Judges // Week 1

As we read through the Book of Judges together, we will see two paths and their outcomes: obedience and Disobedience. This book begins after Israel's current leader, Joshua, has died. God’s people have entered the Promised Land, but their work isn’t finished yet; they must still conquer it.

The “Judges'' we read about in this book aren’t what we would typically think of; they don’t settle disputes or determine legal repercussions for one's actions. The “Judges” we will read about in this book are more like military leaders. Judges 2:16-17 states, “Then the Lord who raised judges, who saved them from the hands of these raiders. Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them.” So these God-appointed Judges acted as the “saviors” or “delivers” of God’s people.

You will notice that this book is very cyclical. We will see over and over that sin leads to oppression, which through discipline brings repentance and finally deliverance, where there is finally peace. As we read about this tumultuous age, we should not forget that Jesus, the final and perfect Judge, lives forever to intercede on our behalf. 

We will see death, destruction and corruption all throughout this story, stark reminders of the consequences of sin. But amidst this, we will also see mercy, repentance and hope, shining beacons of a God of love. These pages reveal the harsh realities of sin, yes, but they also reveal the tenderhearted mercy God has toward His people, a mercy that is all the more profound in contrast. 

As we delve into this book, let us not just read, but let us be moved. Let us allow the cyclical nature of sin to remind us of our own need for a savior. Let us open our hearts to His discipline, knowing that it leads to life. Oh Lord, as we read, would you search our hearts and know us. Would you lead us in the way everlasting.