INTRODUCTION TO JUDGES
The book of Judges covers the time between Joshua and Samuel. Moses had given Israel God's word regarding laws and worship. They had no succession plan for their leader. The national leaders that God raised up during this time were called Judges. Twelve judges are mentioned in the book: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson. The book of Judges records the demise of Israel, who fell further away from God. There is a recurring pattern that runs through the book: 1) Israel is unfaithful to God, 2) God sends an oppressor against them, 3) they cry out to God, 4) God raises up a judge who delivers them. 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 that brought them 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 us remember that God is faithful and sovereign and the true Hero of his people.

The Israelites had entered the Promised Land and had begun to defeat the inhabitants of the land. The land on the west side of the Jordan River had been allotted to the 9 ½ tribes. (The others had received their inheritance on the east side of the river). But by the time Joshua had died, the land still had to be secured.

So, the Israelites sought the Lord in the matter and inquired as to who should go up first to fight the Canaanites. The Lord said Judah shall be first, and that he would be with them and give the land into their hands. The Lord gave them victory after victory, defeating the Canaanites and Perizzites. They exacted justice on Adoni-Bezek. They even took the town of Jerusalem. When they trusted in the Lord, they achieved victory over all their enemies.

But there were some the Israelites could not drive out. Some of the nations had chariots made of iron, which the men of Judah and Benjamin could not completely drive out. They would later cause trouble for Israel.


Application: Father, you were with the people of Judah, and they saw victory after victory. Our own victories come from you. Sustain us and give us victory over our lives by listening to you.
One Word: It is the Lord who gives us victory