Day 46 – Judges: Introduction

“In those days Israel had no king, all the people whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” Judges 17:6 NLT

With the plethora of superheroes in our day, it’s strange to think of the characters in Judges as heroes. But 11 men and a woman helped rule and rescue Israel from their oppressors. These judges did not live in palaces or different dimensional realms and were far from perfect. In fact, they included an assassin, a doubter, and a sexually promiscuous man. But when they were submissive to God, He worked through them in amazing ways.

Judges is a book that teaches us about sin and its consequences. Like a minor cut that becomes infected and causes damage when left untreated, sin grows and soon poisons the whole body. Joshua ends with Israel taking a stand, moving into their promise. Ready to experience all the blessings and abundance. After settling in Canaan, however, the Israelites lost their spiritual commitment and motivation. When Joshua and the elders died, the nation experienced a leadership vacuum, leaving them without a strong central government. And instead of enjoying freedom, they entered a period known as Israel’s Dark Ages.

The first step away from God was incomplete obedience leading to intermarriage and idolatry and before long they ended in oppression and captivity. Again. But out of their desperation, they cried out to God and in His faithfulness and out of His loving-kindness, He would raise judges to deliver them – bringing with them brief seasons of peace.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the book of Judges teaching not only the history of Israel but Your constant love for Your people. The bravery of the judges You chose is exemplary for us to learn from. Give us the courage to act on Your Word even when it feels like our circumstances will never change. May we be the heroes to those around us in the way we love You and follow Jesus. Amen.