Judges Saving Israel from Itself JUDGES The

Judges Saving Israel from Itself

JUDGES: The In-Between Time • The Israelites are in the Promised Land but they have not yet conquered, nor have they set up their government on a national scale. • Israel is ruled by “judges”, who are actually tribal warrior leaders. • No one is actually judged; in fact, a lot of immoral actions occur but the Book of Judges issues no judgment or commentary about them. • Deborah is the only judge who is shown to settle a dispute.

The role of the Judges • The English word judges is a somewhat misleading label for the leaders/saviors of Israel – They are primarily military leaders. – They are charismatic figures – They are not necessarily chosen for their virtue. • Samson’s major qualification was brute strength.

Judges: Theological Themes • Faithfulness to God ensures security • Unfaithfulness to God results in disaster • God is trustworthy and can guide people through their battles. • When Israel shows repentance, God shows mercy • The Sin Cycle

A Spin on Covenant? Sin, Repentance, Mercy, Sin… • With Joshua gone, the tribes fall into self-indulgence and idol worship, which repeatedly leads to their downfall

Judges • 12 judges are mentioned in the book of Judges itself: six minor judges, barely mentioned, and six major judges.

Two types of judges: Major • Othniel • Ehud • Deborah (and Barak) • Gideon • Jephthah • Samson Minor • Shamgar • Tola • Jair • Ibzan • Elon • Abdon

• Close reading Book of Judges - ch. 4 (entire chapter)

Deborah • (chapters 4 -5) – Deborah is described as a prophetess but who acts as a judge – She decides local disputes for her people – Married to Lappidoth – She reveals to Barak that God wants him to lead an army against Jabin (king of Canaan) and his general Sisera.

• King Jabin of Canaan – Reigned in Hazor • Sisera – A commander • Barak – Summoned to destroy the army of Sisera • Jael – Killed Sisera

Gideon close reading questions– Unit 4. 1

Gideon’s mission • Mission: deliver Israel from the Midianites – Israelites are hiding in caves – Are crying God for help • Messenger: an angel who calls Gideon “Mighty warrior” • Gideon is afraid: saw God’s face – God assures him that he will not die • Gideon built an altar – Called the Lord is peace

Jerubbaal • God asked Gideon to destroy the altar of Baal – A god • People get upset • Gideon’s father defends him – If Baal is a god, hw should punish Gideon • Gideon’s new name is Jerubbaal – meaning “Let Baal contend against him”

• He gathered an army of 300 hundred men. – God asked him to reduce the original number so that he could show them that he was with them • His peculiar method of selecting his elite troops, taking only those who lapped the water like dogs, fits with his image as a ruthless warrior. – A small force of men who would act like animals would be more efficient than a larger, more “civilized” army.

• He divided them into companies, and each man is given a horn and an empty water jar in which is hidden a lighted torch. – Only the officers carry torches- each officer commands ten men