INTRODUCTION TO JUDGESThe book of Judges covers the time between Joshua and Samuel. Moses had given Israel God's word regarding laws and worship. They had no national leader succession, just tribal leaders. The national leaders whom God raised up were called judges. Twelve judges are mentioned: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah (with Barak over the army), Gideon (followed by Abimelek, an apostate king), Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson. Judges records the demise of Israel, falling further from God. There is a recurring pattern: (1) Israel is unfaithful to God, (2) God sends an oppressor against them, (3) they cry out to God, and (4) God raises up a judge who delivers them. After a time of peace, they fall away from God and the cycle repeats. Their lawless lives are described by the repeated phrase: 'In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit' (17:6). Gideon voices the truth that God's people should accept and live by: 'I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you' (8:23). The judges were not heroes in an ideal sense. They were full of weaknesses. But they did exercise moments of faith in God to conquer kingdoms and administer justice (Heb 11:32-33). God used them to save his people because of his own purpose and promises. One day God would send the perfect, righteous leader for his people-the Messiah, Jesus Christ. As we read Judges, let's remember that God is faithful and sovereign and the true Hero of his people.
'I HAVE GIVEN THE LAND INTO THEIR HANDS'
1. The Lord was with Judah (1-19a)
Joshua fought the Lord's battles to secure the Promised Land, and allotted the twelve tribes their portions of land. But they still had to drive out the Canaanites (Jos 23:4-13). The Israelite leaders prayed (1), the tribe of Judah obeyed, teaming up with the tribe of Simeon (2-3), and the Lord gave them victory (4). They exacted justice upon Adoni-Bezek (6-7). They took Jerusalem and the cities in the south and west. The story of Caleb giving his daughter Aksah in marriage to Othniel (the first judge) and some springs of water is repeated here (Jos 15:15-19). Then Judah helped Simeon to gain more territory. The Lord was with Judah when they followed God's direction.
2. Seeds of defeat (19b-26)
Judah couldn't expel enemies who had iron chariots. Benjamin couldn't defeat the Jebusites, who lived among them. A man from Bethel betrayed his town to the tribes of Joseph, but he went and built the town Luz. These and other vestiges of Canaanites would cause trouble later for Israel, since they didn't join Israel.
Application: Lord God, you give victory to all who follow your direction without compromise. Help me to listen and follow your will, rather than what is convenient.
One Word: Take with faith what God wants to give