The Book of Judges: Foolish Rebels, Flawed Heroes & A Faithful God

Transcription

1 The Book of Judges: Foolish Rebels, Flawed Heroes & A Faithful God Section One: Background of Israel s Problems Lesson One: Israel s Failure and Judgment Judges 1:1-2:23 Section Two: The Judges of Israel Lesson Two: Othiniel Judges 3:1-11 Living in a godly heritage Lesson Three: Ehud Judges 3:12-31 Using what you have for God Lesson Four: Deborah Judges 4:1-5:31 When no one else will stand up Lesson Five: Gideon Judges 7:1-8:35 Those who doubt God and themselves Lesson Six: Abimelech Judges 9:1-57 Power, greed and corruption Lesson Seven: Jephthah Judges 10:1-12:15 Making rash vows Lesson Eight: Samson Judges 13:1-16:31 Untapped potential Lesson Nine: Eli 1 Samuel 1-4 Failed leadership Lesson Ten: Samuel 1 Samuel 1-18 A godly man in an ungodly world Section Three: The Conditions During the Judges Lesson Eleven: The Sin of Idolatry Judges 17:1-18:31 God s people lose their spiritual relationship Lesson Twelve: The Sin of Civil War Judges 20:1-21:25 God s people turn on one another Lesson Thirteen: Ruth Ruth 1-4 A diamond in the rough 1

2 Lesson One: Israel s Failure and Judgment Judges 1:1-2:23 Background to the Book of Judges When Moses died, God gave Joshua the command over Israel to lead the people into the Land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 34:9, Joshua 1:1-9). Under the leadership of this great general, they defeated the nations of Canaan and divided the land among the twelve tribes. Manasseh and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph, received an equal share with the other sons of Jacob. The Levites did not receive a particular share of the land. They received cities and suburbs scattered among the twelve tribes (Joshua 21:41-42). At the conclusion of the conquest of the land Joshua could say that God had done what he said he would do (Joshua 21:43, 45). This is most significant. God had promised land to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. Joshua could say, (1) God gave Israel all the land that he swore to give their fathers; (2) they possessed it; (3) and they dwelt therein. To claim that Israel is yet to possess the land of Canaan in fulfillment of the promise God made to Abraham is to contradict what the Bible declares God has done. God gave them all the land he ever promised them. Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. (Joshua 21:45). It is difficult to find a greater contrast between two books in the Bible than the contrast of Joshua and Judges. In Joshua, we see the hope and trust that Israel had in the Lord. As the Israelites fought against Jericho and against the people of the land, the courage and strength of those who trust in the Lord is visibly seen. However in Judges, we see a people who have become somewhat complacent and satisfied in their relationship with God. Rather than pursuing the goal of a higher relationship with their God, they became dissatisfied with their blessings and begin to seek out their own ways and the ways of their neighbors. That is not to mean that everyone in the book of Joshua was perfect and that everyone in the Book of Judges was evil, but there is definitely a major contrast in the spiritual nature of the characters in either book. However, Judges is more than just the accounts of those who struggled with their relationship with God. Just as Joshua encourages us to continue in the pursuit of our spiritual dreams, Judges has some poignant lessons for us today. The Book of Judges is about God s Patience. It is a mistake to believe that grace is only a New Testament concept that is not found in the Old Testament. According to the Covenant that Moses certified between God and the nation of Israel, the people lost their right to their land and their blessings when they no longer worshipped the Lord. Even though the people continually deserved the judgment of complete destruction, God practiced restraint in his dealings with the people. Throughout this book we will see the total ineptitude of man in dealing with his own problems, yet we see the gentle hand of God restoring the nation to where it should be at the time. In our present day situation we see the movement of our culture away from the moorings of God s intention. We know that this earth is doomed to the 2

3 complete judgment of the Lord because of its sinfulness. Yet once again we see the gentleness of God in waiting on that judgment so that more people may come to repentance, 2 Peter 3:9. God s hand is gently moving in our own day so that a few more may come to the truth. The Book of Judges is about God s power. The Canaanites may have worshipped the Baal and the Ashtoreth, the Philistines may have worshipped Dagon, and the other pagans had their assortment of deities to whom they gave all things. But we see that it is the Lord God who is in charge of the coming and going of all creation. Sadly, we see that God s own people often pursued the immorality and stupidity of idolatry. Yet God is never overruled in his lordship over his creation. While others may seem in control, that is only because God is using parts of his creation to influence other parts of his creation. Ultimately all things are laid bare and the futility of man s ways will be exposed. In our present day lives, it may appear that the traditions and wisdom of man are greater than the simple gospel of Christ. Yet nothing can compare to the mind of God. We must trust in that which is everlasting and hope in that which will never fade. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and he will guide your ways, Proverbs 3:5-6. The Book of Judges is about man s problem. We look back at these men of antiquity and wonder why they so often chose the bare fruits of slavery over the wonderful gifts of faithfulness. But as we look at ourselves more closely, we see that we are not much different. The Book of Judges displays to each one of us a battle that is raging within our own hearts. That is the spiritual warfare of the Christian, Ephesians 6. In the Book of Judges, we see Israel struggling mightily with their faithfulness to God. As we learn from this example (Romans 15:4), we see the necessity of guarding our hearts and ensuring our faithfulness to the one who will keep our souls. Condition of the Nation During the Judges Upon the death of Joshua the house of Israel entered a dark period in its history. This was an age of war, a period of rough, barbaric lawlessness that was demoralizing for Israel. Worst of all, it was an age of moral and spiritual decline (Judges 2:10-13). Israel allowed the influence of Baal to permeate its worship of God and the conscience of the people was corrupted. Thus, Judges stands in contrast to the Book of Joshua. Joshua was a period of victory, but Judges was a period of failure. A summary of this period is recorded in Judges 2: Israel had an On Again, Off Again relationship with God that continued in a vicious cycle consisting of: 1. Rest During Joshua s lifetime and for some years afterward, Israel served God and enjoyed the blessings of their rest land. This is where the book of Judges begins. 2. Rebellion When a new generation arose, they divorced themselves from God and, in rebellion against him, took on the ways of the idolatrous Canaanites. 3. Retribution Just as He had said He would, God withdrew his protection and power from Israel and delivered them into the hands of foreign oppressors. 4. Repentance After being oppressed, the Israelites repented of their sins and cried to God for help. 5. Restoration God would raise up a judge to deliver his people from their oppressor and to lead them back to a life of fellowship with him back to the beginning of the cycle, rest. 3

4 Why Did Israel Fail? There are three reasons for Israel s failures in the Book of Judges: 1. God had given specific commands to Moses that Israel should drive out the inhabitants of the land (Numbers 33:52). Israel failed to do drive them out (Judges 1:21-36). 2. God commanded that Israel should destroy the figured stones and idols of the land (Numbers 33:52), and that they should not mention their gods nor bow down before them, but that they should cleave unto Jehovah, your God (Joshua 23:6-8). They failed to do this (Judges 2:12-13). 3. God also commanded that they should not intermarry with the people of the land (Joshua 23:12-13). However this is exactly what they did (Judges 3:5-6). The words at the end of the book suggest the basic cause for those hard times. In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). Lessons For Us Today 1. God keeps his promises. Titus 1:2, Joshua 24:15, Matthew 6:33 2. It is possible to fall from great heights (Joshua) to great depths (Judges). 1 Corinthians 10:12, Revelation 2:10, Galatians 5:4 3. It is important to break out of the cycles of life we are in that hurt us. Joshua 24:15, Romans 12:2, Acts 2:38 4. Our sins will eventually hurt us if they are not dealt with properly. Numbers 32:23, Romans 6:23, Isaiah 59:1-2 Questions for Review: 1. What are some differences between the Book of Joshua and the Book of Judges? 2. What are three lessons the Book of Judges has for us today? 3. What are the four/five parts of the cycle of Judges? 4. What are three reasons Israel failed in the period of the Judges? 5. What do you think is the significance of the phrase, In those days there was no king of Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes? 4

5 Lesson Two: Othniel: Living in a Godly Heritage Judges 3:1-11 Introduction to the Judges As chapter three opens, we are reminded of the cycle of the Judges. Seven times in this book we see that Israel grew complacent in their relationship with God and went to other gods (Rebellion), as God said that he would the people were punished and conquered for their sins (Retribution), seeing the error of their ways they cry out to God (Repentance) and then God raises up a Judge who will restore them (Restoration). While this cycle continues throughout the middle of the book, it is interesting to notice that each cycle leads the nation further away from God and the ideal state of the nation. As sin becomes more and more pervasive, even the character of the individual judges decayed from one judge to the next. This reminds us that even though redemption from sin is available, oftentimes the consequences of sin (at least physically and mentally) are still present. Sin is a very hard taskmaster. The Pagan Nations Left in the Promised Land There are many pagan nations listed in Judges three that will oppress the Israelites throughout this book. The first group mentioned is the Philistines. This group of Greek descent was the nemesis of Israel all the way until the time of David. While they were culturally superior and technologically more advanced than the Israelites (1 Samuel 13:16-22), God enabled his people to win the battle against them whenever his people were faithful. Others that hurt the Israelites were the Canaanites who had recently been driven from the land in the previous generation, the Sidonians and the Hivites who lived in the mountains, the Amorites, the Perizzites and the Jebusites who occupied the city now known as Jerusalem. Why were these pagan nations even around to hurt the Israelites in spite of God s promise to give this land to Israel? Several factors must enter into this discussion. One of the primary reasons these people were here was because of parental neglect. While removing the pagans from the land was distasteful and difficult, leaving them there was disastrous for the following generations of God s people. Oftentimes discipline and training may seem difficult, but the lack of training and discipline leads to great disasters. Another reason these nations remained was that God left them there to ensure that his people remained disciplined. By having constant practice in the art of war, the children of Israel remained prepared to defend their homeland. When the Christian accepts a life of ease and becomes satisfied with his lot in life, morals and discipline will dissipate. We must continue to fight the good fight of faith against the devil. A third purpose for these nations in the plan of God is that these peoples were a means for God to punish Israel. When Israel turned away from God, these people were available to capture and afflict God s people until they returned to their Lord. Today as Christians we must remember that we are nothing more than sojourners and 5

6 pilgrims in this world. Why do we have problems today? Problems happen today for Christian people because of our past neglect in obedience, because we have a need to remain disciplined and because we need to be reminded that this world is not our home. Israel Falls Israel allowed the pagan nations to live among them. As the older generation passed, the people of God began to marry into the ungodly nations. This led to them to begin serving other, false gods. This is a formula that occurs often to God s people. In Genesis 6 we read of the sons of God and the daughters of men (that is, godly and ungodly people) intermarried which led to the eventual destruction of the world except for Noah and his family. In the days of Solomon we see the wise man made treaties with ungodly nations, married foreign women and was eventually led into idolatry himself, 1 Kings 11:1-4. Along with Judges 3:6, these examples serve as a strong reminder to each of us of the gradual and strong allure of sin even today. We may feel that we are in control of sin and that it doesn t really even bother us. But then we look up and find that we too have been taken captive. We must beware the leaven before it spreads into the whole loaf. The Rise of Othniel To understand Othniel, we must first understand his uncle Caleb. Caleb was one of two spies who were faithful to God in the wilderness (Numbers 13:30, 14:24). As the twelve spies returned from their forty day trek to scout out the Promised Land, ten of the spies thought the situation was hopeless. They were focused on the giant problems that lay before them. Joshua and Caleb were focused instead on the giant God they had with them. They knew that with God on their side, they were well able to take the land. The Israelites put their faith in the pessimists and tried to stone Joshua, Caleb and Moses. God responded by allowing every Israelite over the age of twenty except for Joshua and Caleb to die in the wilderness. When Israel filled its penalty in the wilderness and was allowed to conquer the land, Caleb was given his own portion of land, Joshua 14:6-15. The faith of this eighty- five year old man was still evident as he chased the giants of Anakim in order to receive his promise. As a return for taking a city in Caleb s area of inheritance, Othniel was given the right to marry Caleb s daughter, Judges 1: In Judges 3:9, we see that when Israel was oppressed God raised up Othniel as a Judge to deliver the Israelites from Cushan- Rishathaim, King of Mesopotamia. Like his uncle, Othniel was not drawn into the doubt and immorality of his surrounding people. Instead he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord. The phrase the Spirit of the Lord is not to be understood as the gift or gifts of the Holy Spirit as we read in the New Testament. Rather, it is an expression of a temporary and spontaneous increase of physical, spiritual or moral strength. It is used of four of the Judges (Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson). In verse ten we see a summary of the character of a Judge: Othniel possessed the Spirit of God, he fought against God s enemies and led Israel for a period of time. A Godly Heritage As we study the short section of God s Word concerning Othniel, we see the power of a godly heritage. The Book of Judges can be seen as a study of what happens when God s people fail to 6

