The Introduction to the Book of Judges

The Hebrew title is Shophetim, meaning “judges, rulers, deliverers, or saviors.” One who maintains justice or settles disputes, but is is also used in the Hebrew language to mean “liberating and delivering.”

The book of Judges tells us the stories of the judges, the inspired leaders who rescued Israel many times. This period was not a good one because the people of Israel were unfaithful to God’s covenant, so God allowed their enemies to defeat them in battles.

Like today, the people would mess up, sin, make bad choices, treat each other badly, be selfish, lie, steal, etc. Sound familiar?

Just like today though, the people would turn to God for help and the Lord would bail them out using charismatic judges to lead them back to God, Usually!

Just like today though, the people would turn to God for help and the Lord would bail them out using charismatic judges to lead them back to God, Usually!

Chapter 2 is probably one of the key chapters in the book of Judges. It tells us in a “miniature” way of the whole book as it records the transition of the godly to the ungodly generation and the formation of the cycles and purpose of “God Not” destroying the Canaanites.

Authors and Dates: Nothing is really known about the author of Judges. The books of Joshua thru 2 Kings are really called a connected narrative. Tradition tells us that there were various sources combined into a theological narrative under the influence of Israel’s prophetic schools. The prophet Samuel’s name comes up for authorship or one of his students but this is not confirmed.

If Judges was not written by Samuel it was at least written by one of his contemporaries between 1043 B.C. and 1004 B.C.

“When Joshua was an old man, the Lord said to him, “You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered."

The Historical purpose of Judges is to carry the story of Israel from the death of Joshua to the time of Samuel and the beginning of the united kingdom, (Israel)

1When Joshua was an old man, the Lord said to him, “You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered.

“In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”

Then again in Judges, “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”

“Now in those days Israel had no king. And the tribe of Dan was trying to find a place where they could settle, for they had not yet moved into the land assigned to them when the land was divided among the tribes of Israel.”

Ok, let’s discuss how would that work today??????

6In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

Theologically, Judges makes a clear contrast between the idolatry, immorality, and violence of Israel and “Yahweh’s” covenant faithfulness and gracious deliverance of the people.

Theme and Purpose:

Like we do today, Israel often acted very foolish, ingratitude, stubborn and rebellious so God allowed their enemies to defeat them. God’s point, “Sin always leads to suffering and repentance always leads to deliverance.

In His patient Love, God forgave the people every single time they repented!

A few key verses in Judges:

“20 So the Lord burned with anger against Israel. He said, “Because these people have violated my covenant, which I made with their ancestors, and have ignored my commands, 21 I will no longer drive out the nations that Joshua left unconquered when he died.”

1Now in those days Israel had no king. And the tribe of Dan was trying to find a place where they could settle, for they had not yet moved into the land assigned to them when the land was divided among the tribes of Israel.

Let’s look at Jesus in the book of Judges. Each judge is a savior and a ruler,a spiritual and political deliverer. So, the book portraits the role of Christ as the Savior-king of His people. The book also shows us the need for a righteous king.

20So the Lord burned with anger against Israel. He said, “Because these people have violated my covenant, which I made with their ancestors, and have ignored my commands, 21I will no longer drive out the nations that Joshua left unconquered when he died.

Including 1st Samuel, seventeen judges are mentioned altogether. Some are warrior-rulers, EX. Othniel, Gideon, Samson) one is a priest (Eli) and one is a prophet (Samuel).

Following the death of Joshua, Israel plunges into a 350 year Dark Age during the time of the Judges.

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Outline:

The deterioration of Israel and Failure to Complete the Conquest of Canaan. (to take over and defeat enemies)

The Deliverance of Israel During the Seven Cycles

The depravity of Israel in sinning like the Canaanites

In chapters 13-16 you can read the story about Sampson and Delilah. FYI

Amen