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When The Judges Ruled Israel Biblical Studies From Judges & Ruth

A “2nd Introduction” Judges 2:6 – 3:6 The “1st Introduction” is 1:1 – 2:5 The author of Judges will now give a parallel account, re-stating some of the same themes previously developed Both begin with Joshua’s death 1:1 2:8 Both conclude the same way 2:3 2:21

Concluding The 1st Intro Judg 2:1-5 Because Israel failed to drive out the Canaanites, God sent an angel with a message God had been faithful to the covenant…by contrast, Israel had failed to obey God would no longer drive out the Canaanites

Concluding The 1st Intro Judg 2:1-5 Upon hearing God’s decision, Israel wept The place was called Bochim (weeping)

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 Reviewing Joshua’s last words vv. 6-9 A “farewell address” Josh 23:1 – 24:28 Upon completing it, Joshua dismissed the people to their newly-gained inheritance v. 6 The people served God all the days that Joshua & the elders lived v. 7

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 Reviewing Joshua’s last words vv. 6-9 Eventually, the “Joshua generation” leaders died vv. 8-10a Josh 24:29-31 These verses emphasize the value of godly leadership and the effect it can have on a collective group of God’s people

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 Reviewing Joshua’s last words vv. 6-9 At the same time, these verses can also suggest Israel’s “faithfulness” might not have been fully genuine Were they only “faithful” because the older generation was still living? 2 Chron 24:1-2, 15-22 2 Tim 1:5

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 Israel’s failure after Joshua v. 10 After the “Joshua generation” was gone, there arose another generation that did not know God nor what He had done for Israel A failure to teach (Joshua generation) OR a failure to learn (post-Joshua generation) [same result either way]

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 Israel’s failure after Joshua v. 10 This failure is contrary to the Biblical view of parents teaching & children learning Deut 6:5-9 Prov 22:6 Eph 6:4 2 Tim 3:15

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 Results of Israel’s failure vv. 11-13 Not knowing the Lord nor what He had done for Israel had severe consequences Such “ignorance” allowed Israel to fill that void with idolatry Always the danger when the next generation is not prepared to serve the Lord

Baal Usually referring to a local Canaanite deity Sometimes had qualifying names that signified their respective areas Num 25:3 Josh 11:17 Judg 3:3

Baal To them was attributed the power of fertility in agriculture, livestock, and even humans Important to secure their favor in Palestine (few natural streams & springs, and very uncertain rains)

Baal Such an “inclination” to bow down to them led to the adoption of various cultic practices (child sacrifices, prostitution)

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 God’s reaction to Baal worship vv. 14-18 His anger burned against His people, and He gave them over to plunderers v. 14 Wherever they went, His hand was against them v. 15 He raised up judges to deliver them from their oppressors v. 16

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 God’s reaction to Baal worship vv. 14-18 Israel would not listen to anyone who tried o warn her re: the dangers of her ways v. 17 Even though God was opposed to Israel, He was with the judge He raised up as their deliverer v. 18a

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 God’s reaction to Baal worship vv. 14-18 The phrase “played the harlot” is significant It emphasizes how God viewed Israel’s idolatrous behavior…it was spiritual adultery Ex 19:4-6 20:2-6 34:14-16 Ex 19:8 24:3, 7

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 God’s reaction to Baal worship vv. 14-18 Despite being wronged, God still showed His great attributes v. 18b He still loved them…He was “moved to pity” at their sufferings when oppressed…He “heard their groanings” when they cried out for deliverance

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 Israel’s relief from oppression v. 19 It would only last as long as the judge who delivered them was alive As soon as he died, she would go right back to her “ways of harlotry”…her unfaithfulness would progress worse & worse

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 God’s reaction to repeated sin vv. 20-23 He would no longer drive out the Canaanites from before them vv. 20-21 2:3 He would let stubborn Israel suffer the consequences of her unfaithfulness Rom 1:24, 26, 28 1 Cor 5:5

The 2nd Introduction Judg 2:6-23 God’s reaction to repeated sin vv. 20-23 All this was done to “test” Israel to see if she would keep the way of the Lord and walk in it vv. 22-23

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