Judges 3

Study Guide 25: Judges 3:7-16:31 HEROES AND HEROINES Overview The Book of Judges spans a period of several hundred years. During this time the people of Israel consistently turned away from God, seduced by the religions of the peoples they had been commanded to drive out of Canaan. The “ judges” of this era were charismatic leaders, who typically led one or several tribes to military victory over oppressing peoples. They then served as civil and religious leaders, and during their lives the people they judged typically remained faithful to the Lord. Study Guide 24 should be reviewed before teaching the life of any of the judges, who were the heroes and heroines of faith during a dark and tragic era in Israel’ s history. BIOGRAPHICAL STUDY. There is great value in looking at the lives of Bible men and women. What do we look for? We observe their experiences: How do these mirror our own experiences? What errors did they make we can avoid? What positive choices can we imitate? We look at their character: What traits do we want to see developed in our own lives? How did that person grow and mature? We look at their relationship with God: What lessons can we learn? How did their faith find expression? What difficulties helped develop their trust in God? How was love for the Lord displayed? By their example, we learn and grow.

Commentary The judges of ancient Israel have captured the imaginations of children in Israel and the Christian era. But there is much here for adults, as we lead biographical studies of these men and women of faith. In studying this section of Judges we’ re guided by a principle of biblical interpretation we can call “ selection and emphasis.” All the events that God chose to have recorded in Scripture are there for a reason. But the story of some events is given more emphasis than others. This rightly draws our attention to those reports that the Bible emphasizes. For instance, we can look at the number of verses given in this Bible book to the story of each judge.

OthnielJdg_3:7-115 verses EhudJdg_3:12-3019 verses ShamgarJdg_3:311 verse Deborah/Barak4:1-5:3155 verses Gideon6:1-8:35100 verses TolaJdg_10:1-22 verses JairJdg_10:3-53 verses Jephthah10:6-12:780 verses IbzanJdg_12:8-103 verses ElonJdg_12:11-122 verses AbdonJdg_12:13-153 verses Samson13:1-16:3196 versesIn terms of the impact of the judges on the men and women of their own times, each may have been equally significant. But in terms of the message for us in the life of these judges, it is clear that Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson are more important to us. So in this unit we’ ll examine the message in each of their lives, and how to convey that message to children and to adults.

Deborah/Barak: Judges 4-5 Ancient civilizations were patriarchal in structure. In such societies, the role of men was emphasized. In many cultures women were viewed as nothing more than property, and were not permitted even to inherit the possessions of their husbands, much less given authority. Israel too was patriarchal, but women were not oppressed there as in other lands. Women are even among the Old Testament prophets, who were called by God to be His spokeswomen. Deborah was one of these special women, who even before the military victory over the Cannanites was “ judging” Israel from Ramah. The term “ judging” is important if we are to understand this woman’ s importance. A judge was more than a person who settled disputes (which Deborah did: see Judges 4:5). A judge in Israel exercised all the functions of a governor: he or she held executive and legislative authority, and often military authority as well. We can sense Deborah’ s authority as she “ sends for” Barak, and he comes. It is only when Barak arrives that Deborah speaks in her role as prophetess, and tells him, “ The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you.” The Lord’ s command. This area of Palestine had been oppressed for 20 years by a powerful Canaanite king. His power rested in military strength: the Canaanites had 900 chariots of iron. These military chariots often had sharp blades attached to the hubs of their wheels: foot soldiers were devastated by the charge of these heavy vehicles, their whirring knives flashing. God promised through Deborah to give Barak and just 10,000 Israelites a victory over the larger, better equipped Canaanite force. Barak was willing to obey only if Deborah promised to go too. “ If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’ t go with me, I won’ t go” (Judges 4:8). Clearly Deborah had won not only the respect of the leading men of her day, but also was held in awe by them. No one who observes Barak’ s response to Deborah could ever believe that women were, because of their sex alone, second-class citizens in Israel. This woman was a leader; a leader on whom men like Barak had learned to depend. Deborah’ s secret. While we have to believe that Deborah was an exceptional person in her own right, there was more to her leadership than her special talents. We can be sure she was wise and fair: the readiness of Israelites to trek to where Deborah held court so she could settle their disputes tells us that (Judges 4:5). But what really made Deborah special, and won her the respect of the men of Israel, was her closeness to the Lord. God spoke to this woman. And God spoke through her. She was one of those few spokesmen that God selected to communicate His will to His Old Testament people: Deborah was a prophetess (Judges 4:4). It was Deborah’ s special relationship with God that was recognized by all the people, and that won her their respect. And it was Deborah’ s closeness to God that led Barak to call for her to go with him. Barak was willing to fight. But he wanted to be sure of God’ s presence. In this particular historical situation, it was Deborah who represented to Barak the very presence of God. The victory. Deborah did go with Barak, and he led his forces to a stunning military victory. But even there Barak was directed and encouraged by Deborah (Judges 4:14). As if to underline the role of Deborah, a woman, and to protect her place, neither Barak nor his men killed the Canaanite leader, Sisera. He was killed by another woman, Jael, who drove a tent peg into his temple when he fell into an exhausted sleep! Women played the leading parts in this familiar story from the days when Judges ruled. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT The story of Deborah raises the question of the role of women. Is the Bible really sexist, or are women valued and appreciated there? Give a minilecture survey of the points made in the commentary. Then divide into teams to explore a biblical view of women. For an Old Testament “ ideal,” have one team look at Proverbs 31:1-31. The group will discover that while the woman’ s life focused on the home, she had areas of freedom and responsibility (Proverbs 31:13), made independent business decisions (Proverbs 31:13, Proverbs 31:16, Proverbs 31:18, Proverbs 31:24), managed time and employees (Proverbs 31:15), etc. Have another team look at Romans 16:1-27. What did Paul say to and about women here? (Note how many of the 28 persons mentioned by name are women!) Have a third team look at Acts 2:17; 1 Corinthians 12:7; and Galatians 3:26-28. After discussing its passage, each team is to come up with five statements on “ the general attitude of the Bible toward women.” [NOTE: This study should deal only with general attitudes — not with supposed limitations on the role of women in the church.] Share team statements with the whole group. Then divide into two groups, men and women. The men are to explore: How can we show appreciation for and recognition of the abilities and contributions of women? The women are to explore: How can we win the respect of and recognition of our abilities by men?