7 produce leaders. We are told twice in the book that in these days there was no king in Israel and we see that this in fact included even not having God as a king. Moses took special care in raising Joshua up to be a leader. As Joshua led Israel into battle and as Joshua watched closely as Moses received the Law and dealt with the people, he was prepared to be the leader who would take hold of the Promised Land. After the land was for the most part taken, few people sought out or looked for leaders except in times of trouble. When people lack a leader, they also lack direction. Like Othniel, our heritage in many ways defines who we are in life. For good or for ill, each of us is made who we are in reaction to our parents or to others who have had influence in our lives. While some may strive hard to be the exact opposite of their parents, their parents still are an influence in some way on them. Likewise we need to be aware of the heritage we leave behind. Those who are parents need to take special care that they raise their children in the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4). Even if we do not have children, we need to live a life that is worthy of imitation by others (2 Timothy 4:12, Philippians 3:17). One of our greatest needs today in the Lord s church is a future generation of leaders (2 Timothy 2:2). Lessons For Us Today 1. Sin has consequences. Sometimes even when people repent from it. Romans 6:23, Isaiah 59: God uses the people in your life to shape you for his purposes. Genesis 50:19-20, Romans 8:28 3. Good leadership is vital to nations, families and congregations. Ezekiel 34:2-6, Ephesians 6:4, Acts 20:28 4. Our actions influence other people for good or ill. Matthew 5:13-16, Romans 14:7 Questions for Review 1. What are three reasons God allowed some pagan nations to remain in the Promised Land? 2. List three examples from the Old Testament when intermarriage between godly people and ungodly people resulted in disaster. 3. In what ways was Othniel like his father- in- law Caleb? 4. What are three characteristics of a Judge according to Judges 3:10? 5. Why is it important that we have good leadership in the church? 7

8 The Enemies Of Israel In The Book Of Judges 8

9 Lesson Three: Ehud: Using What You Have For God Judges 3:12-31 Here We Go Again In Judges 3:12 we see the word again used to describe Israel s conduct. Even though the previous generation had been forced to learn a hard lesson concerning the importance of obedience, the next generation soon forgot this lesson and had to learn it for themselves. Israel at this time lacked the ability or desire to teach a respect for God s ways from generation to generation. Because of this, the Lord strengthened the nations of Ammon and Amalek to punish Israel by taking them captive and forcing them to pay tribute. This is interesting because although these peoples were related by blood to the Israelites (through Lot, Genesis 19) they were not faithful to God in any way. The lesson here is that while some may appear to be similar to God s people physically or outwardly, they can often inwardly be totally at odds with the priorities and beliefs of God s people. Oftentimes it does not take much to cause people to resist the Lord s people. Regardless of how close we are to someone physically, we must be careful to guard in the ways that other people influence us (1 Corinthians 15:33). Eglon, king of Moab set up his kingdom in the City of Palms (Jericho) though he obviously did not rebuild the walls of the area (Joshua 6:26). The name Eglon means young calf in its native language and sounds very similar to the Hebrew word for fat, which is obvious foreshadowing to the events that are soon to come. Ehud, an Unlikely Deliverer After eighteen years under Gentile rule, the children of Israel cried out to God and Jehovah raised up a deliverer named Ehud. Now Ehud was an unlikely deliverer because he was from the small tribe of Benjamin and he was left handed. The literal Hebrew for what is translated left handed is bound of the right hand and probably refers to a physical handicap rather than just being ambidextrous (Judges 20:16). Benjaminites were often relegated to stone throwers during battle rather than fighters. Most likely, Ehud was a man who most would never suspect anything from because he physically looked weaker than most others. Yet Ehud was a man of faith, boldness and leadership. God would use this man who may not have seemed like much to others to accomplish great things for his people. After Ehud delivered the assigned tribute to the king, he asked for a special audience with him in his palace. Ehud told the king that he had a special message from God. Of course, this message was not the kind of message the king really expected from this man. The king quickly cleared the room of his attendants and bodyguards so that he could hear this special message from God. As King Eglon stood up (presumably to give reverence to this special message from deity) Ehud reached down and took a special sword that had been strapped to his right thigh under his cloak and thrust it into the king s rotund belly. The sword was approximately eighteen inches long and the king was 9

10 so obese, the sword entered his body even past the hilt and handle. King Eglon could not pull the sword out of himself because his fat sealed over the entrance wound and his entrails came out. The king died in his own dung. which of course would be a sign of great dishonor in that region of the world. As Ehud left, he locked the door and made his escape. As the king s servants waited outside, they assumed that the locked doors meant that the king was busy relieving himself in the bathroom...they were in a sense right. They waited until they became embarrassed because of how long it was taking the king to come out and be with them again. It was not until much later that they realized that their king had been assassinated. Ehud not only killed the king, he had in many ways shamed the king and his servants by the way the king had been killed. A True Leader Arises With the king dead and the Moabites stunned, Ehud called his nation to action. Ehud now blew the trumpet in the mountains of Ephraim to rally the Israelites to battle. The Israelite army seized the fords of the Jordan River to cut off the escape route to Moab and killed 10,000 fighting men of the enemy army. According to verse twenty- eight, Jehovah had delivered his people and the land now had rest for the next eighty years. God s power had been shown through a handicapped man. Often God s strength is most clearly seen through man s weaknesses. Ehud s deceit and assassination of Eglon may make some Christian believers uneasy. Second Corinthians 10:4 tells us that the weapons we fight with are not of the world. We must remember that God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23). But wicked people like Eglon who will not cease their wickedness will all perish, often in violent ways. In today s situation, we are not called to be physically violent like Ehud was in his day. Instead we are to trust in the Lord for his deliverance (Romans 12:19-20). Our battle is a spiritual battle while Ehud fought a more physical battle against evil. God s judgment is still active in the world today, but Christians must remember that we are a part of a spiritual kingdom and that the spiritual goal of saving lost souls supersedes any political or social movement. We fight for the Kingdom of Heaven not the temporary kingdoms of man. Lessons From Ehud s Deliverance The account of Ehud in the Word of God is given to us for a reason (Romans 15:4). We can learn several lessons from it today. The first lesson we learn from studying about Ehud is that we must let God use us in our lives. With his physical handicap, Ehud may not have been impressive physically. Yet God accomplished great things through him. Likewise, God will accomplish great things through his people today (Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Timothy 1:15). Like Israel in the Old Testament, we are engaged in a daily battle. Yet our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spirits and powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:10-13). Like Ehud, we are to use the sword. But our sword is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17). Another lesson we learn from this Deliverer is the sovereignty of God. Regardless of our life situation, we must realize that God is in control of all things. We see in this account that God raised up Eglon (v. 12), that God raised up Ehud (v. 15), that the message was from the Lord (v. 20) and that the Lord gave the enemies into the hand of Israel (v. 28). We see from this passage that God judges sin, that he hears the cries of those who love him and that he sends a Savior to redeem his people. The third lesson we learn from this passage is the need for leadership. The interesting thing to note is that Israel 10

11 was prepared for battle only after King Eglon had been killed. While this fat man probably could not have battled well, he obviously had intimidated the people of God. As soon as some godly man rose up, Israel easily won the battle. Often times today the church struggles. This is not because of any weakness of the power of God (Romans 1:16), but because God s people are too intimidated to accomplish great things through him. We expect God to overcome all things, but too often we expect all of our problems to be taken care of for us. God s sovereignty and power does not mean that we do nothing. The paradox is that he expects us to step out in courage, to carefully plan and prepare, but to never rely on our strength, wisdom and plans, but to instead rest in faith in him. As Henry Blackaby wrote, It never works, He works. Lessons For Today: 1. Trust in God, for he will deliver you. Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 37:25 2. God can use you for his Kingdom. There are no unimportant people to the Lord. John 3:16, James 2: The wicked will fall and be shamed. Psalm 18:27, Proverbs 12:15 4. For God s people to thrive, they need good leadership. 1 Timothy 4:12, Titus 1:5 Questions for Review: 1. Why do you think the Israelites had to learn over and over again to be faithful to God? In what ways are we much like the Israelites in this respect? 2. What was it about Ehud that made him such an unlikely deliverer for the nation of Israel? 3. What was the piercing message Ehud had from God for King Eglon? 4. Why do you think Israel waited until Ehud assassinated the king to rise up against the people of Ammon? What does this tell us about the importance of leadership in today s church? 5. What are some lessons you have learned from Ehud s experience in the Lord s deliverance from evil people? 11

12 A closer look.. WHY DID ISRAEL WANT TO WORSHIP IDOLS? JUDGES 2:10 The temptation to follow false gods because of short- term benefits, good feelings, or easy rules, or convenience was always present. But the benefits were deceptive because the gods were false. We worship God because he is the one and only true God. WORSHIPPING GOD Long- range benefits Delayed gratification Morality required High ethical standards demanded Neighbor s sins disapproved Unseen God worshipped Unselfishness expected Business relations hindered Strict religious practices maintained Changed life demanded Ethical stand expected Concern for others taught WORSHIPPING IDOLS Short- range benefits Self- gratification immediately Sensuality approved Low ethical standards tolerated Neighbor s sins approved Visible gods of stone, wood and iron Selfishness condoned Business relations improved Religious practices loosely regulated Changed life not demanded Compromise and cooperation practiced No concern for others expected Notice any similarities in these differences compared to today s struggle of the Lord s Church with Denominationalism? 12

