Day 49 – Judges: Rescue of Israel

Reading: Judges 3:7 to Judges 16:31

“But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord raised up a rescuer to save them.” Judges 3:9a NLT

The Israelites began a series of cycles in which they sinned, worshipped idols, were punished, cried out for help, were rescued by a judge sent from God, obeyed God for a while, and then fell back into idolatry. Decline, decay, and defeat caused a repeated return to their God – and with their repentance, we see God’s mercy and powerful demonstration of love.

Othniel was raised as a judge to rescue Israel from Cushan-rishathaim which they were serving as slaves for 8 years. Next came Ehud who rescued them from Moab where they were enslaved for 18 years. After a brief period of peace (8 years) Ehud died and Shamgar was chosen as Judge who once killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad. The third period starts with the enslavement to Canaan under the reign of King Hazor. Here we meet Deborah, the only female judge recorded. After 40 years of peace, Israel was captured by the Midianites. A meek and doubtful judge was raised, and Gideon became one of the mightiest heroes. Gideon’s son, Abimelech was chosen as king who ruled over Israel for 3 years, but soon Shechem rebelled against him. The fifth period introduces Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon with the oppression from the Ammonites. Jephthah’s actions teach the great responsibility and weight of our vows and the obedience to keep them. The last judge is Samson who was set apart as a Nazarene and followed his own path until, in His own captivity by the Philistines, gave his life to free Israel.

Prayer: Father, thank You for these mighty men and woman who model the importance of obedience to show Your love for Your nation. You picked each judge for each nation of oppression like You hand-picked us for where we need to be for Your will. Amen.