Gideon: Judges 6-8 In the days of Gideon, the Israelites in his area were oppressed by Midianites. The reason, explained by an unnamed prophet sent by the Lord to His people, was that they refused to listen to God but worshiped the pagan gods and goddesses of the land. The familiar story of Gideon has lessons for us in almost every phase. Gideon’ s call (Judges 6:11-24). Young Gideon was openly skeptical when an Angel of the Lord appeared, called him “ mighty warrior,” and announced that the Lord was with him. Gideon wondered aloud first about God’ s presence. He was at that time hiding on his own land while he threshed grain from his own wheat, for fear a party of the enemy might come by and take it from him. Why was Israel in such a state if the God of miracles really was with them? Gideon was also skeptical about his own prowess. Far from being a “ mighty warrior,” Gideon was a nothing: the least in the weakest clan in Manasseh. Gideon was even skeptical about the promise of the Lord, “ I will be with you,” and about His promise to strike down the enemy (Judges 6:16). Gideon respectfully asked for a sign — that is, some miraculous evidence that what this stranger was saying was true. This should not be taken as a lack of faith. Deuteronomy 18:1-22 indicates that prophets in Israel — those who claimed to speak for God — could and should be tested. A prophet was supposed to make some statement which came true, giving supernatural indication he or she was God’ s spokesperson (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Gideon prepared a young goat and flour as an offering, and when these were placed on a rock, the Angel caused fire to flare miraculously and consume the offering. Gideon, now aware of the nature of his supernatural visitor, worshiped and honored the Lord. Gideon’ s initial obedience (Judges 6:25-40).Gideon was told to destroy the altar to pagan gods and goddesses erected by his own father for their town. He did it fearfully, at night, but he did obey. This initial act of obedience must have called for great courage. Each of us must begin our adventure with God in the same way. Great actions come only when we have been qualified by obeying in the smaller, local acts of obedience, which may seem frightening to us too. When the townsmen wanted to kill Gideon for destroying their place of pagan worship, Gideon’ s father resisted. If Baal was truly a god, the father argued, let him fight his own battles. The only thing that happened was that Gideon won a new nick name: Jerub-Baal. “ Let Baal fight him.” Baal did not, and when the enemy prepared to come in force as they had each harvesttime, to strip Israel of its winter food, God’ s Spirit came on Gideon and he summoned the four tribes in his area to send men to fight. Gideon had begun to experience God’ s protection, and to sense His Spirit stir within him. And yet like us at times, Gideon needed reassurance. Gideon begged the Lord to give that reassurance by putting out a fleece at night, asking that there be dew on it but none on the ground. When morning came, that was what had happened. But the next day, begging God not to be angry, Gideon asked that the sign be reversed. He wanted dew on the ground, but a dry fleece. Again God provided the reassurance. Why wasn’ t this a presumptuous sin, a “ putting God to the test” that the Bible forbids? (Deuteronomy 6:16) The difference was that Gideon asked God in faith, humbly, seeking reassurance. The generation that had tested God earlier demanded that God prove Himself, and demanded it because they did not believe, not because they wanted reassurance. God is very gracious in His dealings with His people. He was aware that Gideon felt a need for reassurance despite his faith. And God gave Gideon the reassurance that he asked for. When we need reassurance, God may very well deal with us in this same gracious way. Gideon’ s victory (Judges 7:1-25). Gideon had now been prepared by God for a stunning act of obedience. Thirty-two thousand men rallied in response to Gideon’ s call. God told Gideon this was too many, because the victory must be seen to be the Lord’ s. So Gideon told those who were fearful to leave. Twenty-two thousand left. But on the march God told Gideon this was still too many. All but 300 were eliminated by the next test: anyone who took time to kneel at the riverside to drink was released. Only those so eager to meet the enemy that they dipped up water in their hands as they hurried through the waters could be kept! Gideon did not now ask God for further reassurance. But the Lord provided it anyway! Gideon