13 Lesson Four: Deborah: When No One Else Will Stand Up Judges 4:1-5:53 Israel Turns Away, Judges 4:1-3 The first three oppressions during the Period of Judges were from foreign oppressors. But after Ehud died, the Canaanites whom the Israelites had not driven out of their land regrouped and cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years until they cried to the Lord for help. The Canaanites were led by Jabin, king of the city of Hazor. About 150 years previously Joshua had defeated another Jabin, king of Hazor. This was probably an ancestor of this Jabin (Joshua 11:1-14). Jabin s military commander was Sisera from Harosheth Haggoyim (meaning Harosheth of the Gentiles). This place was near the Kishon River, probably in the vicinity of Megiddo, and thus only about ten miles from his battle place with Barak. Deborah, A Woman Judge, Judges 4:4-5 Deborah was unique in that she was the only female judge during this time in her nation s history. She also worked as a prophetess, or someone who taught the people the messages of God (Judges 4:6). Deborah s place for holding court was under a palm tree about ten miles north of Jerusalem, between Ramah and Bethel. Deborah was not the only woman in the Bible whom God put in a position of authority over his people. Others ladies in the bible who prophesied were Miriam (the brother of Moses, Exodus 15:20), Huldah (prophetess in the time of Josiah the King of Judah, 2 Kings 22:14), the wife of Isaiah (Isaiah 8:3), Anna (a lady who worked in the Temple during the days of the birth of Jesus, Acts 2:36), and Philip s daughters (Acts 21:9). Many people point to Deborah as evidence that women should fulfill the roles of elders, deacons and preachers in the Lord s church today. However, Scripture teaches us that these roles today are reserved for men, 1 Timothy 2:8-15. Paul s teaching here is not rooted in the Greek culture of his day (which, by the way encouraged female priestesses), instead it is rooted in the created order of Adam and Eve s Day and is applicable to today. Some misinterpret this teaching to claim that those who teach 1 Timothy 2 disregard women and their abilities. However, Galatians 3:28 reminds us that all are equal in the sight of God. But we do have different roles to fulfill in the Kingdom of God. A closer look at Deborah s Song in Judges 5 gives evidence to the lack of leadership in the days of the Judges. When the leaders lead. When the people willingly offer themselves, praise the Lord Judges 5:2. Deborah lived in a time when very few men were willing to lead the nation. Even the great General Barak refused to go fight without the presence of Deborah. Many women today live in homes that lack male leadership. Perhaps they are like Lois and Eunice who raised Timothy without the spiritual leadership of the man of the home, Acts 16:1, 2 Timothy 1:5. God bless the ladies who lead when no one else will. May God give courage to Christian men to rise up and be the leaders that God commands for them to be in the family and the church. 13

14 Barak, a Reluctant Commander, Judges 4:6-11 Deborah was a judge during a very dangerous time for the nation of Israel. In her song following her victory, Deborah sang In the days of Shamgar the roads were abandoned; travelers took to the winding paths. Village life in Israel ceased they chose new gods, and war came to the city gates. (5:6-8). Deborah called for Barak to come lead a battle against the Canaanites. Barak lived in Kadesh near the Sea of Galilee, in the tribe of Naphtali, over a hundred miles from Deborah s base. He must have been a well- known warrior to be called from such a great distance. But Barak was unwilling to lead the battle unless Deborah accompanied him (Judges 4:9). The Battle, Judges 4:12-24 Sisera was a very well equipped and able commander who had intimidated Israel for a long time. Among his weapons were 900 iron chariots. Chariots were the tanks of the ancient world that were very effective in butchering infantry troops. To combat these chariots, Barak assembled his ten thousand men on the slopes of Mt. Tabor. This mountain is 1,843 feet high, stands out prominently at the northeast corner of the Plain of Esdraelon (called Jezreel in the bible), southwest of the Sea of Galilee. Tabor s sides are steep, rocky and brush covered very safe from the Canaanite s iron chariots of war (4:13). At the foot of Tabor on its west side the broad plain (ten miles across) lies in clear view. It is called the plain of Megiddo (2 Chronicles 35:22). The little brook of Kishon runs along the south edge of the plain. The gentle slope of this brook causes slow runoff of water, so that the plain become quite muddy in the winter (much of this information comes from Carl Rasmussed, Zondervan NIV Atlas). A sudden storm seems to have struck as Barak s men came down the mountain to attack Sisera s troops in the plain. The little brook became a torrent. From the heavens the stars fought against Sisera. The river Kishon swept them away, the age old river, the river Kishon (Judges 5:20-21). The chariots were bogged down in mud. Then thundered the horses hoofs- galloping, galloping go his mighty steed (5:22). Barak pursued the chariots and army westward clear back to Sisera s home village. Not a man of Sisera s troops was left. Years later this battle was remembered in Psalm 83:9-10 Do as you did to Sisera and Jamin at the River Kishon, who perished at Endor and became like refuse on the ground. Sisera found his chariot stuck in mud. He dismounted and fled on foot. In panic he ran about 25 miles to Kedesh, a village near the southwest corner of Galilee. There in an exhausted condition, he sought a hiding place at the tent of Heber the Kenite (see Judges 1:16). Jael, the wife of Heber, gave Sisera milk to drink and then drove a tent peg through his temple as he slept (Judges 4:9). Barak, in pursuit of Sisera, came by the tent of Heber. Jael went out to meet Barak and to show him the dead body of Sisera. Faith even imperfect faith had triumphed. Conclusion As Deborah closes her poem in Chapter Five, she describes Sisera s mother as looking out her window, worrying why her son was taking so long to get home. The mother s wise friends 14

15 reassure her: You know how men are. After the battle they are collecting the spoil and each man has found a girl or two! But Sisera s decaying body and shattered head were not coming home. Deborah concludes: So may all your enemies perish, O Lord! Should we condemn the violence of Jael? Probably not. We must remember that the Bible does not always approve the morality of all the acts that it records, not even of acts done by great servants of God. Nor should we forget the years of stealing and killing done by evil men like Sisera. They reaped what they had sown. Lessons For Today 1. God will deliver us. Who cares if the enemy has 900 chariots of iron? We too, may be facing overwhelming situations. With God, all things are possible, Luke 1: We are all in this together. Where are all the other tribes, Judges 5:15-17? God s people need to work together to face against the world, Galatians 6:1-5 But we need to know each other if we are to help one another, Hebrews 10: God works in unusual ways. God wins our battles for us, Psalm 68:7-8, but we still need to participate, Matthew 28: God works in us to accomplish great things, 2 Corinthians 4: The need for leadership among God s people. O that the leaders would lead in Israel, Judges 5:2, 9. This is one of the glaring problems in society and the church, 1 Timothy 2:8-12. Our job is to follow leaders, be a leader and raise up leaders. Questions for Review 1. What did Sisera s army have that caused such fear in Israel? 2. Does the fact that Deborah was a judge negate the teaching of the New Testament found in 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14? 3. Why was Israel able to rout Sisera s army? 4. What was the significance of Jael killing Sisera? 5. What are some lessons for today that we learn from Judges four and five? 15

16 The Five Levels Of Leadership 1) Position Titles or job descriptions provide the lowest level of leadership. People follow these leaders only because the have to. That where Deborah began early in her career as a prophetess. But leadership that stays on this level becomes weaker, not stronger. Leaders who want others to follow simply because they are the boss soon lose respect. 2) Permission As followers grow to like and trust a leader, they begin to follow because they want to. People came to Deborah, seeking out her influence. But not even positive relationships, by themselves, can create a lasting relationship. 3) Production At this level, influence grows and respect increases because of what the leader and the people accomplish together. People begin to follow because of what the leader has done for the team or organization. Deborah s success as a judge benefited all the people. If you reach this level, you and your team can accomplish many of your goals. But to experience life- changing impact and lasting success, you must make the leap to the next level. 4) People Development One of the highest callings of any leader is to help other leaders reach their potential. Deborah helped Barak achieve his God- given purpose. Leaders who move to this level change their focus from inspiring and leading followers to developing and leading other leaders. 5) Personhood Leaders who spend their lives developing individuals and organizations make such an incredible impact for so long that people follow because of whom the leader is. Deborah s description as mother of Israel seems to indicate she achieved the personhood level of leadership. Leaders cannot scheme to reach level 5; they arrive at this place only through time and God s grace. Adapted from THE MAXWELL LEDERSHIP BIBLE 16

17 Lesson Five: Gideon: Those Who Doubt God and Themselves, Judges 7:1-8:35 Oppression by the Midianites, Judges 6:1-10 After peace was won by Israel with the victory of Deborah and Barak, Israel again did evil in the eyes of the Lord. The worship of Baal was publicly practiced, and the people were eager to declare zeal for the false god (Judges 6:30). Therefore the Lord delivered them into the hands of their old nomadic enemies from the desert, the Midianites and Amalekites (6:3, Numbers 25:17-18, Exodus 17:8). For seven years these raiders swept into Israel on camels from across the Jordan like swarms of locusts devouring the crops, until the Israelites were impoverished. Israel cried to the Lord, but the Lord rebuked them, You have not listened to me. Call of Gideon, the Fifth Judge, 6:11-40 The angel of the Lord appeared to a mighty warrior named Gideon, and called him to go and save Israel. The title mighty warrior was ironic because Gideon was hiding in a wine press at the time the angel appeared. Gideon protested to the angel that God had apparently forgotten Israel. But the angel promised to be with Gideon and said he would strike down all the Midianties. Gideon wanted to bring an offering to the angel to prove that he was indeed the angel of the Lord. When the angel burned the goat and the bread Gideon brought, Gideon built an altar to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace. Gideon humbly told the Lord that his clan was the weakest of Manasseh and that he was the least of his family. Gideon s mission of delivering Israel had to begin at home. At the house of Gideon s father stood an idol of Baal and a sacred wooden Ashtorah pole. These were fertility gods and goddesses that the Israelites would struggle with serving for generations all the way up to their Babylonian captivity. When God commanded Gideon to tear down his father s altar, he was fearful. Yet he and ten men did it that night. The citizens of the town were outraged and ready to kill Gideon, but Gideon s father was inspired by Gideon s faith and asked them, Are you going to plead Baal s cause? If Baal is really a god, he can defend himself (6:31). After this Gideon was sometimes called Jerub- Baal, meaning Let Baal fight for himself (Some Israelites would not say the name Baal so they substituted the word Bosheth, meaning shame). Thus Gideon was sometimes called Jerubbasheth, meaning, Let the shameful one (Baal) fight for himself. (2 Samuel 11:21). About the time when Gideon was called, the Midianites descended on Israel again. The Midianites were nomadic and migrated wherever they could find pasture and pillage. Gideon s confidence in his task faltered a little, and he asked the Lord prove his power and presence. His request to God was to make wet with dew a fleece of wool, while the ground around it remained dry one morning. Then the next day he asked that the fleece remain dry while the ground was wet. The Lord granted 17

18 Gideon s request, but Gideon probably should not have put God to the test. Gideon himself recognized that God might be angered by his request (6:39). Gideon s Victory over Midian, 7:1-8:21 A great army responded to Gideon s call. Thirty- two thousand men gathered by the spring of Harod. Just six miles to the north was the ridge called the hill of Moriah where 135,000 Midianites were encamped (8:10). God told Gideon to let those who were afraid return home, and 22,000 were honest enough to confess fear, and departed. But the 10,000 who remained were still so many that Israel might boast that its own strength had won the battle. In order for Gideon to reduce his forces to three hundred men a device for choosing them was given. Those who lapped water from their hands at their mouths, rather than going to their knees to drink were chosen to fight this battle while the rest were sent home. Reducing Gideon s army to three hundred took all day (7:1, 9). An all night battle yet awaited them. Only the most valiant could endure it. God gave Gideon a final reassurance before the battle. With his servant Purah, Gideon slipped into the Midianite camp and overheard a Midianite telling of a dream. The Midainite dreamed of a loaf of barley bread rolling into their camp and smiting the tent. He interpreted this as meaning that Gideon would smite Midian (7:9-14). In the middle of the night, Gideon divided his men into three groups, armed with ram s horn trumpets and torches in earthen jars. Breaking their jars and blowing the trumpets, they panicked the Midianite army, which ran in disarray crying out as they fled. As they fled eastward towards the Jordan River, thousands perished as the Midianites turned their swords on one another in the darkness. The Tribe of Ephraim was summoned to intercept the fleeing Midianites at the fords of the Jordan River. After the battle, the Ephraimites complained to Gideon that they had not been allowed to share in the honor of winning the victory over Midian (Wasn t God to receive the honor?). Gideon answered politely You did more than I, for you captured the Midianite princes. Gideon and his 300 men, now exhausted and lacking supplies, continued their pursuit of the Midianites who had escaped the initial slaughter and crossed the Jordan. The Israelite towns in that area Succoth and Peniel were unwilling to give Gideon aid because they were still afraid of the Midianites. Gideon continued his pursuit of the fleeing Midianites and overtook them east of the Jordan. As Gideon returned victorious, he passed through the towns of Succoth and Peniel, which had refused to aid his weary men. Gideon punished them by scourging them with thorns, tearing down their towers and killing some of their men. Gideon Refuses the Crown But Makes an Ephod, 8:22-32 The Israelites in gratitude offered to Gideon the position of hereditary king over Israel. Gideon refused with words too noble for most Israelites at that time, The Lord will rule over you. Gideon s refusal of the kingship made him like the olive tree in the fable, who would not rule over the trees of the forest, but by not taking the position it left the throne to a thorn bush (Judges 9:8). Gideon did ask the Israelites for gold from the spoil of the Midainites, and with this gold he made an ephod, which he placed in his hometown of Ophrah. An ephod was a priest s garment. Gideon was from the tribe of Manasseh and did not have the right to the Levitical Priesthood (Numbers 18

