Introduction The Book of Samuel takes us back in history about 3000 years. It does not have the most interesting opening words. There was a certain man of a Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah. Nor does it immediately appeal to our western minds that are so hungry for “how […]
Introduction We have come to the second epilogue of the book of Judges, the first covering chapters 17-18. Both give us an in-depth view of the depths to which corruptness leads. Both focus on the role of the Levitical priesthood. As seen in the previous section, the sin of one superstitious yet religious family, a […]
Where does human depravity lead? This is the question to which the writer has been driving. Through the different times of the Judges, he was dealing with this question.
Introduction We come to the last of the Judges mentioned in the book of Judges. Samson is probably the best known for his acts of supernatural strength. His life and character is unfortunately defined for many of us by his physical power and his relationship with women. The question we need to ask, however, is […]
A difficult situation The next major Judge we are introduced to is Jephthah. We encounter him in chapters 11-12 of the Book of the Judges. If ever there was a difficult situation to rise as a leader, it was that of Jephthah. We have dealt with God’s people’s fall back into idolatry to the point […]
When we think about idolatry, we must always remember that it reaches far deeper than the making of a physical idol. That is always a byproduct of idolatry. At the core of idolatry as Scripture defines it, lies man’s replacing God with what man wants. It is the dethroning of God and the appointment of man and his makings to the throne. In the theme of the book of Judges, it is the denial of the true God as King and replacing Him with the gods of the nations.
Introduction While Psalms 1 and 2 are written in more general terms, Psalm 3 has a very specific context from which it originated. King David’s son Absalom was in pursuit and David had to flee. This is described in 2 Samuel 15:13-17. The situation and outcome did not look promising. Not only his kingdom, but also his life was […]
Think about this. He is the God of the covenant. In Christ He confirmed His covenant. And through saving you, He included you in His covenant. And ultimately, you will rest forever in His presence, which is the ultimate goal of His covenant.
Gideon’s faith did result in victory, accomplishing God’s purposes through him. I this, his faith was victorious. But his carelessness for his own soul and the souls of those who followed him, caused him to become prideful and conceited and to lead a free people back into slavery.
God put Himself on display in these events described in chapters 4 & 5. We come to know Him as the Living God speaking living words, crushing the enemy as the ultimate Lord and Deliverer. Deborah and Barak’s response were praise (5:2-3).
