The Book of Judges

Day one hundred ninety-six

I've been thinking a lot about the choices we make and how they can have a lasting affect on those around us.  As a teenager I was mostly worried about how things affected me, then as a wife and mother I worried more about my choices and how they affected others, now as I am sending my eldest son out into the world I hope that I made more good choices than bad, so that he will make good choices and leave a positive impression on those he meets.  The power of our choices to go beyond ourselves is intimidating, we literally have the power to change the lives of thousands of people with one choice! 

Feeling the burden of such a responsibility I decided to pray about it this morning.  It was a very personal conversation with my Father in Heaven.  I am grateful He is such a good listener and loving father. I am grateful that He knows me well enough to tell me what I need to hear.  It was a great way to start my day.

The Book of Judges

Before we jump into the Book of Judges I would like to share some background info to set the stage: 

The text of Judges never says who wrote the book, but Jewish tradition names the prophet Samuel as the author.  The book acts as a sequel to the Book of Joshua, continuing the history of the Israelites, and highlights what is called the Cycle of Sin, the Cycle of Apostasy or the Cycle of Misery:

Sin - Consequences of sin - Repentance - Means of Deliverance - Deliverance - Peace

It does not take very long to discover that the book of Judges is not a very pleasant book.  In fact, it is one of the darkest books in the Bible.  It describes a period in Israel’s history when they were without a strong, godly leader.  Perhaps the times and the book are best summed up by Judges 17:6, “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”  When man is left to himself, it will not be long before he finds himself in deep trouble.  This was the case in Israel as well.

It is not long before Israel denies the Lord, defiles the land and defies the Law.  As a result, God was forced to judge this people He loved so very much.  When Israel entered Canaan, the sky was the limit!  God had promised them the land and all they had to do was claim it by faith.  They enjoyed providence –  “I have delivered…” (Judges 1:2); protection –  “And the LORD was with Judah and drave out…” (Judges 1:19); power– which says “and the LORD delivered…" (Judges 1:4), and promises for hundreds of years, beginning with Abraham (Gen 12:1). 

Soon Israel's national unity is replaced with tribal loyalty.  They begin to look after themselves and their own resources without giving help or asking for aid from their fellow Israelites.  The nation undergoes political and religious turmoil and the tribes begin to fight among themselves.  The book includes many of the most graphic, violent, and disturbing scenes in the Scriptures -- some in the name of righteousness, others in the name of evil.

On a more positive side, we are introduced to many heroes of faith: Othniel, Gideon, Samson, Deborah, Jephthah, Ehud... flawed individuals who answer God's call to deliver the Israelites in sometimes dramatic form.  We will find important lessons from these individuals on courage, faith, and personal greatness.

For me this book is best read as if I were watching a mini series on television.  It is like a movie running in my head, creating a visual that helps to make it come to life.  I find myself not wanting to stop in certain parts, but wanting to get to the next chapter to find out how it ends!  These are stories that stay with you and cause you to really think about how they relate to us today and to us as individuals.  Can you tell that I am a little excited to get into this book?  I hope you will find it as exciting too!