19 3:9-10). The ephod of Gideon became a snare to Gideon and his family, because all Israel prostituted themselves by worshipping it. The land had forty years of peace (8:28-32). Gideon lived to a good old age and had many wives and seventy sons. Gideon s concubine at Shechem bore him a son named Abimelech (My father is King). The name is a surprise and seems inappropriate. Gideon began his work as a humble man who though unsure of himself, led God s people with great zeal. His life ended with many questionable decisions and perhaps with too much pride in himself. Lessons For Today 1. Even great spiritual leaders can fall into sin if they don t consistently follow God 1 Corinthians 10:12, Psalm God s strength is made perfect through our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Timothy 1:15 3. God can defend himself. God s people have no business inciting violence against those who blaspheme him. Romans 12:19, John 18:36 4. Be very careful when you are tempted to test God s love for you. Matthew 4:7, Isaiah 55: God often uses the most unimportant people to accomplish the most important things. James 2:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 Questions for Review 1. In what way did Gideon s mission need to begin at home? What is the lesson for us today? 2. Why did God insist that Gideon s army be so small? 3. What are some of the ways that Gideon tested God? Do we test God today? 4. What are some of the ways Gideon showed humility? 5. What are some of the ways Gideon showed excessive pride? 19

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21 Lesson Six: Abimelech: Power, Greed & Corruption, Judges 9:1-57 After Gideon s death the Israelites forgot the Lord and went back to Baal worship, calling him Baal- Berith (Baal of the Covenant). They had forgotten their covenant with God (Deuteronomy 29:1) and went back into idolatry. Once again they would learn that their self- made gods of wood and stone were powerless to save them when troubles came. Abimelech s Failure As King (Judges 8:33-9:6) Abimelech, the son of Gideon s concubine at Shechem, conferred with his relatives and succeeded in having himself made king at Shechem (Judges 9:1-3). His first royal act was to take his hired enforcers to Gideon s home village of Ophrah and kill all seventy of his brothers (9:5). Only the youngest, named Jotham, escaped. Abimelech had grown up vicious, possibly because he never had a father at home to counsel him and model a godly life. Abimelech was crowned king beside the great tree at the pillar in Shechem. The remains of this place with its large altar to a pagan deity (Baal) have been found in present times. Abimelech did not follow God, nor did he allow the fact that it was God who ruled over the people get in the way of his ambition. Jotham s Fable (9:7-21) A fable is different from a parable because it uses physical impossibilities, such as animals and trees talking. Abimelech s cruel reign was well described by his only remaining half- brother, Jotham. Jotham spoke a fable from the slopes of Mount Gerizim. The Valley of Shechem is about a half mile wide, with Mount Gerazim on its south side and Mount Ebal on its north side. The acoustics in this valley are amazingly good, with sound and speaking clearly audible between the mountains and the valley. It was a place used often in public declarations in Israel. Jotham s fable told of the trees of the forest seeking one tree to become king over all the trees. The worthwhile trees declined the honor; but a thorn bush spoke up in a very demanding and threatening manner. This story illustrated Gideon and Abimelech. Useful people like Gideon are too busy doing good to desire kingly positions; but worthless people like Abimelech seek royalty and demand submission from the people. Then they destroy those who trust them. Jotham closed his fable with the wish and warning that Abimelech and the Shechemites who made him king might destroy one another (9:19-20) Destruction of Abimelech (9:22-57) Jotham s curse was soon fulfilled (9:57). Within three years the citizens of Shechem rose up in 21

22 rebellion. While waiting in hiding to attack Abimelech, they robbed others passing by (9:25). Gaal a leader of the opposition to Abimelech spoke at a wine festival like a drunken man, challenging Abimelech to bring out his army and fight (9:28-29). In the fights that followed the rebellion Abimelech captured Shechem, killed its people, and scattered salt upon the land to make it unfruitful (9:45). Salt was often placed upon land as a curse (Jeremiah 17:6, Zephaniah 2:9). The citizens remaining in the tower of Shechem sought safety in the stronghold of the temple of El- Berith. But Abemelech and his men gathered fuel and set the stronghold on fire above them. About a thousand people died. It is terrible to think of the consequences of raising children in ungodliness. The town of Thebez had joined in the rebellion against Abemelech. While attempting to burn Thebez as he had burned Shechem, Abimelech was struck on his head when a woman dropped an upper millstone and cracked his skull. He died more concerned that a woman had killed him than in sorrow for the crimes he had committed. Bible students usually count Abimelech as the sixth judge, but neither his character nor his deeds make him worthy of this title. The Scripture never states that he led or judged Israel. What We Can Learn From Abimelech The life of Abimelech has many lessons for us today. Perhaps the first lesson that we are taught from his life is that we are a reflection of what we see at home. Abimelech was not considered to be of the seventy. That is, he did not consider himself to be of the ruling class (Judges 9:2). Since Abimelech was the son of a concubine, it is likely that he lacked having a strong relationship with his father. While this does not excuse his conduct, it may give clues to why he acted in such abrupt and cruel ways. Each of us is a reflection in some way of what we see at home. Some people are the opposite of what they experienced. Many people, who grew up in an abusive home or in a situation that was uncomfortable, stridently live in an opposite way because of the lessons they have learned. Many more tend to follow the same paths they have seen as they grew up. That is why it is so important that each home trains their children in the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4). Another lesson we learn from Abimelech is that when we leave the God s pattern, we will suffer. Each time Israel left the Law of Moses in the Old Testament, they suffered greatly. The Old Testament was preserved for our study today to serve as a lesson for us (Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11). When we leave the commands of God we will suffer (Romans 1:18), we will be put away by God (Romans 1:24, 26, 28) and we will eventually perish (Romans 1:32). We must hold to the pattern given to us by God (Philippians 3:17). A third lesson learned is that no leadership is a better situation than bad leadership. Abimelech forced himself into the kingship because his family was stronger than his brother s family. He allowed sibling jealousy to circumvent the simple plan of God. His father Gideon had made plain that the Lord shall rule over you. (Judges 8:23) Yet even Gideon did not seem to hold to that lofty principle consistently. Today, we must ensure that the leadership we have is leadership that is good and consistent. Peter warned his readers that the shepherds will answer to the chief shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-4). Jesus reminded his disciples that those who desire to be great must be servants. When men begin to lust for leadership with a spirit of selfishness or ego, problems will arise. Fourthly, we must remember to be careful of what you ask for in life, Judges 9: In a drunken stupor, Gaal challenged Abimelech to battle (Judges 9:29). He was betrayed by the ruler of the city (who also perished by the way) and was killed by his enemy. We too must we careful of what we say, for our words can come back to haunt us. The Apostles James and John came to Jesus one day and asked if they could 22

23 sit on either side of Jesus in the kingdom (Mark 10:35-45). Jesus told them that service was the key to being great in the Kingdom. Later James would become the first of the Apostles martyred for the faith (Acts 12:2). Our words will judge us on the last day. Therefore we must be slow to speak boastful things. Lastly, we must remember that you are never too big to be disciplined. Abimelech fancied himself as the first king of Israel. He used his power to kill most of his half- brothers and to destroy the cities that opposed him. Yet he died in a way that brought disgrace to his reputation. While trying to lay siege to his enemy, a woman threw her cookware at him and cracked open his skull. This man of great pride was killed by a woman not even using a normal weapon a great disgrace for those living in this culture and this time. God used many creative ways to discipline those who lived in Old Testament times. In the same way, we must never assume that we know it all or that we cannot be disciplined. Oftentimes that is when we are brought low (Daniel 4:30). It is important that we always realize that we are only servants of the Most High God. Lessons For Today 1. Good leadership is important, bad leadership is toxic. Ezekiel 34:1-6, Matthew 23: Small minded people rarely make large minded leaders Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 15:24 3. When our focus leaves the desire to please God, bad things will soon happen Matthew 6:33, Mark 12:30 4. A man s ability and personality does not always match his father s legacy. Ezekiel 18:19-20, Matthew 3:9 Questions: 1. Why do you think Abimelech tried to kill all of his brothers? 2. What is the difference between a fable and a parable? 3. In Jotham s fable, should the trees have accepted the kingship over the forest? Why or why not? 4. What is so ironic about the way Abimelech died? 23

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25 Lesson Seven: Jepthah: The Terrible Power of The Tongue, Judges 10:1-12:15 A Difficult Childhood, 11:1-3 The passages of Abimelech (chapter 9) and Jephthah both tell of boys rejected by their families when they were young. Both stories are tragic. Abimelech grew up vicious. Jephthah grew up with an outlaw gang, and developed enough roughness to make his own life sad and others around him uncomfortable. Jephthah began his life as an outcast because he was the son of a prostitute. But Jephthah became a man of faith (Hebrews 11:23-33) and had leadership ability. He had a daughter of apparently marriageable age, but his wife or concubine is never mentioned. Jephthah Accepts Leadership, 11:4-11 As the Israelites faced war against the Ammonites, they came to Jephthah and asked him to be their leader. Wisely, Jephthah asked them if they really would submit his leadership after the battle was over. It is interesting how certain events in life can cause people to overlook their prejudices. Having shunned Jephthah earlier in life, the Israelites were now willing to have him as their leader. After receiving assurances that the Israelites were sincere, Jephthah agreed to the role assigned to him and engaged in a ceremony at Mizpah. Futile Negotiations with the King of Ammon, 11:12-28 Jephthah contacted the King of Ammon, and told him that when the Israelites had passed by Ammon, Edom and Moab back in the days of Moses, they had not attacked or disturbed these peoples (11:18, Deuteronomy 2:9, 18, 19; Numbers 21:4). The only lands near Ammon that Israel took were the lands occupied by Sihon, king of the Amorites. The Ammonites had not claimed those areas then, and Israel had lived in them for 300 years by the time of Jephthah. It was unreasonable that Ammon should now claim these lands. But the king of Ammon paid no attention to the message from Jephthah. In the war that followed, Jephthah devastated twenty Ammonite towns, and Israel subdued Ammon. The Vow of Jephthah, 11:29-40 Jephthah made a vow to God as he went about fulfilling his task of fighting for the Israelites. Jephthah had vowed that if the Lord gave him victory, he would offer as a burnt offering whatever came out the door of his house when he returned. Domesticated animals often stayed in or under houses in that land. But it was Jephthah s own daughter that came out of the house to greet her victorious father! Jephthah felt obligated to carry out those vow; and after two months of mourning he did to her as he had vowed (11:39). 25

