Judges: [ /jəj/ ] noun --- The Hebrew term shofet, which is translated into English as “judge,” is closer in meaning to “ruler,” a kind of military leader or deliverer from potential or actual defeat.
The Book of Judges does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that the Prophet Samuel was the author of Judges. Internal evidence indicates that the author of Judges lived shortly after the period of the Judges. Samuel fits this qualification. The text was likely written between 1045 and 1000 B.C.
OVERVIEW:
The book can be considered a period of time for the Israelites, as well as a book in the Bible. It covers a time period between the death of Joshua and the crowing of Saul as King, which is written of in 1 Samuel 10:24. The text covers a variety of geographic locations: cities, villages, and battlefields across the region, which make for interesting journeys through the land.
The text can be divided into two sections. In Chapters 1-16, we read of an account of the wars of deliverance beginning with the Israelites' defeat of the Canaanites. This section end with the defeat of the Philistines and the death of Samson. The second section, chapters 17-21, refer to an appendix of sorts and does not relate to the previous chapters. It is likely in the final few chapters (Judges 17–21) we have an overview of the moral climate during those days and not a chronological order of events. These events probably happened in and around the times of various judges mentioned in earlier chapters of the text.
The nation underwent political and religious turmoil as the people tried to possess those parts of the land that had not yet been fully conquered. The tribes fought among themselves during this time, in great extremes even (Ch. 12, 20-21).
SO WHAT?
The main idea within this text is seeing and understanding that God will not let sin go unpunished. Rebellion and disregard for His commands and authority will bring about consequences and judgement from His hand.
We saw in Exodus that Israel was established as God’s people, God was their King. There was a rejection of God’s covenant with them at Mount Saini. In Judges, God disciplined them for following other gods, disobeying His sacrificial laws, engaging in blatant immorality, and descending into anarchy at times. Yet, because they were His people, He listened to their cries for mercy and raised up leaders to deliver them. Unfortunately, even these godly individuals did not wield sufficient influence to change the nation’s direction. The people’s inability to resist sinful Canaanite influences eventually revealed their desire for an earthly king, forsaking the Kingship of God they had.
What we must remember as we look at and mediate on God’s word in the Book of Judges is the faithfulness and discipline of God for our good and His name’s sake, His glory. If we continue in disobedience, like the nation of Israel in Judges, we invite God’s discipline, not because He enjoys our suffering, but “because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son" (Hebrews 12:6). We are reminded in this text of God’s faithfulness. Even “if we are faithless, He will remain faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13). Though we may be unfaithful to Him, as the Israelites were, still He is faithful to save us and preserve us (1 Thessalonians 5:24) and to forgive us when we seek forgiveness (1 John 1:9). “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:8-9). God’s faithfulness to those who seek Him through Jesus is available to you today. Trust in the Perfect King Jesus, who is Savior and Lord, today. Together, may we seek and remember God’s mighty works, in the true accounts of the Bible and in our own lives. Like the old hymn, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way. To be happy in Jesus, then to trust and obey.”
Next month, we will look at the Book of Ruth – an account of genuine love and redemption. Regardless of our circumstances in life, we can live according to the instructions of God. Genuine love and kindness will be rewarded. God abundantly blesses those who seek to live obedient lives. Looking forward to continue the journey, friends!
