 3. Servitude 57

The Sin Cycles of Israel Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence Judges 3: 7 -11 Idolatry Mesopotamia Cried (8 years) Othniel 40 years Judges 3: 1230 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years Judges 3: 31 - - - Cried Philistines - - - Judges 4: 1 -24; Evil 5: 1 -31 Canaan (20 years) Judges 6: 18: 35 Midian (7 Cried years) Evil Cried Shamgar - - - Deborah 40 years Gideon 40 years Judges 8: 33 – Played the 9: 57 harlot - - - Abimelech? 3 years? Judges 10: 1 -2 - - - - - Tola 23 years Judges 10: 3 -5 - - - - - Jair 22 years 58

The Judges of Israel Hebrews 11: 32 -33 Judge Othniel Ehud Shamgar Deborah Gideon Abimelech? Tola Jair Tribe Judah Benjamin - - Ephraim? Manasseh Issachar Manasseh? Character Warrior Cunning Fearless Supportive Valiant Self-serving - - - Reference 3: 9 -10 3: 15 -29 3: 31 4: 4 -10 6: 11 -18 9: 1 -57 10: 1 -2 10: 3 -5 59

Was Abimelech A Judge? Argument For 1. He fits within the language of the sin-cycle (8: 33; 10: 1, 3) 2. All the main characters in Judges 3 -16 are judges Argument Against 1. No mention is made of a servitude, a supplication, a savior, or a silence (rest) 2. Only wicked things are said about him 60

Judges 9 Lessons for Today • 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). 61

Judges 9 Lessons for Today • 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). 62

Abimelech ( 9: 1 -57 ) Abimelech makes himself king over the people and wars with the men of Shechem (9: 1 -57) 63

The Book of Judges 1. Silence 5. Salvation 4. Supplication Sin Cycles of Israel (Judges 2: 11 -23) 2. Sin 3. Servitude 64

The Sin Cycles of Israel Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence 3: 7 -11 Idolatry Mesopotamia Cried (8 years) Othniel 40 years 3: 12 -30 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years 3: 31 - - - Cried Philistines - - - 4: 1 -24; 5: 1 -31 Evil Canaan (20 years) Cried 6: 1 -8: 35 Evil Midian (7 Cried years) 8: 33 – 9: 57 Played the harlot Shamgar - - - Deborah 40 years Gideon 40 years - - - Abimelech? 3 years? 10: 1 -2 - - - - - Tola 23 years 10: 3 -5 - - - - - Jair 22 years Jephthah 6 years 10: 6 – 12: 7 Evil Ammon (18 years) 65

The Judges of Israel Hebrews 11: 32 -33 Judge Othniel Ehud Shamgar Deborah Gideon Abimelech? Tola Jair Jephthah Tribe Judah Benjamin - - Ephraim? Manasseh Issachar Manasseh? Manasseh Character Warrior Cunning Fearless Supportive Valiant Self-serving - - Vowing Reference 3: 9 -10 3: 15 -29 3: 31 4: 4 -10 6: 11 -18 9: 1 -57 10: 1 -2 10: 3 -5 11: 29 -33 66

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) 67

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: www. ancienthistory. about. com 68

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 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: www. ancienthistory. about. com 69

The Moabite Stone Photo by Chris Reeves * 05. 03. 10 * The Louvre, Paris 70

The Vow of Jephthah Did He Kill His Daughter? Yes No 1. The vow (Heb. ‘olah) was a literal 1. Human sacrifice was - death sacrifice, not a figurativeunauthorized in Israel (Lev. 18: 21; living sacrifice (11: 31) Deut. 18: 10; etc. ) 2. “Whatsover” (whosover) in the Heb. language refers to person, not an animal (11: 31) 3. “And” in the Heb. means “and, ” not “or” (11: 31) 2. The daughter was given into a life-long service to the Lord at the tabernacle (Ex. 38: 8) 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) 71

Judges 10 Lessons for Today • 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). 72

Judges 10 Lessons for Today • 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: 1821; 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). 73

Judges 11 Lessons for Today • 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). 74