26 Was it obligatory that Jephthah do this? Fulfilling vows was considered a sacred duty in the Old Testament (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6, Deuteronomy 23:21-23, Numbers 30:1-2). However the Law of Moses had a provision that if a person thoughtlessly or carelessly made an oath to do anything, and then did not do it, though he was guilty, he could still have the priest make atonement for his sin by offering a sin offering (Leviticus 5:5-10). Perhaps Jephthah did not know the law or he was unwilling to admit he made a mistake. Some have said that Jephthah did not actually kill his daughter, but sacrificed her by devoting her to the service of the Lord at the door of the Tabernacle for the rest of her life. The statement She knew no man (13:39) has been used to support this view. But it seems almost certain that this statement is added to set in a stronger light the rashness of Jephthah and the heroism of his daughter. The fact that Jephthah was a hero of the faith (Hebrews 11:32) and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him did not prevent his doing some wrong things, even as King Saul later did (1 Samuel 11:6). Conflict with Jealous Ephraimites, 12:1-7 The men of the Tribe of Ephraim seem to have been envious for battle honors after the battles were over (Psalm 78:9, Isaiah 11:3). Perhaps they liked the praise Deborah had given them (5:14). They had previously confronted Gideon about this (8:1). Gideon answered them very politely. Now they confronted Jephthah with the accusation that he had not called them to join the battle, and they threatened that they would burn his house over his head. They said, You Gileadites are just renegades from Ephraim and Manasseh. Jephthah did not have the politeness of Gideon. A war followed in which 42,000 Ephraimites were killed! The Ephraimites who sought to escape back across the Jordan into Ephraim were asked to say the word Shibboleth as a password to prove they were really Gileadites, not Ephraimites in disguise. Ephraimites could not say it correctly, and uttered Sibboleth. This shows that differences of dialect had already developed among the tribes. The word Shibboleth has passed into English to refer to expressions used by particular religious groups to identify those with whom they have beliefs in common. The Hebrew word Shibboleth originally meant either a flowing water stream (Psalm 69:2) or an ear of grain (Zechariah 4:12). Lessons Learned The Bible s recounting of the life of Jephthah has many lessons for us today. One of the first lessons we learn is that a bad home life does not necessarily doom a person s fate. We are still responsible to serve God to the best of our ability even if our parents are not everything they should be to us. While the home does serve as a good foundation, it is not totally determinative of our adult life. A second lesson learned from Jephthah is to be very careful what you promise to God or to others. Our words will judge us on the last day and they are also a reflection of our heart. We need to be very careful with what we say. In relation to this, a third lesson learned from Jephthah is that words matter. While Jephthah made a rash vow, the Ephraimites also got themselves into trouble because of their rash accusations of Jephthah and his men. Later their inability to speak in the right way led to the death of those who escaped from the battle. We must be careful of what we say to others as well. A final lesson learned from the life of Jephthah is that just the ability to win 26

27 the battle does not mean that the battle needs to be fought. Jephthah tried to avert battle with the Ammonites by negotiating and using reason. He did not seem to use this same tactic with the Ephraimites. Even though the second battle may not have been avoidable, it is still sad to see Israelites killing fellow Israelites. We must do all that we can to pursue peace in the church while maintaining doctrinal allegiance to God. Applications: 1. If you live among rough people, expect rough conduct. 1 Corinthians 15:33, Job 11:14, Proverbs 4:14 2. Don t make rash promises. Matthew 5:36-37, James 1:19, Proverbs 20:25 3. Learn to speak the language of others. Proverbs 15:1, 4. Sometimes others will suffer the consequences of our sins. Ezekiel 18:20, Romans 6:23 Questions for Review: 1. What are some ways that Japheth s home life affected his ministry in serving the Lord? 2. Was it wise for Jephthah to try to negotiate with the Ammonites before he fought with them? Why or why not? 3. Do you think Jephthah literally sacrificed his daughter? Why or why not? 4. How do you deal with modern Ephraimites today? That is, how do you handle those who are always looking to complain about what you do in your Christian service? 5. What are some present day examples of Shibboleth? That is, what are some code words used in the Lord s church to identify those with whom we feel fellowship today? 27

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29 Lesson Eight: Samson: Untapped Potential Judges 13:1-16:31 Birth of Samson, Judges 13 In the time of Israel s anguish, the angel of the Lord came to a woman of the tribe of Dan. Her husband s name was Manoah. The angel announced to her that she would bear a son, He will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines (13:5). He would be a Nazarite, a man called to an unusual and special ministry. His deeds, his unshaven appearance and style would draw great attention. The territory of the tribe of Dan was immediately north of the area occupied by the Philistines on Israel s southwest coast. The Philistines frequently made raids into Dan, and attempted to encroach on the territory of Dan. The villages of Zorah and Eshtaol, Samson s towns, were only ten miles from the Philistine city of Ashdod (Judges 18:2). The location of Samson s hometown made it almost inevitable that he would have contact with the Philistines and probably conflict. The angel who announced Samson s birth was God Himself. The angel said his name was beyond understanding (Hebrew, wonderful) a title similar to that of Messiah in Isaiah 9:6. When the angel burned the sacrifice of Manoah and his wife, Manoah said, We are doomed to die for we have seen God! (13:22). His wife seems to have had more trust than Manoah during this announcement. She answered Manoah, If the Lord had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering...from our hands. (13:23). She named her son Samson, a name perhaps taken from a Hebrew word meaning sun or strength. Even in his youth the Spirit of the Lord began to stir Samson while he was in Mahaneh Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol. And even in his youth Samson probably expressed outrage over the Philistine s aggression. Failed Marriage to a Woman of Timnah (Judges 14) Samson became enamored to a Philistine woman in the village of Timnah, which was only five miles from Samson s hometown of Zorah. A marriage was arraigned (reluctantly) by Samson s father. These events came to pass as a result of the Lord s direction on Samson s life to bring about a confrontation with the Philistines, who were then ruling over Israel. Samson s immense strength was shown when he tore apart a young lion that came roaring towards him (14:5-6). This led to the making of a famous riddle that was uttered at Samson s seven- day wedding feast (14:14). Samson stormed out of the wedding feast when he bride- to- be discovered and revealed the secret meaning of the riddle to the thirty male companions of Samson. These companions threatened to burn the woman and her family to death if she did not obtain the secret of the riddle (They later did burn the woman and her father 14:15, 15:6). We see no gentleness or good will in these Philistines. 29

30 To pay off the bet that the companions could not guess the riddle, Samson went down to the Philistine city of Ashkelon and killed thirty Philistines and stripped them of the their clothes for his wedding guests. The Spirit of the Lord gave him the power to do this. Samson s wife was given to the friend who had attended to Samson at his wedding (14:20). Such tribulation would cause many people to abandon the Lord. But Samson had faith, and continued to cry to God. Samson s Fights With the Philistines (Judges 15) Samson s anger flared when he returned to his wife and found she had been given to the other man. He captured 300 foxes (probably jackals). We can imagine a scene of snarling, snapping and wild struggling! With torches tied to the foxes tails, Samson ignited the wheat fields of the Philistines and burnt them together with the vineyards and olive groves (15:5). Such fires draw attention! In the fight that followed, Samson slaughtered many of the Philistines (15:5). His Israelites kinsmen then turned him over to the Philistines bound. Samson then broke the bonds and attacked the Philistines with a fresh jawbone of a donkey and killed a thousand of them (15:15). Then Samson said, With a donkey s jawbone I have made donkeys of them. Then in great thirst he cried out to God. God split open the hollow place at Lehi and water came out. Samson s faith shows throughout this conflict. God s power showed even more. Samson s Sin and Triumph at Gaza (Judges 16) At the Philistine city of Gaza, Samson saw a prostitute and went to her. The men of Gaza heard that he was there and surrounded the place. They lay in wait all night at the city gate to keep him in the city. At midnight Samson arose, tore out the massive gates and the two gateposts and carried them on his shoulders from Gaza (near sea level) thirty miles to the top of the mountain that faces Hebron (3300 ft. above sea level). Such an exploit should have inspired awe. God s continued use of Samson, even after his sin, shows the amazing greatness of God s grace towards his people. Samson s downfall came through Delilah, a woman in the Valley of Sorek. She may have been a Philistine but we are not told whether she was or not. The huge bribes offered her by the rulers of the Philistines suggest that her loyalties were not wholly devoted to Philistia. She spoke of the Philistines in the third person (16:9, 12, 14). She probably was a prostitute with allegiance to no particular race. Samson appears self confident, even cocky, with her. He plays happily with her, offering false suggestions as to how he could be bound, even after she demonstrates that she is seeking to destroy him. Samson s third declaration to her about how he might become weak came perilously close to the truth. It involved his long hair. If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom, and tighten it with the pin, I ll become as weak as any other man (16:13). After much nagging, Samson finally confessed that he was a Nazarite, and that if he broke the Nazarite vow by having his hair cut, he would become weak. It is amazing that he could sleep on her lap while a man shaved off the braids of his hair. Samson allowed himself to be in a very dangerous situation either because of his excessive pride or because he was so selfish that he 30

31 ignored any warnings around him. When he hair was shaved, Samson was awakened and seized by the Philistines. His eyes were gouged out, he was bound with bronze fetters, and he was set to grinding grain in the prison. But the hair on his head began to grow back again. Samson died in the Temple of Dagon. Thousands of Philistines were present, celebrating the downfall of the man who laid waste to our land multiplied the numbers of our dead (16:24). Samson asked the servant who held his hand to place him by the pillars that supported the temple roof. Samson prayed for vengeance for the blinding of his eyes; and his prayer was answered probably because it was also God s vengeance on the heartless oppressors (Deuteronomy 32:35, Isaiah 35:4). With prayer and a final powerful push, Samson brought down the pillars, and the roof collapsed with its load of three thousand men and women. Thus he killed more in his death than in all of his life. Samson had brothers and family who brought his body back and buried it in the tomb of his father. He had led Israel for twenty years (16:31). Applications for Today: 1. Pride goes before the fall, Proverbs 16:18, James 4:10 2. Beware who you trust in life, 1 Corinthians 15:33, 1 Kings God accomplishes great things through weak people, Hebrews 11:34, 2 Corinthians 12:9 4. Life never ends happy when we disregard God s law, Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3:5-6 Questions for Review: 1. In what ways do we see weaknesses in Manoah during Samson s life? How may this have attributed to Samson s choices in life? 2. Why do you think God used such a weak and sinful man such as Samson to accomplish his plan? 3. What are the lessons of Samson s life concerning the importance of good acquaintances? 4. What role do you think pride had in Samson telling Delilah the secret of his power? 5. What is the difference between what Samson did to end his life and the modern epidemic of suicide? 31

32 The Cry For Leadership: Judges Who Failed To Finish Well (Judges 6:11-8:32; 14:1-16:27) Why do so few leaders in the Bible finish well? More than two thirds of biblical leaders finish poorly. Consider for example, the two most famous judges in the Book of Judges: Gideon and Samson. Gideon Early Career (Judges 6:11-7:25) Later Career (Judges 8:1-9:23) 1. Chosen by God Rejected by God 2. Hated Idols Made a golden Ephod 3. Had an angelic vision Caused Israel to sin 4. Destroyed Idols Became a stumbling stone 5. Great deliverer His good ruined by his evil Samson Early Career (Judges 14:1-16:19) Later Career (judges 16:20-27) 1. Dedicated to God Lost dedication to God 2. Great Warrior Deceived by a woman 3. Exceedingly strong Had eyes burned out 4. Killed thousands of soldiers Imprisoned, hair shaved 5. Man of faith Left by the Lord 6. Killed a lion Mocked and ridiculed 7. Broke strong bands Never filled potential 8. Carried off the gates of Gaza Carried away in chains Many leaders fail toward the end of their life because the dilute the original vision that drove them, they are distorted by their success and they allow their weaknesses to do unaddressed. Don t let this happen to you. While it is important to have a good start, a good finish is as important as well. 32

