2. Week 7 Rebellion and Restoration The books of Judges and Ruth record the period between theocratic rule and the beginning of the monarchy. The book of Ruth shows loyalty and purity in a time of disobedience and immorality. The book of Judges is about a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, and deliverance.

3. Week 7 Rebellion and Restoration a. Three key themes of the book of Judges. – Disobedience or partial obedience leads to oppression and bondage. – God is long-suffering and desires to deliver His people. – A theocratic nation needs a righteous king. b. The Death of Joshua and Israel’s collective memory. – The people served the Lord during the days of Joshua. – The next generation did not embrace the faith of their fathers.

4. Week 7 Rebellion and Restoration c. An angelic message and a failure to respond. – Israel’s failure is one of obedience. – They weep but do not repent. – The cycle—rebellion, servitude, supplication, and deliverance. d. God’s gracious redemption. – A statesmen-deliverer is empowered by God. – Rebellion increases in intensity after each judge died. – “There was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

5. Week 7 Rebellion and Restoration e. An enduring promise. – God is faithful to His covenant. – From the judges to the prophets to the coming of His Son, God is faithful.