Judges 12 Lessons for Today • 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; 1 Pet. 4: 11). 75

The Book of Judges 1. Silence 5. Salvation 4. Supplication Sin Cycles of Israel (Judges 2: 11 -23) 2. Sin 3. Servitude 76

The Sin Cycles of Israel Reference Sin Servitude Supplication Savior Silence 3: 7 -11 Idolatry Mesopotamia Cried (8 years) Othniel 40 years 3: 12 -30 Evil Moab (18 years) Ehud 80 years 3: 31 - - - Cried Philistines - - - 4: 1 -24; 5: 1 -31 Evil Canaan (20 years) Cried 6: 1 -8: 35 Evil Midian (7 Cried years) 8: 33 – 9: 57 Played the harlot Shamgar - - - Deborah 40 years Gideon 40 years - - - Abimelech? 3 years? 10: 1 -2 - - - - - Tola 23 years 10: 3 -5 - - - - - Jair 22 years Jephthah 6 years 10: 6 – 12: 7 Evil Ammon (18 years) 77

The Sin Cycles of Israel Reference Sin Servitude Supplication 12: 9 -10 - - - - - Ibzan 7 years 12: 11 - - - - - Elon 10 years 12: 13 -15 - - - - - Abdon 8 years Philistines (40 years) - - - Samson 20 years 13: 1 – 16: 31 Evil Savior Silence 78

The Judges of Israel Hebrews 11: 32 -33 Judge Tribe Character Reference Othniel Judah Warrior 3: 9 -10 Ehud Benjamin Cunning 3: 15 -29 Fearless 3: 31 Shamgar - - - Deborah Ephraim? Supportive 4: 4 -10 Gideon Manasseh Valiant 6: 11 -18 Abimelech? Manasseh Self-serving 9: 1 -57 Tola Issachar - - - 10: 1 -2 Jair Manasseh? - - - 10: 3 -5 Jephthah Manasseh Ibzan Judah - - - 12: 8 -10 Elon Zebulun - - - 12: 11 Abdon Ephraim? - - - 12: 13 -15 Samson Dan Vowing 11: 29 -33 Strong / Weak 14: 6, 19; 16: 20 79

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) Ashkelon Samson went to a harlot in Gaza (16: 1) 80

Judges 13 Lessons for Today • We must dedicate our lives to the Lord by abstaining from unclean living (13: 7, 14; 2 Cor. 6: 14 – 7: 1; 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). 81

Judges 13 Lessons for Today • The Lord blesses those who offer sacrifices to him (13: 23; 1 Pet. 2: 5 -9). 82

Judges 14 Lessons for Today • 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 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). 83

Judges 14 Lessons for Today • 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). 84

Judges 15 Lessons for Today • 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). 85

Judges 15 Lessons for Today • 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). 86

Judges 16 Lessons for Today • 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). 87

Judges 16 Lessons for Today • 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). 88

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 89

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 90

Outline of the Book • The Deterioration of Israel (Judges 1 -2) – Failure to Complete the Conquest (Judges 1) – Judgment for Failure to Complete the Conquest (Judges 2) 91

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 ] 92

Outline of the Book • The Depravity of Israel (Judges 17 -21) – Idolatry (17 -18) – Immorality (19) – Infighting (20 -21) 93

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) 94

Judges 17 Lessons for Today • 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: 1 ff). • 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). 95

Judges 17 Lessons for Today • 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; 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 (17: 6; 2 Tim. 3: 1 -5)! 96

Judges 17 Lessons for Today • 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). 97

Judges 18 Lessons for Today • Many people ignore the authorized worship of God while worshipping God in their own way (18: 31; Jn. 4: 24; Col. 3: 17). 98

Judges 19 Lessons for Today • 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). 99

Judges 20 Lessons for Today • 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; 1 Peter 5: 7). The Lord orders the battle (Eph. 6: 10 ff). • Right will triumph at the end of the battle (20: 48; 10 Rev. 19 -22).

Judges 21 Lessons for Today • 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). 10

Judges 21 Lessons for Today • “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)! 10