Judges

Judges 2:16 Then the Lord raised up judges, who delivered Israel from domination by their marauders. But they didn't listen to their leaders, because they were committing spiritual immorality by following other gods and worshiping them. They quickly turned away from the road on which their ancestors had walked in obedience to the commands of the Lord. They didn't follow their example. As a result, whenever the Lord raised up leaders for them, the Lord remained present with their leader, delivering Israel from the control of their enemies during the lifetime of that leader. The Lord was moved with compassion by their groaning that had been caused by those who were oppressing and persecuting them. However, after the leader had died, they would relapse to a condition more corrupt than their ancestors, following other gods, serving them, and worshiping them. They would not abandon their activities or their obstinate lifestyles.

Marching from victory to victory or just here and there?

The judges were Spirit-filled leaders who, in times of national emergencies, led the people in war and, having delivered them from the bondage of foreign oppression, continued to lead the people in peace. They functioned both as military and as civil magistrates.

The book of Judges contains the account of the thirteen judges who ruled Israel from the death of Joshua until the time of Eli and Samuel. The period covered is approximately four hundred years. Each one had issues, each one had weaknesses, but God used them despite themselves simply because they made themselves available.

The primary aspect of this historical period appears to be the cyclic pattern of national devotion to God, followed by apostasy, then captivity, and ultimately, repentance, deliverance, and restored fellowship. One of the most heartbreaking criticisms of the people during these times of apostasy is found in the very last verse of the Book of Judges: "Every one did that which was right in his own eyes." Judges 21:25

The later prophets appeal more strongly to people's consciences, but the book of Judges offers a historical perspective that is relevant to modern Christians. It illustrates that neglecting God's commandments and worshiping false idols results in negative consequences and defeat. In contrast, sincere repentance leads to divine favor. This emphasizes that God responds to nations based on their attitudes toward His moral laws, which is something we should consider today.

Be open to God’s work and receptive to His calling. Regardless of how difficult the day may seem, God can still work through those who trust in His Word, submit to His Spirit, and follow His guidance.

Scarlet Thread:

Jesus is our ultimate Prophet, proclaiming God's truth, and our Judge, administering perfect justice. The various leaders in Judges illustrate Jesus' role as the righteous Judge who guides His people with divine wisdom, truth, and justice.

Galatians 4:8 In the past, when you did not know God, you were slaves to things that are not gods at all. But now that you know God, or rather have been known by God, how can you turn back again to those powerless and bankrupt basic principles? Why do you want to become their slaves all over again?

Hebrews 11:32 And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell you about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephtha, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Through faith, they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, received promises, shut the mouths of lions, put out raging fires, escaped death by the sword, found strength in weakness, became powerful in battle, and routed foreign armies.