Jephthah and the Ammonites – shaped by truth… and pagan beliefs (Judg 11:12-28)
We have seen so far that Israel was threatened by the Ammonites and Jephthah has been made leader. He, the former outcast, must have felt good about negotiating on equal terms with the Ammonite king (11:15, ‘Thus says…’ is a…
Jephthah and the elders negotiate – What drives us? (Judg 11:4-11)
Once, when I took an evening course for further training, I had a Christian classmate who was starved for affection and believed that she wasn’t lovable. To feel loved, she would give people lots of presents and provide small services…
Jephthah and a compromised people (Judg 10:17–11:3)
As the story continues, we expect God to raise up a judge (e.g. Judg 3:9, 15), but this is not mentioned. Instead, the elders of Gilead (the area closest to the Ammonite threat), advertise the leadership job (10:17). We may…
Israel cries out to God – Help me but stay out of my life! (Judg 10:6–16)
While not all difficulties are an indication of sin, sometimes God brings circumstances into our lives to call us to our senses. Like the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable in Luke 15, our struggles may awaken us to our need…
Introduction to Judges – Beliefs Shape Attitudes
Judges is not a book that is often preached on or read given its violent story line and dubious heroes. Yet, it presents a stark warning for the church about the dangers of losing our moral and religious moorings. Modern…