33 Lesson Nine Eli, Failed Leadership 1 Samuel 1-4 Eli As High Priest As 1 Samuel opens, we are introduced to Eli the priest and his two evil sons named Hophni and Phineas (1:3, 9, 2:12). Eli was descended from Aaron, the first High Priest, but through Aaron s son Ithamar, rather than through Eleazar, Aaron s son who was ancestor of the first several generations of priests. At some time during the Period of the Judges the priesthood had shifted over to the family of Ithamar. Eli and his sons lived and worked near the tabernacle located in Shiloh. One day Eli saw a lady named Hannah who he mistakenly thought was drunk. When he rebuked her, he was told that she was not drunk but instead was in prayer for a son. When told this, he encouraged Hannah saying, May the God of Israel grant what you have asked of him. (1:17). Later, after Samuel was born, he was dedicated to the Lord s work at Shiloh at the age of three. Samuel grew up as a priest in training. Eli s Unfaithfulness Through His Family What is interesting concerning Eli rebuking Hanna for her supposed drunkenness at the tabernacle is Eli s apparent silence concerning his son s actions. In contrast to the faithful servant boy Samuel are the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas (1:3, 2:1). These men were wicked and grasping. They selfishly seized for themselves choice parts of the sacrifices brought to the Lord (2:16-17). They slept with the women who served at the entrance of the tabernacle (2:22). Exodus 38:3 refers to these women. They were not ceremonial prostitutes, but godly women, like Anna (Luke 2:36-37). Eli had failed to restrain his sons when they were young (3:13), and now in maturity they would not listen to his words (2:23-24). The Lord hardened their hearts, as he had hardened Pharaoh s heart (Exodus 10:27), that he might put them to death. Hopni and Phineas had not learned from the examples of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2). It was not long until a man of God came to Eli and rebuked him for his actions (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Eli had not lived according to the standards required of priests, such as his forefathers (2:28). Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offerings? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering? were the questions posed to this supposed man of God. The consequences of Eli s failures were foretold. The Lord told him that he would cut short his Eli s strength and the strength of his father s house. There would never be an old man in his family and all of his descendants would die in the prime of life. Hopni and Phineas would die on the same day and God would raise up for himself a faithful priest to replace Eli s family. Eli s family would be reduced to begging for a tiny piece of silver. 33

34 This would be fulfilled in the time of David when only Abiathar (a descendant of Eli) escaped a massacre of the priests (1 Samuel 22:20), and he was later deposed from the priesthood (1 Kings 2:26-27). The faithful priest who would replace Eli would at first be Samuel, who did priestly acts (1 Samuel 7:9, 9:12-13). Later the family of Zadok received the priesthood (1 Kings 2:35). Ultimately the faithful priest would be the Lord Jesus, a priest of the order of Melchizedek. God s Judgment The Lord called Samuel one night (1 Samuel 3:3-8) and told him that the guilt of Eli s house would never be atoned for by sacrifice. The next morning, as Eli insisted that Samuel tell him what the Lord had said, Samuel began a ministry of bringing painful messages. Eli s eyes had by this time become weak due to his age. As 1 Samuel 4 opens, we see that the Israelites are in battle with the Philistines. In the battle of Aphek, Israel was defeated. The sons of Eli brought out the ark of the Lord s covenant to the battlefield to force the Lord s presence in their war. But Israel was defeated with a slaughter of 30,000 men. Eli s two sons were killed in the battle and the Philistines captured the ark. This battle partially fulfilled God s prophecy to Samuel about Eli s family. When the news came back to Shiloh about Israel s defeat and the capture of the ark, Eli fell backward off of his chair at the gate and died (1 Samuel 4:18). He seemed less affected about the death of his sons than by the news of the captured ark. His daughter- in- law went into labor. Before she died during the child birth, she named her son Ichabod, meaning, Where is God s glory now? The name described the family of Eli and the whole nation of Israel at that time. Eli had judged Israel for forty years and his story is full of tragedy. Eli s Failure Eli s failure to lead his family eventually led to his downfall as a religious leader. This revered judge in Israel failed to discipline his two sons and ended up rearing spiritual rebels. Eli lost his credibility, his job and eventually his own life. The scriptures teach that if we do not faithfully lead our own household we lack the qualifications to lead beyond the home (1 Timothy 3:4-5) in other words, if it doesn t work at home, don t export it. What did Eli do that missed the mark? He made some terrible errors. First of all, his emphasis was on his job and his friends and not on his own family. Many a church leader and preacher has worked hard to help the church but then lost his family because his emphasis was on the wrong place. Secondly, he failed due to expectations. He thought that by living in the Sanctuary around the tabernacle that his sons would just get it. Rather than teaching them personally and making sure that he was the proper kind of father, Eli evidently thought that the location where his boys were raised would suffice in their spiritual training. Similar difficulties are evident today when folks in the church expect the Bible class, ministers or other Christians to raise and train their children for them. Thirdly, Eli failed in his example. He failed to live out in his home what he taught in his work. He was a hypocrite. He needed to lead his boys with the same standards he used to lead the nation of Israel. Fourthly, Eli failed because of entanglements. He got so caught up with his profession, he blinded himself to his failures towards his family. He focused on what was important but lacked focus on what we most important. Several years ago, a preacher gave this warning to a group of preaching students: If the devil can t make you bad, he will certainly make 34

35 you busy. Eli was so caught up in day to day activities he forgot to take time to discipline and raise his boys to love the Lord. Applications For Today: 1. Our family life has an effect on our professional and spiritual life. 1 Peter 3:1-5, Ephesians 5:22-6:4 2. Sometimes, the circumstances require us to discipline and be negative. Proverbs 13:24, Hebrews 12:6 3. Our children are a gift from God. 1 Samuel 1:28, Psalm Our actions have consequences. Galatians 6:7, Ezekiel 18:20 Questions For Review: 1. What are some differences in the ways Samuel s parents acted toward their son and the way Eli acted toward his children? 2. Why do you think Eli did not do more to discipline his sons? Why is discipline lacking today? 3. In what ways was it telling that God chose the young boy Samuel to tell Eli the consequences for not disciplining his own boys? 4. What were the consequences of Eli s shortcomings on his family and the nation? What are some shortcomings in our personal lives, churches and nation for our lack of discipline in the home? 35

36 Eli s Leadership: Success as a Priest, Not As A Parent (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-36) Eli s failure to lead his family eventually led to his downfall as a religious leader: This revered judge in Israel failed to discipline his two sons and ended up rearing spiritual rebels. Eli lost his credibility, his job and eventually his life. The Scriptures teach that if we do not faithfully lead our own household, we lack the qualifications to lead beyond the home (1 Timothy 3:4-5)) in other words, if it doesn t work at home, don t export it. Of course, we are not spiritual responsible for the sins of our children or our parents since they are free moral agents, but we do have the responsibility as leaders to start at home. How could a priest like Eli miss the mark? By making four crucial errors: 1. Emphasis. Eli emphasized teaching the people, but not his family. 2. Expectation. Eli though his sons would just get it because they live dint he house of the Lord. 3. Example. Eli failed to live out in his home what he taught in his work. 4. Entanglements. Eli got so caught up with his profession; he blinded himself to his failure. 36

37 Lesson Ten Samuel, Godly Living In An Ungodly World, 1 Samuel 1-18 Samuel s Early Life Samuel s life is an encouragement to stay faithful even when we are living in a difficult environment. When Samuel was born, he was recognized as a gift from God. His name literally means one who was heard by God. While all children are precious, his mother had a special appreciation for him because he was the result of years of prayer and hope. Samuel s mother gave her son to the Lord because of God s faithfulness. You would think that the tabernacle would be easiest place in the entire earth to be faithful to God. But you would instead be surprised to see what really went on there. While Samuel was learning how to serve the Lord, he worked under Eli and Eli s two sons: Hopni and Phineas. We read in 1 Samuel 2 that Eli was very old at this time and that Eli s sons were evil. They bullied the people who came to worship God so that they could steal the sacrifices to the Lord to use as their own food and possessions. They even slept with the women who were there to serve in the tabernacle. This was not done behind the scenes but was done in the very entrance of the tabernacle so that all could see what was happening. Sometimes we may think that as long as someone has a relationship with Christ, they are a good influence. But that is not always true. Samuel grew up in an environment that should have been holy but was instead full of hypocrisy. While Samuel was able to remain faithful in that environment, we must be careful that we do not let the actions of others misshape our view of God. Yet, Samuel grew up in these surroundings with a budding relationship with God. We do not read in the Bible of the relationship Samuel had with Eli s sons but we do know that Samuel still showed respect to Eli and his position. While the word of the Lord was rare in those days, God chose to speak to Samuel and to have Samuel do His work for the nation. Samuel did not expect or recognize God s voice when he heard his name called that night. But Eli helped him to communicate with God and to receive a powerful message. Sadly, Samuel was given the responsibility to tell Eli the results of his faulty legacy in misleading the people. Eli s term as Judge would end in failure as the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and his sons were killed on the battlefield. When this finally happened, the news was so terrible that Eli fell from of his chair and broke his neck. Samuel realized that his faith needed to be rooted in God and not in people. Eli s career finished in tragedy because he did not hold to God in his relationships in his family. Samuel s Career 1 Samuel 7 tells us that Samuel took the place of Eli in leading the people. While he had grown up in an era of despondency and disobedience, Samuel was a different kind of leader. He called all the people to repentance. Listening to Samuel, the people put away their idols and a spiritual revival 37

38 was begun throughout the land. He was the last Judge but the first prophet over Israel since Moses. He also filled the role as priest over the land. Under his leadership the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Israel, the Philistines surrendered the land that had been taken in conquest and the country had peace. Samuel was not satisfied with calling the people to come to his hometown of Ramah to hear the word of the Lord. Instead he started a circuit or loop through the land so that everyone would have the opportunity to hear God s message. Samuel traveled from Bethel to Gilgal to Micpah and then back again to Ramah so that the people would be exposed to godly teaching and influence. By traveling these great distances all over the nation, the people were continually exposed to Samuel s example and teaching. Samuel recognized that it was better to bring the message to the people instead of expecting people to stop their daily lives and come to hear the message of God. But even though Samuel did the best he could do in leading Israel, he was still working in a difficult environment. His sons grew to reject Samuel s ways and were evil in the sight of the Lord. The people, likewise, grew weary of Samuel s work among them. They eventually came to him and demanded a king so that they could be like the nations all around them. We can only imagine what Samuel felt when he heard this. After a lifetime of traveling around his country and teaching the people to be different from the pagans around, the people came to him demanding the exact opposite of his legacy. The Lord told Samuel to listen to the voice of the people. He reminded him, It is not you they have rejected as Judge, but God as their king. 1 Samuel 8:7. It is not unusual at all for good, faithful teachers to be rejected by those who listen to them. From the Old Testament prophets such as Jeremiah to the New Testament Apostles such as Paul to even the Messiah, Jesus Christ, great teachers are often rejected and persecuted for what they say. That is because the people are not rejecting the messenger, they are rejecting the message. Samuel listened to God and began to find his replacement as leader over Israel. The Lord led Samuel to Saul. Saul stood out among his people because he was handsome and tall. Samuel anointed him and made him king over Israel. When Saul became king his popularity rose quickly because of his succession of military victories. Yet, he struggled with self- doubt and with selfishness. In 1 Samuel 13 we see that Saul sinned when he impatiently offered a sacrifice to God instead of waiting for Samuel to arrive and make the sacrifice. As the sacrifice was ending, Samuel arrived and saw what Saul had done. Samuel confronted Saul, which placed him in a dangerous position. The newly crowned king was very popular with his recent victories and in a time of war, Saul could have killed Samuel for treason. Yet, Samuel stood up to Saul even in a difficult environment because he saw the necessity of following after God s way. Saul was warned strongly by Samuel of the dangers of disobedience to the Lord. In 1 Samuel 15 Samuel once again approaches Saul with a word from the Lord. The Lord wanted Saul to go and wipe out the Amalakite nation. These people had ruthlessly attacked the weak people and stragglers of the Israelite nation as they traveled through the wilderness back in the days of Moses. After the passing of unrepentant generations, the time had come for the wicked Amalekites to be punished. The command from the Lord was to kill every Amalakite person, to destroy every animal they owned and to burn all of their possessions. Saul and his army went about their task and won a great victory. They destroyed everything despised and worthless but they saved the king of the Amalekites and saved the best of their flocks and their possessions. Saul then went and made a monument to himself for being a great military leader. As Samuel arrived, he was greeted by Saul who said, Blessed are you of the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord. But 38

