Bible Recap - Introduction to Judges

Overview

• Host: Tara Lee Cobble
• Focus on the book of Judges and the introduction to the first four judges.
• Theme: God leaves some Canaanite leaders as a test for Israelites.

Key Points

Israel's Rebellion

• Israel forgets God, worshiping Baal and Asheroth.
• God sells them into slavery as warned.
• After 8 years, Israelites cry out to God.

First Judge: Othniel

• Othniel is Caleb’s nephew/son-in-law.
• God's spirit upon him leads to victory and 40 years of peace.
• Israelites rebel again.

Second Judge: Ehud

• Israel enslaved by King Eglon of Moab for 18 years.
• Ehud is left-handed from the tribe of Benjamin, known as "son of the right hand."
• Ehud leads a ruse to stab King Eglon, leading to the Israelites killing 10,000 Moabites.
• Brings 80 years of peace.

Third Judge: Shamgar

• Shamgar likely a native Canaanite turned worshipper of Yahweh.
• He led Israel to victory over the Philistines.

Fourth Judge: Deborah

• Israelites enslaved by King Jabin of Canaan; Sisera is the military commander.
• Deborah is a wise, bold prophet who presides over legal cases.
• Appoints Barak as military commander; he only agrees to battle with Deborah.
• Prophesies that a woman will get credit for the victory.
• Jael, Heber’s wife, kills Sisera with a tent peg.
• A song of praise for God's victory leads to 40 years of peace.

Themes

• Unlikely Leaders: God chooses non-traditional leaders:
  • A left-handed man
  • A Canaanite
  • A woman
• God's choice of leaders reveals His heart for the overlooked and brings Him glory.

DGroup International

• Adjacent to Bible Recap, focuses on deep Bible study.
• DGroup meets in homes, churches, and online.
• Core value: Scripture as foundational.
• More info at mydgroup.org.

Conclusion

• God's use of unlikely leaders shows His sovereignty and heart for all people.
• Encouragement to see God’s work in unexpected ways.