The Basics: A Brief Overview of Judges
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
Introduction
Who wrote it
When did they write it
Key topics
Key sections
Books that interact with each other
Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE:
Judges
INTRODUCTION:
If you are wanting a book with shorter stories describing incredible heroic acts of amazing heroes in the Bible, look no further. Judges is a book reflecting the incredible nature of Jesus wanting to be intently involved in the affairs of His chosen people. Unfortunately, this book is also a historical account of how quickly a nation can depart from God. A proverb that reflects this book is Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
WHO WROTE IT:
We cannot be dogmatic on who wrote the book of Judges, however some have speculated that it was the Prophet Samuel. Chuck Smith is quoted saying, “So this book of Judges covers this period of time between the death of Joshua and the coming in of Samuel, who was the final judge over Israel and who anointed Saul to be the first king over Israel”
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
We know that the book is written after the events described had already transpired. The events themselves are documented as having been done during the period between Joshua and King Saul. During this time, the people of Israel are ruled in a theocracy manner, each following his own reasoning and heart; while only being corrected and saved by God through a judge.
KEY TOPICS:
Topics that a reader should expect to find when reading Judges is, war, peace, Tribes of Israel, Nephelim, witchcraft, salvation, faith, woman leader, Gentiles, Jews, and land.
KEY SECTIONS:
Chapters 1-2 is the dawn of the judges, chapters 3-16 are the accounts of the judges, and finally chapters 17-21 is the results of having judges rule the nation of Israel.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
When reviewing other books of the Bible, we can quickly identify that the book of Ruth leans heavily on the book of Judges. The book of Ruth is accounted as having occurred during the time of Judges.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
Judges identifies human nature in our own sinful patterns of life, Dr. J. Vernon McGee in his book Briefing the Bible, states “The nation serving God —> did evil —> Forsook God —> Followed own way —> Sold into slavery —> Slavery —> Servitude —> Cried to God —> Turned to God —> Repented —> Judges raised up —> Delivered.” Pg 50. Dr. McGee argues that this is the pattern which happens several times throughout the book of Judges. We should also recognize that the book of Judges is God revealing His tirelessly devoted love to the people of Israel, even at a young age. Judges is a similar reminder to the born again believer that there is nothing God cannot do and will not do, in order to wake up those who belong to Him. The accounts in the book of Judges should bring the fear of God to the reader in understanding the magnitude that God has placed on Israel; and ultimately places on you and I when it comes to our sin. Judges points adamantly to the need of a savior, but also the need for us to follow God.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming
JL