Chaos in the Promised Land JUDGES Chaos in the Promised Land

JUDGES: Plot Time frame = from death of Joshua to just before anointing of Saul as 1st King (approx. 350 yrs.) Shows realization of Moses’ worst fears Chaos reigns b/c Israel disobeys the covenant In the absence of a king, individualism is the only rule of law

The “Judges Cycle” Disobedience Oppression Repentance Deliverance

Who Were the “Judges”? Not “judges” in the legal sense, although they did at times mediate disputes Not “kings” – unlikely any of them had the allegiance of all 12 Tribes at once Deliverers raised up by God & empowered by His Spirit to lead against Israel’s enemies; heroic warriors who rallied the people

JUDGES: Major Characters Othniel – 1st Judge Ehud – left-handed Judge Deborah – only female Judge Gideon – asked for a sign Samson – strong-man Judge who violated his Nazirite vow

JUDGES: Major Events Death of Joshua Failure to drive out all Canaanites; sets the stage for all that follows Intermarriage with Canaanites & adoption of idolatry Ehud assassinates Eglon, king of Moab Deborah & Barak’s victory over Jabin, king of Canaan Gideon destroys an altar to Baal & puts out his fleece Judgeship of Samson & defeat of Philistines Death of the Levite’s concubine Near-destruction of tribe of Benjamin

JUDGES: Key Verse “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25

JUDGES: Lessons for Today 1. Undisciplined individualism leads to _________________! 2. God’s people always 2 choices: obedience, or _________ to the society around us. 3. Even when we sin, God does not _______________ His people & will hear our cries of repentance. 4. The most ________________ person may turn out to be God’s instrument in time of need.