When The Judges Ruled Israel

When The Judges Ruled Israel Biblical Studies From Judges & Ruth

A “2nd Introduction” Judges 2:6 – 3:6 • The “1st Introduction” is 1:1 – 2:5 • The author of Judges will now give a parallel account, re-stating some of the same themes previously developed • Both begin with Joshua’s death 1:1 2:8 • Both conclude the same way 2:3 2:21

Concluding The 1st Intro Judg 2:1-5 • Because Israel failed to drive out the Canaanites, God sent an angel with a message • God had been faithful to the covenant…by contrast, Israel had failed to obey • God would no longer drive out the Canaanites

Concluding The 1st Intro Judg 2:1-5 • Upon hearing God’s decision, Israel wept • The place was called Bochim (weeping)

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • Reviewing Joshua’s last words vv. 6-9 • A “farewell address” Josh 23:1 – 24:28 • Upon completing it, Joshua dismissed the people to their newly-gained inheritance v. 6 • The people served God all the days that Joshua & the elders lived v. 7

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • Reviewing Joshua’s last words vv. 6-9 • Eventually, the “Joshua generation” leaders died vv. 8-10a Josh 24:29-31 • These verses emphasize the value of godly leadership and the effect it can have on a collective group of God’s people

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • Reviewing Joshua’s last words vv. 6-9 • At the same time, these verses can also suggest Israel’s “faithfulness” might not have been fully genuine • Were they only “faithful” because the older generation was still living? 2 Chron 24:1-2, 15-22 2 Tim 1:5

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • Israel’s failure after Joshua v. 10 • After the “Joshua generation” was gone, there arose another generation that did not know God nor what He had done for Israel • A failure to teach (Joshua generation)OR a failure to learn (post-Joshua generation) [same result either way]

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • Israel’s failure after Joshua v. 10 • This failure is contrary to the Biblical view of parents teaching & children learning Deut 6:5-9 Prov 22:6 Eph 6:4 2 Tim 3:15

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • Results of Israel’s failure vv. 11-13 • Not knowing the Lord nor what He had done for Israel had severe consequences • Such “ignorance” allowed Israel to fill that void with idolatry • Always the danger when the next generation is not prepared to serve the Lord

Baal • Usually referring to a local Canaanite deity • Sometimes had qualifying names that signified their respective areas Num 25:3 Josh 11:17 Judg 3:3

Baal • To them was attributed the power of fertility in agriculture, livestock, and even humans • Important to secure their favor in Palestine (few natural streams & springs, and very uncertain rains)

Baal • Such an “inclination” to bow down to them led to the adoption of various cultic practices (child sacrifices, prostitution)

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • God’s reaction to Baal worship vv. 14-18 • His anger burned against His people, and He gave them over to plunderers v. 14 • Wherever they went, His hand was against them v. 15 • He raised up judges to deliver them from their oppressors v. 16

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • God’s reaction to Baal worship vv. 14-18 • Israel would not listen to anyone who tried o warn her re: the dangers of her ways v. 17 • Even though God was opposed to Israel, He was with the judge He raised up as their deliverer v. 18a

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • God’s reaction to Baal worship vv. 14-18 • The phrase “played the harlot” is significant • It emphasizes how God viewed Israel’s idolatrous behavior…it was spiritualadulteryEx 19:4-6 20:2-6 34:14-16 Ex 19:8 24:3, 7

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • God’s reaction to Baal worship vv. 14-18 • Despite being wronged, God still showed His great attributes v. 18b • He still loved them…He was “moved to pity” at their sufferings when oppressed…He “heard their groanings” when they cried out for deliverance

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • Israel’s relief from oppression v. 19 • It would only last as long as the judge who delivered them was alive • As soon as he died, she would go right back to her “ways of harlotry”…her unfaithfulness would progress worse & worse

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • God’s reaction to repeated sin vv. 20-23 • He would no longer drive out the Canaanites from before them vv. 20-21 2:3 • He would let stubborn Israel suffer the consequences of her unfaithfulness Rom 1:24, 26, 28 1 Cor 5:5

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 • God’s reaction to repeated sin vv. 20-23 • All this was done to “test” Israel to see if she would keep the way of the Lord and walk in it vv. 22-23

When The Judges Ruled Israel