Introduction
The Bible contains interesting and enlightening stories that help people understand life and come closer to knowing God and His will. The Book of Judges is one of the few Bible books that does not focus on one character but tells readers stories of different people and their exploits for God. This book is about the moment in Israel’s history when they did not fully conquer the lands and fought for them with other nations, as well as among the tribes, two of which were almost eradicated. The Book of Judges demonstrates God’s mercy and faithfulness because, regardless of Israel’s people’s immorality, He raised multiple leaders to rescue the nation from their sins and the oppression of other nations.
Judah’s Victories over the Canaanites After Joshua’s Death
The first chapter of Judges is about Israel’s war with the Canaanites, which lasted until Joshua’s death. The main characters present in the chapter are Caleb, Othniel, and Caleb’s daughter Aksah. The story begins with the Israelites asking God who should fight against the Canaanites first. God chose the men of Judah and promised that “He has given the land into their hands” (New International Version Bible, 1978, Judg. 1:2). God of Israel helped the people of Judah to defeat their enemies, including the battles in Bethel, Hebron, Gaza, Ashkelon, Ekron, Kiriath Sepher, and Jerusalem. Othniel was the one who attacked and captured KiriathSepher and took Caleb’s daughter Aksah to him in marriage as a reward.
Israel’s Disobedience, Divine Punishment, and the Rise of Judges
The second chapter of this book is about Israel’s disobedience and punishment as a consequence. The angel of the Lord came to the Israelites and condemned them for breaking the promise of not marrying people from the lands they started to settle. They continued to disobey and served Baal and the Ashtoreths, which angered God even more. That is the reason why He gave the Israelites into the hands of raiders.
Israel was defeated by every enemy they faced, and the hand of the Lord was against them in these battles. After all these punishments, the Lord raised judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders (New International Version Bible, 1978, Judg. 2:16). However, the Israelites did not fully return to the ways of the Lord and came back to sin after the judges died.
Early Judges and Cycles of Deliverance: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar
In the third chapter, several characters rescue the Israelites from different troubles. It focuses on the stories of Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. God showed His mercy and gave them the power to free Israel from oppression. Even though they married people from other nations that lived in these lands, and served the Baals and the Asherahs, God “gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him” (New International Version Bible, 1978, Judg. 3:10). The land was peaceful for forty years until Othniel’s death.
A similar story was repeated many times because Israel left their promises and served other gods again. However, God’s faithfulness is the greatest, and He continued to give his people chances through Ehud and Shamgar.
Deborah, Barak, and the Defeat of Sisera
In the next chapter, the king of Canaan, Jabin, and the commander of his army, Sisera, oppressed God’s nation for twenty years. Deborah was a judge of Israel when she said to Barak that God “will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into Barak’s hands” (New International Version Bible, 1978, Judg. 4:10). However, Jael was the one that killed Sisera and showed him to Barak when he came. God helped his nation become stronger, and, as a result, they destroyed Jabin.
The Song of Deborah and Barak Celebrating God’s Victory
The fifth chapter is a song by Deborah and Barak about their victory and God’s greatness. They sang, “may all who love God be like the sun when it rises in its strength” (New International Version Bible, 1978, Judg. 5:31). After this war, their land was peaceful for forty years.
The Calling of Gideon and Israel’s Deliverance from Midianite Oppression
In the sixth chapter, God’s angel calls Gideon to name him the “mighty warrior.” The Midianites were so oppressive that the Israelites were forced to prepare shelters in caves, mountain clefts, and strongholds. Midianites and Amalekites invaded their country, stole their harvest, and “did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys” (New International Version Bible, 1978, Judg. 6:4). Israel’s people cried out to God because of their despair. When Gideon faced the angel, he hid from the Midianites but was called mighty. God believed in him even though his clan was the weakest in Manasseh, and he was the least in his family. Gideon destroyed the monument to Baal and the pillar of Ashera at night and was called Jerub-Baal that day. He tested God and asked Him to show His will by several symbols to be confident that God would be with them and help them.
Conclusion
To conclude, this book is all about the second chances that God gives people. Even though Israel betrayed God many times and was not faithful to Him, the Lord always found loyal people. The stories of Othniel, Ehud, Gideon, and Barak are testimonies of God’s mercy in the most challenging situations. Unlike people, the Book of Judges is an excellent example of God’s faithfulness and ability to keep promises.
References
New International Version Bible. (1978). Biblica.