39 Samuel asked, What then is this bleating of sheep that I hear? Saul told Samuel that the best of the flocks had been saved to sacrifice to God. Later he used the excuse that the people he was in charge of had made him disobey God. Saul had plenty of excuses but no way of escape before this godly prophet. When Samuel told Saul that because of his sin he could no longer be king over Israel, Saul tried to stop Samuel and even ripped Samuel s cloak. Samuel told Saul that in the same way God had ripped the kingdom from Saul s grasp. Saul asked Samuel to still come with him and worship God before the elders and the people so that he could save face. Samuel agreed to help keep the peace. We can only imagine how it felt to Samuel to worship the Lord at the side of this unrighteous and self- serving king. Samuel then personally killed the wicked king of the Amalekites to fulfill God s command and returned back to his home in Ramah. The Bible tells us that Samuel mourned deeply for Saul in 1 Samuel 15:15. A little later, Samuel was sent to anoint a new king. A shepherd boy named David who was a young man after God s own heart would soon lead Israel. After anointing David, Samuel appears to have withdrawn to his home and to have no longer been actively involved in the politics of his nation. When he died in 1 Samuel 15:1 we see that all of the nation gathered at his funeral and lamented for this great man who had led God s people in spite of his circumstances. Application: 1. Many people would have considered Samuel to be a failure, judging by the reactions of his followers. But God considered Samuel to be faithful. Proverbs 3:5-6, Revelation 2:10 2. Samuel recognized the importance of constant, good teaching with the Word of the Lord. 2 Timothy 4:2, Hebrews 4:12 3. Even good people can have children who do not follow God. Ezekiel 18:20, Proverbs 22:6 4. The life of a Christian (especially a Christian teacher) is not always pleasant or easy. James 3:1, John 21:18-23 Questions For Review 1. What do you think kept Samuel from being influenced by his environment today? What can we do to stay faithful to God in an unfaithful world? 2. What sort of things did Samuel do to bring his people back to God? 3. In what ways does the life of Samuel bridge the period from the Judges to the Kings? 39

40 The Circuit of Samuel Covering the cities of Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpah and then back again to Ramah. 40

41 Lesson Eleven The Sin Of Idolatry Judges 17:1-18:31 God s People Lose Their Spiritual Relationship The events told in Judges occurred early in the period of the Judges. These events occurred long before the life of Samson. This is indicated by the fact that Moses grandson was still alive (18:30), Hosea s reference to the sin at Gibeah as Israel s first sin in the land (Hosea 10:9), the fact that there was time enough before King David s seventh year (1003 BC) for the tribe of Benjamin to replenish its population from 600 men (Judges 20:47) to many thousands (1 Chronicles 12:29) and the fact that Aaron s grandson Phinehas was still the priest (Judges 20:28, Numbers 25:7). The events told in Judges are disgusting and repulsive. These incidents illustrate conditions in Israel during the period of the Judges. Conditions were ungodly and unsafe. These events illustrate the way many people will live if they do not have a good king to control them. The verse that most vividly explains the conditions in those days is the last verse of the book (21:25): In those days Israel had no king; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Nations will destroy themselves if their people are not controlled either by an internal governor (like the conscience or the Holy Spirit) or by an external force, like a good king. A society with no moral standard will degrade quickly into anarchy and debauchery, Romans 1. This passage of scripture serves as a warning to our nation, church and families concerning the need to be faithful and to encourage the generation following ours to be faithful as well. The preservation of the history of Judges of which Israel must have been ashamed must be regarded as evidence of divine oversight, direction and selection of the words and information of the Holy Scripture. No public relations committee would have selected the material in these chapters! While Egypt and Babylon attempted to erase monuments and records of evil kings and defeat, Israel s history remains preserved for our learning, Romans 15:4. The Idolatry of Micah (Judges 17) An Ephraimite man stole 1100 pieces of silver (about 28 lbs.) from his mother. He became fearful when the mother pronounced a curse on the thief. He confessed and returned the money. His mother then consecrated the money to purchase for him some objects of worship a carved image and a cast idol. Micah then made one of his sons his priest. Later an unemployed Levite from Bethlehem in Judah came by Micah s house, and was hired to be Micah s priest. The Levite became like one of his sons. Micah was sure that his having a Levite as his priest would guarantee him prosperity. By finding someone who seemed to have a religious background, Micah thought he had found legitimacy to his new religion. We are shocked to read that this Levite (named Jonathan) was a son of Gershom, the son of Moses (18:30)! This is so 41

42 appalling that the editors of the common Jewish Bible (Massoretic text) attempted to conceal the fact that Moses grandson was a priest in an idol shrine. They changed the word Moses into the word Manasseh. But no one named Manasseh was a priest or a prince at the time of this story. This passage shows how far even the physical family of Moses had fallen from the faithfulness of previous generations. It is possible for generations to be completely different than the ones past and the ones future, Ezekiel 18:20. The Nation of Israel had quickly turned into a land of lawlessness and unfaithfulness. The Danites Settle Laish (Judges 18) The statement that In those days Israel had no king occurs four times in the final chapters of Judges (17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25). It sounds like an apology for the wicked acts that are related. It shows that the Israelites sensed their need for a righteous king, and would soon be asking for one (1 Samuel 8:5). It may have seemed that even the rule of an evil king would be better than the chaos in the time of the judges. The tribe of Dan lived along the Mediterranean coast, just north of the area occupied by the Philistines. The Philistines continually raided the areas around them in order to expand their territory (1 Samuel 13:5, 7, Judges 1:34-35). The Danites suffered anguish from this pressure, but did not have enough faith to seek God and fight the Philistines. The passage in Judges 18 tells of the search by the Danites for safer land, and how they seized the new turf with great cruelty. They seemed to relish a fight (18:20-26) against a weaker opponent even though they were fleeing a fight against the unfaithful Philistines. On their way to find a safe new homeland, the Danites came by the house of Micah (17:1-5). They were amazed to meet there Jonathan the Levite, whom some of them had known before (18:3). Jonathan was very willing to prophesy that they would have a successful journey (18:6), and later to leave his employer, Micah, and go with the tribe of Dan to be their priest (18:19-20). He was a hired hand and not a good shepherd (John 10:12). The desire of the Danites for gods (18:14) and a priest who might bring them good fortune tells a good deal about the religious condition in Israel and in most people. The place found by the Danites was named Laish, but they renamed it Dan (18:29). It is about 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee, in the lush Jordan valley. Dan was over 120 miles north from the Danite s villages of Zorah and Eshtaol (Samson s towns). The major sources of the Jordan River start up there. Dan was isolated from other cities that might have protected it from other attackers by the heights of Upper Galilee west of Dan, and by Mt. Hermon ten miles east. After the city Dan was captured and renamed, the expression from Dan to Beersheba became a popular saying to refer to the entire country. Dan was in the far northern end of the land, and Beersheba was in the extreme southern tip west of the Dead Sea. Archeological research at Dan shows that it was wealthy in the Late Bronze Age (14-13th centuries BC) but poorer in the last Bronze Age level. The irony of the tribe s move north is that it placed it at the very frontier of Israel on the Fertile Crescent. Over the next few centuries, Dan would be the first area attacked and decimated by invading empires. The choice to move ended up putting the people in a more dangerous area and hurting the following generations of the people. 42

43 Application 1. A person s name or background does not ensure that he is faithful. We must compare his teaching with what the Bible says, Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1. 2. Few things are more dangerous than a person without a conscience and without fear of the law, Judges 2:15, Romans All the money of the world cannot buy our soul s salvation, Matthew 19:16-22, Acts 8: Just because something is easier, that does not guarantee that it is right, Jeremiah 10: Moving away from God s will may look easier at the time, but sin is always a hard task master. Questions for Review 1. Why do you think it is important that the church and our society have good leadership? 2. How are the passages of the Bible that show the shortcomings of God s people beneficial to us today in proving the authenticity and inspiration of the Scriptures? 3. What are some similarities of Micah s self- made religion and many of the religions that we see today? 4. The priest of Micah s new religion was the grandson of Moses. What lessons can we learn from this concerning the way that many place their faith in certain people or certain reputations of people instead of the Word of God? 5. Dan moved north to avoid conflict with the Philistines. What are some ways the other tribes could have helped Dan to remain in its God given territory? What are some lessons today for us concerning this passage? 43

44 Movement of the Tribe of Dan 44

45 Lesson Twelve The Sin Of Civil War: God s People Turn On Each Other Judges 19:1-21:25 A Levite and His Concubine (Judges 19) The last three chapters of the Book of Judges puts an exclamation point on the fact that there was no king in Israel during this time not even God. What is contained in this passage shows how God s people had moved as far away as possible from God s moral standard. This passage highlights abuse for the weak in society, homosexuality which harkens back to the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, butchery of a human body and ritual lying by God s own people. It is only due to an excessive amount of God s grace that these people were not destroyed immediately. A Levite living in the tribe of Ephraim went south to the town of Bethlehem to bring back a concubine who had fled from him. The concubine had been unfaithful to him. After getting away from her excessively hospitable father, the Levite, his concubine and his servants traveled north to the town of Gibeah, where they were housed. They chose Gibeah because they did not want to stay in the immoral, Gentile town of Jebus (later called Jerusalem). That night the man and his party remained until dark in the town square because few in the town of Gibeah were willing to show hospitality in that day perhaps one of the worst sins of all. On top of that, many of the towns people approached the house that night in order to know carnally the man who was visiting them. This is an illustration of how the Israelites were now no better morally that the people God had destroyed generations earlier. As an act of hospitality, the owner of the house offered the hungry mob his own daughter and the concubine. That night the poor concubine was raped to death by the townsmen. The Levite took her dead body to his home, cut her into twelve pieces, and sent them to the tribes of Israel, with a call for justice and punishment upon the town of Gibeah and the Benjamites. The actions of the people in this passage show just how far they had fallen from the love of God. While the father of the concubine seemed to have an overpowering sense of hospitality, that is tarnished by the face that the meals he shared with the Levite included only the two of them (the Levite and the concubine s father) (19:6). The concubine was either left out or did not desire to join them. Secondly, the attack by the men of Gibeah on the house where the Levite and his concubine were staying was much like the act of the men of Sodom (19:22, Genesis 19:5). Homosexuality is strongly condemned in the Bible (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, 1 Corinthians 6:9). Their actions brought destruction upon themselves. The Benjamites had no respect either for God s ministers (Levites) or for women. The people of Benjamin were characterized in Genesis 49:27: Benjamin is a ravenous wolf. Thirdly, the offer of the Levite to sacrifice his concubine to the town rapists to save himself (19:24) shows that the Levite had no true devotion to her. Perhaps that was why she ran away. After the horrendous night, he came to the door where she lay dead, and said to her, Get up, let s go. Finding her dead, the Levite cut her body into twelve 45

