1. 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 1 Why Study Judges? August 16, 2009

2. I.Introduction II.Things we need to know about Judges A.It’s “judges” don’t really judge. B.It focuses on the Israelite tribes. C.It is not necessarily chronological or sequential. D.It fills the gap between Joshua and 1 Samuel. E.It provides the backdrop for the Book of Ruth. F.It describes a “confederation of states.” G.It keys to the Book of Judges 1.Judges 2:11-23 (cycles of Israel’s history) 2.“There was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (17:6; 21:25; see also 18:1; 19:1; Deut. 6:18; 12:8).

3. III.Why we are wrong if we avoid the Book of Judges – our excuses and why they are wrong: A.There is too much sex and violence. B.I’ve heard it all before (Sunday school stories). C.Judges is irrelevant to me and my life. D.Judges is politically incorrect (does God require jihad?) E.Judges is merely ancient history.

4. IV.Conclusion A.Judges is very relevant to our times. B.Judges gives us warning. C.Judges gives us instruction. D.Judges challenges us to pass the faith to the next generation. E.Judges gives us hope. 1.That the Word of God is true 2.That God can and does work through flawed creatures 3.That God is faithful to His covenant, and that our future is certain in Him 4.That the day of the coming of our King may be near

5. Copyright © 2009 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 1 in the series, The Dark Days of Israel’s Judges, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for August 16, 2009. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.