When The Judges Ruled Israel

When The Judges Ruled Israel Biblical Studies From Judges & Ruth

Lesson 1 – General Introduction Familiar quotes depicting a sad truth… • Students of history & “people watchers” easily see examples illustrating this in everyday culture • Biblically, no book better illustrates this than Judges

Lesson 1 – General Introduction Overview • The Scripture reveals “negative reviews” of Israel’s O.T. history • Paul gives such a “review” Acts 13:16-41 • Judges are mentioned v. 20 • Days when Israel didn’t do her best

Lesson 1 – General Introduction Overview • These days fall between the end of the Conquest Years & the United Kingdom • Any O.T. revelation is always worth our time & effort to study 2 Tim 3:16-17 Rom 15:4 1 Cor 10:1-11

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Judges • A chronicle of a sad & disappointing cycle in Israel’s history…repeated unfaithfulness • When studying the book, one can only wonder why she kept committing the same sins over & over [earlier secular quotes]

350+ Years Israel’s “Cycle Of Unfaithfulness” Apostasy Peace Oppression Deliverance Repentance

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Judges • As unfaithful as the book portrays Israel, it shows God’s mercy & patience 2 Pet 3:9 • The term “judge” does not fit our modern idea of black-robed jurists who sit on benches to hear & decide legal cases

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Judges • Some such “judging” did occur 4:4-5 • A more accurate term = “deliverer” • God would raise up such a “rescuer” to deliver Israel from oppression 3:9, 15 • How many? The “list” can vary…

Abimelech (Not really a “judge”) List Of Judges • Othniel • Ehud • Shamgar • Deborah • Gideon • Tola • Jair • Jephthah • Ibzan • Elon • Abdon • Samson • Eli • Samuel

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Judges • The author is unknown…the most popular choice is Samuel (not provable) • The book was definitely written after the death of Joshua 2:7-9

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Judges • Most likely, it was written during the reign of David • The reference to Jebus (Jerusalem) was not fully conquered until his days as king 1:21 Josh 15:63 2 Sam 5:6-10

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Judges • Students will learn or be reminded of… …the consequences of disobeying God …the patience, mercy, & forgiveness of God • The book has a 3-point outline, and is not arranged chronologically

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Ruth • As bad as are the accounts of the judges, the story of this book is that refreshing • Spiritual character absent in Israel was found in a young Moabite widow who came to live in Israel during those days 1:1

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Ruth • More than likely, her story occurs very early in the days of the judges • Rahab (the harlot spared at Jericho) was the mother of Boaz…Ruth would eventually marry him Josh 2 Mt 1:5

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Ruth • Some view this book as a “love story”… this can be an accurate viewpoint • Family love 2:2, 11, 17-18 4:15 • Marital love 3:10-15 • Spiritual love 1:16

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Ruth • The author is unknown…the most popular choice is Samuel (not provable) • The book was most likely written during the reign of David 4:18-22 • Purpose Ù to show David’s lineage

Lesson 1 – General Introduction The Book Of Ruth • The book has a 4-point outline

When The Judges Ruled Israel