46 pieces, probably one for each tribe and sent the pieces throughout all of Israel. Word of this spread and caught everyone s attention. A few centuries later, King Saul would cut up an ox and send it to all of Israel to garner everyone s attention as well (1 Samuel 12:7). This method obviously worked! What were the Levite s motives in sending out the pieces of the concubine s body? Vengeance? Or was he trying to get people to think about the guilt of the Benjamites rather than about HIS sins? He was correct in saying that their guilt was great: Such a thing has never been seen or done before (19:30). Israel Fights the Benjamites (Judges 20) After the Levite had alerted the Israelites about the rape and murder of his concubine, the entire nation entered into a three- day war against the Tribe of Benjamite at Gibeah. The Benjamites were outnumbered 400,000 to 26,000 but still inflicted 40,000 casualties on the Israelites before they were defeated in an ambush attack. When the war was over, only 600 Benjamite men survived. The Israelites gathered at Mizpath to take counsel for war against Benjamin (20:1). Here the Israelites swore that none of them would give their daughters as brides to the wicked Benajmites (21:5). The Benjamites knew of Israel s mass meeting against them, but did not seem in the slightest intimidated by it. Like many wars, this one seems unjustified. The results of the war seem much worse than the crime that the war was designed to punish. The war seems to have been started by the Levite to divert attention from his suspicious behavior. The Levite did not tell the whole truth about what happened at Gibeah the night when his concubine died (Judges 20:4-5, 19:22-25). Thousands died so that he could look like an innocent bystander. When the Israelites asked the Benjamites to turn over the rapist who had abused the concubine, they refused (20:13). They were willing to die rather than admit that any of them had done anything wrong. Confessing their sin was an act the Benjamites could not bring themselves to do. The Benjamites, though outnumbered, had some advantages in the battle. They were fighting for their lives on their home turf. The town of Gibeah was on a high hill, which provided an advantage to the defenders. The Benjamites had a special force of six hundred left handed sling stone sharpshooters (20:16). Also the Benjamites were famous as warriors (Judges 20:44, 1 Chronicles 8:40, 12:2, 2 Chronicles 14:8). The Israelites went up to Bethel and inquired of God (20:18). The ark and the tabernacle were then at Shiloh. Sometimes the ark was carried onto the battlefield (1 Samuel 14:18) and that seems to have done on this occasion. God directed Israel in this battle, and yet the Israelites suffered many casualties. Perhaps this was because BOTH sides needed a stern lesson. The Israelites lost their enthusiasm for this war when 22,000 of them perished the first day, and 18,000 the next day (20:21, 24). They came before the Lord weeping and praying, Shall we go up again to battle with Benjamin, our brother? (20:23, 28). They had not talked that way before the battle. The Benjamites were defeated on the third day when the Israelites prepared an attack from ambush, somewhat similar to the attack upon Ai (20:29, Joshua 8:12). The Benjamites lost 25,000 46

47 valiant fighters and only 600 men escaped (20:46-47). These few fled to the village of Rimmon. After pursuing the fleeing Benjamites, The men of Israel went back to Benjamin and put all the towns to the sword...all the towns they came across they set on fire (20:48). Wives For the Benjamites (Judges 21) The final chapter of Judges tells us that the Israelites grieved over the near annihilation of the Tribe of Benjamin in the war at Gibeah. Apparently the women and children of Benjamin also perished in this war and in the slaughter that followed the victory (20:48). Judges 21 tells of Israel s manipulations to provide wives to the 600 Benjamites, while making it appear that they had not willingly given their daughters to the Benjamites. They had sworn an oath that none of their daughters would be given to the Benjamites (21:7). This led to the senseless slaughter of the men and women of the town of Jabesh Gilead, except for 400 virgin women who were taken from there as brides to the Benjamites (21:8-12). Josephus claimed that virgins could be identified because they wore long sleeved tunics reaching to their ankles so they would not be exposed (Antiquities, VII, viii, 1; 1 Samuel 13:18). The Israelites then set up an organized project of kidnapping 200 young women at Shiloh to be brides for the remaining Benjamites (21:20-21). All of this was done to keep up a façade of piety and fidelity to one s oaths while actually breaking the oath. God expected them to keep oaths, but in Leviticus it is made clear that sacrifices could be made for oaths uttered thoughtlessly. To kill the people of a whole city to cover the fact that they had made a rash oath appears to be committing a great evil to keep from having to confess a lesser evil. The destruction of Jabesh Gilead which was fifty miles north of Benjamin was a huge effort and expense (21:10), not to mention very immoral. All this was done to save face. The Israelites scheme of having the remaining two hundred Benjamite men go to Shiloh during the feast (probably Passover) to snatch dancing maidens for use as brides is amazing. When the girl s fathers protested the kidnapping of their daughters (without even a payment for the dowry), the father s objections were brushed aside with the request, Do us a kindness by helping them...you are innocent, since you did not give your daughters to them Perhaps this chapter illustrates sin in its most basic nature a mixture of lawlessness and self- justification (pride). Questions to Review 1. What are some of the ways the Levite man showed cruelty to his concubine? 2. Does the Bible teach that the practice of homosexuality is a sin? 3. What was the reason for the great war between Benjamin and the rest of the nation? 4. Why do you think God allowed such great casualties on both sides of the war? 5. How did Israel get around having to fulfill their oath to keep their daughters from Benjamin? 47

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49 Lesson Thirteen Ruth, A Diamond In The Rough Ruth 1-4 The Book of Ruth is one of the most beautiful stories ever written. It combines the steadfast love that all people must have for God (and that we must have for one another), the importance of following God s will in our lives and the beauty of life for those who faithfully work hard. Love s Resolve, Ruth Chapter One Many believe that the contents of the Book of Ruth fit between Judges twelve and thirteen. This was obviously a time of great chaos and trouble in the land. The Book of Judges tells us that at this time everyone did what was right in their own eyes, Judges 21:25. As a result of their disobedience, God often performed judgment upon his people. We see as Ruth opens that God had allowed a famine to occur in Israel, Deuteronomy 28: Because of this famine, Elimelech brought his family to the Land of Moab. His family included his wife Naomi and his two sons Mahlon and Chilion. These two sons found wives in the Land of Moab: Orpah and Ruth. We see in this first chapter that Elimilech s family was not completely faithful to God. First they had left their divine inheritance in the Promised Land in order to seek refuge in the land of Moab (Deuteronomy 7:1-4). Moab and Israel were not allies at this time (Judges 3:12ff). Secondly, Elimelech s two sons married women of Moab rather than women of Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3-6). This may have been the result of living in a foreign land or may have been the result of the character of these two men. Thirdly, when the men died, Naomi blamed God for her troubles (Ruth 1:13, 21). As Naomi asked her daughters- in law to return to their people and way of living, Ruth made one of the most beautiful pledges in all of Scripture (Ruth 1:16-17). It is interesting how throughout the Bible faith is often found in those people from whom we would least expect it. Ruth, a Moabitess, shows exemplary faith in her mother- in- law and in her new found God. Love s Renewal, Ruth Chapter Two When they returned to the city of Bethlehem, Ruth went to work in the fields. Her work was the menial task left to the destitute. It involved a fair amount shame and a good deal of hard work. In the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19:9-10, 23:22, Deuteronomy 24:19-21) the owners of grain fields were instructed to leave the corners of their fields for the poor. They also were not allowed to pick up any grain that they might drop. This practice worked as a social security system for those who were destitute. As Ruth was working, Boaz noticed her and inquired as to who she was. Upon hearing of her plight, Boaz assured Ruth of her safety and made provisions that she would be taken care of while she worked. He spoke of how God would take care of her under his wings in Ruth 2:12. It is interesting to notice that Ruth s character was the same in every situation she faced. She was always kind, humble and hard working. As Ruth returned home to tell Naomi of her good fortune, Naomi was very pleased by the news 49

50 that Ruth had met Boaz. Naomi realized that Boaz was a close relative and would fit the role of a kinsman- redeemer found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. That is, that Boaz might have the obligation to care for Naomi and Ruth if he was willing to accept it. Love s Restraint, Ruth Chapter Three When a young lady desires to get the attention of a man, she often will arrange a meeting of some sort. Naomi instructed Ruth to anoint herself with oil and to put on her best clothes and see Boaz. While this meeting may seem somewhat strange, it seems to have fit in with the customs of the time. As Boaz was tired from his work at the threshing floor and after he had ate and drank, he laid down to sleep. Ruth came to his room and lay down at his feet. When Boaz was startled during the night, he wakened to see a woman lying at his feet. He asked the question, Who are you? She replied that she was Ruth, a close relative and that she needed to be protected under his wing. This is a play on the very words of Boaz in Ruth 2:12. Boaz was greatly impressed that Ruth had not pursued the younger men or men that were perhaps more attractive. Instead, Ruth was behaving in a way that was conforming to the Law of God. This was very different from many of God s own people. Instead of Ruth openly demanding that Boaz fulfill his obligation to her, she had lain at his feet as a slave or servant would do. Boaz, recognizing her good character, tells her that he will find out what to do in the morning. He takes special care to protect her reputation as well (Ruth 3:14). As Ruth returned to Naomi, Naomi asked a question to Ruth, Is that you, my daughter? The question in the original language asks whether Ruth was still just the widow of Mahlon or if she was now the bride- to- be of Boaz. Naomi knew that Boaz would soon resolve the situation. Love s Reward, Ruth Chapter Four The next morning Boaz went to the city gate to speak to the man who was more closely related to Naomi. The city gate was the area of the town where most official business was conducted. It also served as a place that would have many witnesses. As the man approached (we are never told his name) Boaz approached him in a clever way. Boaz told the man of some land that Elimelech had owned that needed to be bought back from creditors. Boaz told him that if he would not buy it then Boaz would buy it himself. When the man agreed to purchase this cheap land, Boaz also told him that the redeemed land would come with a new bride in order to keep the inheritance straight. Fearing that such a transaction would endanger his own line and that of his future children, the man told Boaz that Boaz should take the land and the bride. Boaz therefore agreed to buy the land and marry Ruth. Seeing this noble deed done by Boaz, the witnesses and the elders of the city blessed Boaz in praying that he should have children like Rachael and Leah and that he should be fruitful like the house of Perez. The Lord blessed Ruth with a faithful husband in Boaz. The Lord blessed Naomi with the birth of a grandson named Obed. The Lord blessed Israel with the lineage that would bring forth David in five generations. And the Lord blessed us with the lineage that would bring forth Jesus in the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4). Because of the faith and loyalty of this Moabite woman named Ruth, God brought blessing to many who were undeserving and many who were hurting. 50

51 Application 1. Simple people can bring great blessings to many people by their faithfulness to God. 2. Oftentimes, finding a good mate should involve searching a person s character rather than their personal looks or social standing. 3. Those who trust in God will find that he takes care of them. 4. God s hand moves in mysterious ways to perform his work. 5. In the midst of trouble, God s people shine brightly. Questions for Review: 1. What were some of God s Laws that Elimelech did not follow? 2. Why do you think so many people repeat Ruth 1:16-17 in their marriage vows today? 3. Why did Ruth approach Boaz and her right for a kinsman- redeemer in such a humble way? 4. Why do you think Boaz approached the close relative in the way that he did in Ruth 4:1-7? 5. What are some ways that God used Ruth to bless so many others? 51