JUDGES

Broken people  - faithful God

First impression:                                                              

1.What do I see in this book that’s tells me about the Original Reader                                                                                                                      

The book is describing a people that are on their own – after the death of Joshua and before the kings. They were without a clear leader or king – but in the books showing how the community had it at the time of their different judges.

The reader of the book might be in their first years of the Kingdom of Saul.

In the end of the book of the Judges it is written; “In those day they didn’t have a King “

ch. 21.25. This era of the judges was a time of instability and moral depravity. (NB.74)

2. What do I see in this book that tells me about the author                                                                                                                                         

Probably been told for a long time orally. The writer is anonymous, but Samuel or one of his prophetic students may also have written it. (NB p.70)

Not a chronological story within the book.it covers a 350 years time.  (SVBp.303)  – But in retro perspective ways – about 380 years after the event’s described.

21.25: they did have a King. It shows that it may be Samuel  – not Saul or David.

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what else is a one sentence summery of the “main idea”?                                                                                            

God is trying to get the message in again:  “Do not do as the pagans do! Do not serve their gods”. They forgot the Lord e.g. ch.8.34 again and again .

Psalm 106.34-46 – David is describing the time of Judges.

Cycles in the book that is repeated: Gods blessing! – People fell into idolatry – suffering – repentance  - and God would deliver through on of the judges.  (SVB p. 303)

One sentence : “ In those days Israel had no king, all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” ch 21.25 – but God was faithful ch.11.21

4. What is the primary reason for this book was written                                                                                                                        

To recount the story of some of Israel ‘s heroes –called judges – and to give the nations ‘s history prior to the time it became a kingdom. SVB p.303. If I understood Bekah right in lecture it may also be that in a way it was Samuel writing this book to tell the people they needed a king, that things weren’t that great at the time of the judges.

                                                                                                 

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

5.What does the book show about the character and nature of God?                                                                                                                         

Patient  - over and over again thru the whole book He shows his mercy and deliverance.  One ex. ch 3.15 and 6.16

God loves

God is peace ch.6.24

He is the ruler ch.8.23

He encourages and gives them victory ch.7.9

He wants to have relationship (ch.22.28)

It is not your swords or bows that your brought you victory. (ch.24.12) Resembles the verses in 2.Cor. 10.4.

The Judges uses what they have for the work of the Lord – God answers with ch. 7.14 a timeless truth Paul is repeating. He is strong I am week

6.What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?                                                                                                                 

In ch.9.7- I understand it as a refuse to serve the creation instead of the God the creator like in Rom 1.25.

He gives His spirit to the judges  - and that’s what makes them good.  When they repented and cried out for help Ch. 3.10. In NT He says about The Holy Spirit Act 2.17, which again is prophesized about in Joel ch.3.1.

In the verses in Hebrew about people of Faith  - the judges Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah are all mentions! God longs for our Faith in Him!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Application questions                                                                                                                                                                                 

7.Personal application:                                                                                                                                                                                     

Who is the “judges” I am crying for in life when things become hard? – or do I look straight to God – and remind myself of the promises I have in Jesus!  

So often I am as the Israelites - it is so often easier to do some things , try to fix it myself or ask other persons/ helpers  - than believing God and keep that in mind.  One of my favorite verses in this issue is Phil.4.1-12.

As a midwife who has been working with pregnant women addicted to drugs/alcohol I am always impressed by the actuality of the Biblical prisipels – as here in ch.13.3 – telling the women not to taste any alcohol during pregnancy.

8.Point of passion:

Then the time of judges came…. Just a few days later, some women around our Parliament has started a campaign to reverse this new collaborate. So this week I will continue to pray for the doctors that are in front of “The right to reserve” – they have to speak out this week, being interviewed and quoted in newspaper.