The Book of Judges - A Burning Fire

1 The book Of Judges "And what shall I say more? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jeptha .. Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence , escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were "fade strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to fight the armies of aliens. " Hebrews 11:32-34. James W Boyd 2720 South Chancery Street McMinnville, TN 37110 A Product Of Sain <)?u&Hcations Pulaski, TN 38478 (931) 363-6905 This study of the book of Judges is dedicated to my four children, Amy, Bill, Stephen, and Sam, and to all the many students in my bible classes to whom I was privileged to teach this book in two elementary schools operated by brethren.

2 Special thanks to my son, Bill, who read this material and made very useful suggestions to be included in it. Without my son, Stephen, helping me with the computer I could never have produced it. Also to Rosalyn, my wife, for helping me in so many ways with contributions, suggestions, corrections and general assistance. The book Of Judges Chapter By Chapter Discussion Of The book Of Judges Introduction It was my privilege and opportunity to teach for over fourteen years the book of Judges to sixth grade boys and girls in two elementary schools operated by brethren. I particularly noticed how the book of Judges appealed to young boys as they acquired their love for bible "heroes.

3 " In addition, I have taught this book many other times to the local congregations where I have preached and presented many sermons and lectures on various portions of the book . This provided an unusual opportunity to become acquainted with its contents. I know not how many books written by others I have consulted while studying Judges . I am indebted to many and respect all who have contributed to whatever knowledge I have of any portion of Scripture. For such people I am truly thankful. It soon becomes apparent as one begins to read Judges that the nature of it is a history book . It presents that portion of the history of the Israelite nation from the close of the life of Joshua until Israel approaches their request for a king.

4 Actually, only thirteen Judges are discussed in the book with two more, Eli and Samuel, being mentioned in First Samuel. When I say thirteen Judges , I must allow that some have a different count. Some exclude Abimelech, son of Gideon, contending he was a usurper, but I have included him as one of the fifteen. Others count Deborah and Barak as two Judges , but since they served side by side I count them as one. It matters little on this score. The length of time covered in this history is also contested, ranging from three hundred years to over four hundred fifty years. You get varying numbers depending on the way the count is made.

5 When Paul was reviewing the history of Israel in Antioch of Pisidia, (probably speaking in round figures in Acts, chapter thirteen), he gave the time period as four hundred fifty years until Samuel. Then one must add Samuel's years of service to that. In my opinion, the length of time covered is not very important even though interesting. What happened, why it happened, and the principles of truth that we glean from the book far surpass in significance the number of years involved. The same could be said for the writer. We have no revelation who wrote the book . Many commentators suggest the writer to have been Samuel, and we have no reason to deny that, seeing how Samuel lived after these events.

6 Because "all scripture is inspired of God" we are confident of its author, Deity; hence its infallibility, inerrancy, and that it contains whatever God has seen fit to reveal to us, and He revealed it sufficiently. The reason the history of Israel is important is because of the role God gave Israel in the revelation of the scheme of redemption. The Messiah would come through Israel as a descendant of Abraham and David. Israel was the chosen and promised nation. The Law of Moses, events, persons, principles of God's dealing with man are seen over and over in the history of Israel. We have types, prophecies, examples of both good and evil, "shadows of things to come.

7 " Names of several of these Judges are listed in that great "Hall of Faith" chapter, Hebrews eleven. We make a mistake to consider the history of Israel as given in the Old Testament as just a matter of historical record. There is much more to be gained from it than that, as valuable as that is. Judges covers a vital portion of this history, connecting events from the end of the life and work of Joshua until the days of the physical kingdom that were but a few years in the future. But the spiritual meat we gather from Judges is what needs our emphasis. If ever a book presented a demonstration of Proverbs 14:34, "Righteousness exalteth and nation, but sin is a reproach to any people," Judges accomplishes this.

8 How relevant this truth is to people of every generation. Someone who is acquainted with the high moral principles of Christianity may be appalled at the conduct of people in this book , even those who had the favor of God. We have to keep in mind that there was a poverty of genuine spirituality among the people, generally speaking. This was true even in their "better" days during Judges . They had partaken heavily of the ways of the people they were supposed to drive from the land. Their behavior as well as attitude toward matters is quite at odds with what one would expect from Christians in this dispensation.

9 But bear in mind, these were a people, used by the Lord, with good and bad qualities, to bring salvation for the soul to all nations. To measure the characters in Judges by the Christian standard is to fail to see its place and Israel's place in God's plan. This does not mean there is nothing we gain from it. Quite the contrary! But conditions were different and the manner of dealing with them was glaringly different than living under Christ. The conditions in the land during this period of history were mixed. There was no central government even though they all lived subject to the Law of Moses.

10 Local tribes more or less handled their own affairs without much required cooperation or interference from the other tribes. There were times when they acted more as a nation but that was not the norm. There was political, social and religious instability during this period. Because of certain failures of the Israelites, which we shall note in the comments, they were continually harassed by enemies who were given to idolatry. It was a period of war, blood letting, anarchy, national and personal sinfulness. There were also times of repentance and recovery. God had intended for Israel to come to Canaan, the land God had promised even to Abraham, Issac and Jacob and their descendants.