Judges Week 10: A Nation in Decline – Judges 19–21
Judges concludes with a deeply sobering illustration of what the kingdom of this world is like. While the author doesn’t shrink from revealing the horrors of what humanity becomes when they reject God as king, he nonetheless ends his history of the judges on a hopeful note. He invites us to look through the gloom of […]
Judges Week 9: A Priesthood in Decline – Judges 17 & 18
Sometimes, in order to repent and worship God, we have to take a long hard look at what life apart from him looks like. This week in Judges 17 and 18, we saw the ironic and devastating effects of Israel’s rejection of the one true God: “There was no king in Israel, and everyone did right […]
Judges Week 8: This Great Salvation – Judges 16
Samson’s story captured our attention with daring exploits, romantic betrayal, and a last-minute plot twist. It’s clear, however, that Samson is not the hero of the tale. He walked contrary to God’s ways and took God’s gifts for granted. His life offers warnings about the dangers of compromise and presuming on the Lord’s kindness. Our covenant-keeping God […]
Judges Week 7: A Savior is Born – Judges 12–15
In Samson’s life, we saw the glorious character of God revealed. When Israel was unfaithful, God remained a covenant-keeper. He disciplined Israel and sent the help they didn’t ask for. When Manoah’s vision was small, God revealed himself as “too wonderful.” He accepted their offering and promised a baby boy. When Samson wanted to marry […]
Judges Week 6: Victory is Swallowed Up in Death – Judges 10–12
Jephthah’s story is both triumph and tragedy. The author of Judges recounts Jephthah’s life in such a way that his “victory is swallowed up in death.” But Jephthah’s story is just prologue to the best story. His life illustrates the inability of all other saviors to deliver us from our worst enemy. He prepares us […]
Judges Week 5: A King Fit for Israel – Judges 9
Four takeaway truths we glean from this passage about Abimelech: 1. Abimelech’s dark chapter in Israel’s history harbors this lovely truth about God: that he is loyal to his own beyond death. 2. Abimelech’s story illustrates how deeply God cares about the unity of his people. 3. Abimelech’s life warns us of the internal danger […]
Judges Week 4: God’s Grace to Gideon – Judges 6–8
This week we saw the wonders of the Lord’s sovereign mercy and grace in Judges 6–8; his grace is much greater and higher than all of our sins and our shortcomings. The Lord, in sovereign grace and mercy, called Gideon, calmed his fears, clothed him with the Spirit of God. But, also in grace, he […]
Judges Week 3: Girl Power – Judges 4–5
Judges 4-5 reminds us that in the midst of our own sins and failures, God’s mercy and might move through the most unexpected deliverer to redeem us from the enemy of our soul. As women who fear and follow the God who saves, courageously meet the challenge God puts before you, knowing that he himself […]
Judges Week 2: Promise Breakers – Judges 2:6–3:31
What the author of Judges observed is much like what Jesus observed when he looked over the multitudes of people following him. As Jesus said, “They are like sheep with no shepherd,” (Matt 9:36) so the author of Judges said, they were a nation with no King.” And in the absence of a king, in […]
Judges Week 1: Israel’s Unraveling – Judges 1:1–2:5
Three Keys for Reading Judges: 1—Remember, you have a King! 2—Remember, Judges depicts Israel’s downward spiral into moral collapse. 3—Remember, there is always reason to hope: Unity between the Tribes God-appointed Judge ruling in Israel Israel cries out to the Lord Israel gives God glory for their salvation Israel seeks God’s guidance before acting God […]