The Book of Judges

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!!!   

  The book of Judges.  These are not judges as we think of them today.  These were leaders of Israel, there to deliver Israel from bondage.

   The exact date of the writing of Judges is not clear; however, what difference does it really make?

   The Judges served a certain tribe or in specific regions of the country.  Judges is classified as either major or minor judges.  Just as the prophets were major or minor.  What made a major judge was the information given; a minor judge did not have much information.  Sometimes only a few lines to tell what they did.

   First, the major judges - six of them - Othniel (3:7-11); Ehud (left-handed) (3:12-30); Deborah (4:1-5:31); Gideon (6:1-8:28); Jephthah (10:6-12:7); and Samson (13:1-16:31).

   Read the links so you will know first hand. It is all quite interesting. First look at Othniel - this is the same old story: the children of Israel did evil in the eyes of the LORD (they went into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years); they cried out for help; God heard and sent Othniel; and they were delivered.

   Next is Ehud (a left-handed mand) - and this story is very interesting. Here the Lord gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel for 18 years. Again, because of the evil of Israel they were enslaved. But the story here is very interesting and you have to read it. This is a fun yet sad story for Eglon; good for Israel.  Here it is: ¹⁶ Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. ¹⁷ He presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man. ¹⁸ After Ehud had presented the tribute, he sent on their way those who had carried it. ¹⁹ But on reaching the stone images near Gilgal he himself went back to Eglon and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.”  The king said to his attendants, “Leave us!” And they all left. ²⁰ Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his palace and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, ²¹ Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly. ²² Even the handle sank in after the blade, and his bowels discharged. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it. ²³ Then Ehud went out to the porch^[f]; he shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them.
   Israel was once again delivered.  Then comes Deborah (4:1-5:31) And,
Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. Sisera, the commander of his army, was based in Harosheth Haggoyim. He had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, and again, Israel cried to the Lord for help.   Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. The story is quite interesting and I would ask you what relevance is a tent stake?  Let me know if you find out.  Judges 5 Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang a song. Take time to read it.
  Now it is time for Gideon.  The Angel of the LORD spoke to Gideon, who was skeptic.  Then Gideon tested the LORD with a piece of wool fleece, not once, but twice.  Gideon then did as God commanded, tearing down the Baal altar and cutting down the Asherah pole.  The people were angry and demanded Gideon come out. Gideon father said if Baal is a god let him contend with Gideon. The people then  gave him the name Jerub-Baal that day, saying, “Let Baal contend with him. Now you know the rest of the story, 32,000 men and God said you have too many men.  22,000 of the men who trembled with fear were released.  10,000 remained and God said too many men, go down to drink and sort them out.  The ones who went down on their knees to drink were let go; the ones who cupped their hands were kept - 300 men.  Then you know the rest of the story - yes, Gideon won because of God.
   Okay, you mind is probably completely saturated by this time.  I'll finish with Jephthah and Samson and the minor judges tomorrow.  Have a safe and blessed day and weekend. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny