Judges

Growing in Christ

"He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:45

Overview of Old Testament or New Testament

Links to observations drawn from other other books of the Bible

Practical and Pastoral Observations on the Book of Judges (please read each chapter slowly and meditatively before reading observations below):

Introduction: Moses and Joshua had been strong leaders, unifying and leading Israel into the promised land and subjugating much of it. At Joshua's death however no replacement leader was designated or selected leaving each of the tribes to make their own way to cleanse their own portion of the land from paganism without the support of the rest of Israel, as had been the case since the Exodus. Leaderless, Israel floundered as a loose confederacy. There was neither a strong high-priest bringing the people together at Shiloh for worship nor a strong political leader to coordinate the task of cleansing the remainder of the land.

A cyclic pattern ensued in which Israel drifted from the worship of Yahweh and "did what was right in their own eyes" (17:6; 21:25) weakening them as they followed their own whims and desires. In this vacuum of spiritual and political leadership Canaanite groups sought to reclaim their traditional land. The Lord frequently intervened to raise up "judges" (civic and military leaders), some of whom ruled concurrently since they didn't necessarily have national influence. 

Judges 1

Limited collaboration, limited success: Rather than going together against the remaining Canaanites, the tribes cast lots for who would go alone against them first (v.1). When Judah was chosen, Judah proposed a receiprocal collaborative effort with Simon (v.2) and this limited joint effort had signficant success (v.4, 8-13, 17-18) but could not advance against defenders with iron chariots (v.19).

No collaboration, no success: Without tribal collaboration Joseph gained a city (v.23-26) but no additional success is recorded, and the other tribes, working alone, made no gains against the Canaanites (v.21, 27-33). Dan even lost the small bit of land it had (v.34; ch.18). In some cases Canaanite were pressed into forced labour (v.28, 35) but in many, and perhaps most cases, the Canaanites continued to live among the Israelites and influence them (v.16, 21, 27, 29, 31-33).

Stalled: How could this situation have come about? Factors certainly included the fact 1.) Joshua appointed no successor and 2.) the tribes ceased the effective collaboration which marked their initial entrance into Canaan. But the primary reason, Israel's failing relationship with the Lord, is detailed in the next chapter. 

Sadly, this is only the first time God's people had "the land" but did not hold it. The danger is sometimes military or political but always spiritual and the danger reoccurs every generation.

Whole-hearted and persistent love for the Lord and full obedience to Him in spiritual unity of purpose is the irreducible core of success for God's people.

Personal Response: I will seek collaboration with God's people in every sphere in which Christians may be found. Lacking collaboration, I will, in my generation, hold "the land" for His possession as the Lord enables me.

My Prayer: Father, may your people be one. May we be one in seeking your face, one in love and obedience, one in advancing your Kingdom in every sphere and geography.