I have a confession – Judges is one of my least favorite books. It's a cautionary narrative about a nation in which "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25) It relates seven cycles of apostasy and the roots causes behind the falling away. It also tells of God's merciful intervention and deliverance of His chosen people each of those times. Judges is a great book to study as a series of character profiles.Three people stand out.
Deborah (chapters 4-5) – During the third cycle of oppression, God raised up a woman named Deborah to lead the nation politically and spiritually. Although Barak led the troops into battle, she was clearly the brains behind the operation.
Gideon (chapters 6-8) – Some of Gideon's heroics may be familiar from childhood Sunday school stories, but he's an interesting study. He has a unique brand of measured boldness, only to fall prey to the pitfalls of success.
Samson (chapters 13-16) – I think this guy is one of the most perplexing characters in Scripture. He had a casual disrespect for God's law, mixed with an undeniable divine empowerment. I can't figure him out.
Things to note
What you learn about us as human beings. Judges offers a stark account of what we are like, especially when we are left to ourselves.
How God displays His grace and His power.
Your turn – What have you learned from the book of Judges?
