E
Introduction: for a true believer, the book of judges is probably the most annoying book in the Bible. Some may even silently wish it were not included in the Bible. Most of the characters portrayed in the book, including heroes, tend to have one character flaw or the other. It is a story of a circle of glass disobedience to God, bare-faced idolatry, wicked acts, despicable people, start-live and shallow repentance along with repeated demonstration of God’s love mercy and patience. The setting in the immediate post-Joshua period (from about 1220-1050 BC) as Israel settled down to become a nation with a territory of their own. After initial victories in extending and consolidating their territory, their neighbor began to have the upper hands over Israel, inflicting territory suffering on them. Each time they faced prolonged oppression and then cried out to God, he raised a judge (ruler) who delivered them from their oppressors. A total of 14 such judges were raised. What are the lessons to be learnt from the study of this book? Well, several of them, including
Firstly, after Joshua, the Israelite had no earthly leaders as God assumed leadership over them but they drifted away from him into idolatry. Christians today must be devoted to Jesus Christ as their King, lord, Master and Savior, or else everything will simply fall apart.
Secondly, sin brings hardship, oppression, disaster and lock of progress.
Thirdly, God is always merciful, loving, patient, and when you cry out to him for help with a truly repentant heart, he will come to your rescue. Thus, God is the only true heroe of the book.
Fourth, if you identify character flaws similar to those in the book of judges (e.g., treating women as possessions angry burst of violence, evil ambition, making recklessly vows, uncontrolled passions, etc), then do something about it immediately. It is hoped that you will learn these and other lessons from this study.
SUBJUGATION AND A NEEDLESS CIVIL WAR. Isaiah 57:20-21, Deut.28:15, 25, 49-52
Firstly, after Joshua, the Israelite had no earthly leaders as God assumed leadership over them but they drifted away from him into idolatry. Christians today must be devoted to Jesus Christ as their King, lord, Master and Savior, or else everything will simply fall apart.
Secondly, sin brings hardship, oppression, disaster and lock of progress.
Thirdly, God is always merciful, loving, patient, and when you cry out to him for help with a truly repentant heart, he will come to your rescue. Thus, God is the only true heroe of the book.
Fourth, if you identify character flaws similar to those in the book of judges (e.g., treating women as possessions angry burst of violence, evil ambition, making recklessly vows, uncontrolled passions, etc), then do something about it immediately. It is hoped that you will learn these and other lessons from this study.
SUBJUGATION AND A NEEDLESS CIVIL WAR. Isaiah 57:20-21, Deut.28:15, 25, 49-52