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The Book of Judges
3
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
7
8
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
18
19
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
Israel
Gideon
Manoah
Purpose
Punishment
Curse
Encouragement
Instruction
22
Judges and Jesus
Deliverance for the People
Judges
Sin brings oppression
(2:11-15)
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
Sin Cycles of
Israel
(Judges 2:11-23)
4. Supplication
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. 1:3ff).
• 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
30
31
The Book of Judges
1. Silence
5. Salvation
Sin Cycles of
Israel
(Judges 2:11-23)
4. Supplication
2. Sin
3. Servitude
32
The Sin Cycles of Israel
Reference
Sin
Servitude
Supplication
Savior
Silence
Judges 3:7-11
Idolatry
Mesopotamia
(8 years)
Cried
Othniel
40 years
Judges 3:1230
Evil
Moab
(18 years)
Cried
Ehud
80 years
Judges 3:31
---
Philistines
---
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
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
Sin Cycles of
Israel
(Judges 2:11-23)
4. Supplication
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
(8 years)
Cried
Othniel
40 years
Judges 3:1230
Evil
Moab
(18 years)
Cried
Ehud
80 years
Judges 3:31
Judges 4:1-24; Evil
5:1-31
---
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. 6:10ff).
• 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. 6:10ff).
• 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).
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. 6:10ff).
• 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).
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
Sin Cycles of
Israel
(Judges 2:11-23)
4. Supplication
2. Sin
3. Servitude
47
The Sin Cycles of Israel
Reference
Sin
Servitude
Supplication
Savior
Silence
Judges 3:7-11
Idolatry
Mesopotamia
(8 years)
Cried
Othniel
40 years
Judges 3:1230
Evil
Moab
(18 years)
Cried
Ehud
80 years
Judges 3:31
---
Philistines
---
Shamgar
---
Judges 4:1-24; Evil
5:1-31
Canaan
(20 years)
Cried
Deborah
40 years
Judges 6:18:35
Midian
(7 years)
Cried
Gideon
40 years
Evil
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
Judge
King
Jesus’ mother
Apostle
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
Sin Cycles of
Israel
(Judges 2:11-23)
4. Supplication
2. Sin
3. Servitude
57
The Sin Cycles of Israel
Reference
Sin
Servitude
Supplication
Savior
Silence
Judges 3:7-11
Idolatry
Mesopotamia
(8 years)
Cried
Othniel
40 years
Judges 3:1230
Evil
Moab
(18 years)
Cried
Ehud
80 years
Judges 3:31
---
Philistines
---
Shamgar
---
Judges 4:1-24; Evil
5:1-31
Canaan
(20 years)
Cried
Deborah
40 years
Judges 6:18:35
Evil
Midian
(7 years)
Cried
Gideon
40 years
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
58
The Judges of Israel
Hebrews 11:32-33
Judge
Othniel
Ehud
Shamgar
Deborah
Gideon
Abimelech?
Tola
Jair
Tribe
Judah
Benjamin
--Ephraim?
Manasseh
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
Sin Cycles of
Israel
(Judges 2:11-23)
4. Supplication
2. Sin
3. Servitude
64
The Sin Cycles of Israel
Reference
Sin
Servitude
Supplication
Savior
Silence
3:7-11
Idolatry
Mesopotamia
(8 years)
Cried
Othniel
40 years
3:12-30
Evil
Moab
(18 years)
Cried
Ehud
80 years
3:31
---
Philistines
---
Shamgar
---
4:1-24; 5:1-31 Evil
Canaan
(20 years)
Cried
Deborah
40 years
6:1-8:35
Evil
Midian
(7 years)
Cried
Gideon
40 years
8:33 – 9:57
Played the
harlot
---
---
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
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
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:
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- death sacrifice, not a
figurative-living sacrifice (11:31)
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)
1. Human sacrifice was
unauthorized in Israel (Lev. 18:21;
Deut. 18:10; etc.)
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).
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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).
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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
Sin Cycles of
Israel
(Judges 2:11-23)
4. Supplication
2. Sin
3. Servitude
76
The Sin Cycles of Israel
Reference
Sin
Servitude
Supplication
Savior
Silence
3:7-11
Idolatry
Mesopotamia
(8 years)
Cried
Othniel
40 years
3:12-30
Evil
Moab
(18 years)
Cried
Ehud
80 years
3:31
---
Philistines
---
Shamgar
---
4:1-24; 5:1-31 Evil
Canaan
(20 years)
Cried
Deborah
40 years
6:1-8:35
Evil
Midian
(7 years)
Cried
Gideon
40 years
8:33 – 9:57
Played the
harlot
---
---
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
---
Samson
20 years
13:1 – 16:31
Evil
Philistines
(40 years)
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
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).
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; 23:1ff).
• 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).
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. 6:10ff).
• Right will triumph at the end of the battle (20:48;
Rev. 19-22).
10
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