In the WordSample

Week 13, Day 1 Read Judges 1, Deuteronomy 7:1-5 Judges - Deborah Bad habits die hard — once begun, they can be nearly impossible to stop. No one knows this truth better than Israel. After Joshua’s death, the people fail to obey God’s command to remove the other nations inhabiting the Promised Land. Slowly but surely — over the next 400 years — the Israelites become corrupted by these neighboring groups, falling into idolatry and immorality. So begins a sinful cycle, which is illustrated seven times within the Book of Judges: 1. Israel falls into sin and idolatry 2. Israel becomes enslaved 3. Israel cries out for deliverance 4. God raises a judge 5. God delivers Israel Though we understand a judge as someone presiding over a dispute in a court of law, the judges God calls up to deliver Israel are different. These judges operate not in the courtroom but on a battlefield, leading Israel’s military campaigns to free the enslaved tribes from oppressive nations. Typically, these judges receive lifetime appointments from God. But once the judge dies, the sin cycle quickly starts up again, so God raises up a new judge to fight for His people. As the Father proves Himself faithful (once again) in the midst of Israel’s pervasive moral and spiritual disobedience, a woman named Ruth (who lived in the same era as the judges) lives a life in stark contrast to her peers. Because of her faithful obedience, God uses her to illustrate the inclusion of Gentiles in His redemption plan, and to foreshadow the future ministry of Jesus. Scripture Coverage: Judges and Ruth Scripture Reading: Judges and Ruth Book Genre: Historical Main Theme: Judges are chosen to the lead the people over 400 years Main Events: Deborah; Gideon; Samson; Ruth Main Characters: Deborah; Gideon; Samson; Ruth Think about: Looking back: What three commands has God given the people? What will happen if they fail to obey? (Deuteronomy 7:1-5)