Judges 2021

Here we get into a section of Scripture that is far from ordinary. The sordid account of the Levite and his concubine leads to the tribe of Benjamin nearly being wiped out. Then the other tribes came up with a strange scheme to repopulate Benjamin. You don't want to miss this one! (Judg 21:25 NASB) In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

The remainder of Judges is not necessarily chronological. Instead it tells us of the sad state of Israel during this time period. It can be summed up in the following passage: (Judg 17:6 NASB) In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes. This was the problem in those days and in our day. Every man does what is right in his own eyes. We are specifically prohibited from doing so (Deut. 12:8, Num. 15:39-40, Prov. 14:12, 21:1-2, James 1:22-25).

In this chapter, Samson goes in to a prostitute in Gaza. Samson had a tendency toward the "less than reputable" ladies. It does not appear that Samson ever had any intention of marrying. He was a very independent man and it does not appear that he wanted a wife. He judges Israel for twenty years and still does not have a wife. It seems he would rather go to loose women and use them rather than have one woman to cherish. His apparent love of using women will be his downfall when one eventually manipulates and uses him.

These chapters continue to tell us the history of this fascinating man of Elohim named Samson. We will see that he used his incredible strength to glorify Elohim and deliver His people from their enemies. We will also see Samson's sarcastic wit as he brings his ex-fiance’ a goat to her fathers house in Timnah. What does that mean? Watch and find out!

This chapter takes us into the tenure of Samson. Samson judged southern Israel while Jephthah judged in northern Israel (Judges 10:6-8). Samson judged southern Israel twenty years. The reigns of Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon in northern Israel totaled thirty-one years. Personally, I found this account of Samson to be one of the most intriguing studies in all of Scripture simply because Samson is a totally different person than what others portray him. We all know of his strength. But what is overlooked is his vast intelligence and sarcastic wit. Watch and see if you don't agree!

This section of Judges goes through a series of "minor" judges. That doesn't mean they were small in stature or accomplishments. It just means that we do not know much about them. One interesting account is that of Jephthah. Jephthah makes a promise "that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the sons of Ammon, it shall be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering." Did he expect a cow or a sheep to be the first to step out of his house? Or is it likely that there is a slightly different meaning to that promise than to burn up a person? Join us and find out!

Some of the judges over Israel were not good folks. That holds true with Abimelech. We see his rise and fall in this chapter.

Judg 7:22 And when they blew 300 trumpets, the LORD set the sword of one against another even throughout the whole army; and the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah, as far as the edge of Abel-meholah, by Tabbath. The army of the Midianites scattered as far as over eighty miles away they were so afraid. They turned their swords on each other. This kind of victory over an innumerable army with only 300 men without weapons is truly miraculous. We are told that the final battle will be like this also. Isaiah 9:2-4 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. 3Thou shalt multiply the nation, Thou shalt increase their gladness; They will be glad in Thy presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4For Thou shalt break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. We are going to learn of a very interesting character named Gideon. Gideon was not chosen to be a judge because he was an especially brave man. Elohim made him into the man he needed to be in order to lead Israel. His story actually ties into prophecy and the last days that we are in today! Join us and see if you find this intriguing!

In chapter 5, Deborah and Barak sing a song that re-tells much of what has happened thus far. In the time of this chapter, the land and the sons of Israel were undisturbed for forty years. Sometimes we just can't stand prosperity. The people of Israel did evil in the sight of Elohim and Elohim gave them into the hands of the Midianites in chapter 6.

Elohim left several pagan nations in the Land with Israel for a number of reasons. First of all, He left them there because Israel was disobedient. This was part of their punishment. Secondly, He left the enemies of Israel in place so He could test them to see if they would obey His Torah. He also left them there so they could learn what war was really like. Previously, they had experienced war under His power with Him delivering them. Now they are going to have to learn what it is like to war for your own survival.