The Dark Days of Israel’s Judges A Study of the Book of Judges The Dark Days of Israel’s Judges A Study of the Book of Judges Lesson 10 Judges 8:33—9:21 When Government is God’s Judgment October 18, 2009

I.Introduction A.O.K., so 60 verses is a bit much B.A needed disclaimer C.A quick tour of our text II.The Setting (Judges 8:29-35) A.Gideon had many wives and many sons, one by a concubine (8:29-31). B.Gideon died, and Israel quickly turned from God to another god, Baal-Berith (8:32-33). C.Israel did not remember God as her Deliverer from every enemy (8:34). D.Israel did not show kindness to the family of Gideon, for all the good he had done (8:35). E.Israel is ripe for judgment, but of another kind.

III.Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (9:1-6). A.Abimelech takes the initiative (9:1ff.). B.Israel expects to be ruled by Gideon’s sons (8:22; 9:2). C.Abimelech goes to Shechem. 1. He appeals to his father’s side. 2. He appeals to his mother’s side 3. He asks his relatives to speak for him to the rest of the people of Shechem. 4. His argument: a.Better one than many rulers b.Better a relative than another D.Shechem’s complicity (their favor, finances, and follow through/coronation) E.They don’t have to do the dirty work.

IV.Jotham speaks out (9:7-21) A.Jotham survives the slaughter, and learns of the coronation of Abimelech (9:7). B.Jotham cries out from Mt. Gerizim (Deut. 11:29; 27:12-13*; Joshua 8:33-35).

C.Jotham’s words are of blessing and cursing. D.Jotham’s parable – Overview & Observations: 1. It is addressed to the men of Shechem, not to Abimelech. 2. The trees want and seek a ruler over them – it is their initiative. 3. The trees are listed in order of usefulness (fruitful trees, vine, worthless thorn bush). 4. The fruitful trees decline – they can be a blessing by bearing their fruit or useless as rulers (“rule over” vs “wave over”). 5. The thornbush is good for nothing but scratches and burning (see Psalm 58:9). 6. Thornbush offers little to its subjects: be subject or suffer.

V.Jotham’s leadership A.He speaks for Israel’s benefit. B.He speaks of God and for God, like a prophet. C.He speaks of blessing or cursing – consistent with the Law of Moses. D.Unlike Gideon, he does not seek vengeance, although many brothers are unjustly killed. E.Jotham leaves judgment to God, but spells out the consequences. F.His words are a prophecy and a curse, which will be providentially fulfilled by God (9:57). G.Abimelech and the people of Shechem will bring judgment on each other.

VI.Conclusion – Lessons to be learned A.Judgment comes from within (government), as well as from without. B.Taking the place of God brings judgment. C.Plurality in leadership is better, with One exception. D.“Vengeance is Mine” (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30) E.Judgment comes upon the one who ruled wickedly and on those who participated with /facilitated him. F.Judgment is severe for those who take innocent life.

G.When is government God’s judgment, or deserving of God’s judgment? 1. When it promises what only God can provide 2. When it encourages men to put their trust in government rather than in God 3. When we forget that all deliverance (salvation) comes from God, and nowhere else (including government) 4. When it requires what belongs only to God 5. When government comes into being or seeks to succeed by using unprincipled men and immoral means 6. When it approves, supports or facilitates the slaughter of the innocent 7. When it ceases to serve for man’s good

Copyright © 2009 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 10 in the series, The Dark Days of Israel’s Judges, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for October 18, Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.