and a servant slipped near the enemy camp, and heard a man interpret another’ s dream about destruction of the Midianites! The rest of the story is well known. Gideon gave his men trumpets and concealed torches. They surrounded the enemy camp, and when they suddenly shouted, the enemy were thrown into such confusion that they struck out at each other, running in panic. Then the other Israelites hurried to join in pursuing the survivors. Aftermath (Judges 8:1-35). The power of the enemy was totally broken, and Gideon himself executed their leaders. Gideon dealt with jealousy and resentment in a wise and humble way (Judges 8:1-3). And, when Gideon was invited to establish a hereditary monarchy, he rejected the throne insisting that “ the Lord will rule over you” (Judges 8:23). But Gideon’ s successes did corrupt him, in two ways. First, he made a golden ephod. In Israel an ephod was a priestly garment associated with worship. This act of Gideon suggests that he took for himself a priestly role which was to be limited to the family of Aaron. And he left his ephod in Ophrah, not at the tabernacle where alone God was to be worshiped. We read that, “ all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it [the ephod] there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.” Second, while Gideon refused the title of king, he seems to have viewed himself as such a ruler. How do we know? Gideon named one of his sons Abimelech. The name means abi [my father] melech [is king]. Tragically, Gideon’ s attitude seems to have been transmitted to Abimelech. This young man killed all the other sons of Gideon, and set himself up for a time as king. He and his coconspirators did not survive long. But one wonders how much of his ambition reflects the hidden attitude of his father. Yet during Gideon’ s lifetime his area of Israel did worship the Lord. And on Gideon’ s death the people turned again to worshiping the Baals. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT Set up the following list of “ lessons for living” from Gideon’ s life. Ask group members to read the story of Gideon, and decide if the “ lessons” are valid or not. Then work through the passage together, discussing each part of Gideon’ s story and the “ lessons” that might be drawn from it. In the discussion, any “ lessons” that are not judged valid should be revised to reflect a principle that can be applied in our Christian lives. Possible “ lessons” are: (1) Skepticism is the enemy of spirituality. (2) Humble and insignificant people can have a vital role in God’ s plan. (3) Believers should never test God. (4) Obedience in small ways can qualify us for larger ministries. (5) God demands that our faith in Him be strong. (6) Success holds special dangers for the believer. (7) When God is on our side, numbers are meaningless. LINK TO LIFE: CHILDREN How do people obey God? Like Gideon, we need first to know what God wants us to do. Then we need to obey God, even when what God wants us to do is hard. Gideon knew what God wanted by making sure (the fleece). We know what God wants by the full message of His written Word. Cut lambskin shapes from cardboard . Let the boys and girls add cotton “ wool.” On the back have each child write one thing he or she knows God wants him to do. Gideon cut down the altar of Baal even though he was afraid of the people in his town. What things that we know God wants us to do are hard for us? What makes them hard for us? When Gideon did what God wanted, God protected him. Give your boys and girls a broken twig to carry, or to pin to their clothing. The broken twig will remind them that when Gideon did what God wanted and broke down Baal’ s altar, God took care of him.

Jephthah: Judges 10:6-12:7 Jephthah illustrates the fact that being a social outcast need not indicate the absence of a true faith in God. And that a person with an unhappy childhood need not grow up to be unsuccessful. Jephthah, born out of wedlock, was rejected and driven away by his brothers even though they apparently grew up together. How difficult this family climate must have been for young Jephthah. Outcast, Jephthah developed into the leader of a small military community. Later when his homeland was threatened by the Ammonites, the elders invited Jephthah to return and be their commander. No one had protected his rights when he had been driven out by his family. But now, in danger, his people wanted to use his skills. It may have been surprising, when the delegation arrived, to hear this outcast speaking so familiarly of the Lord (Judges 11:9), as though they were closely acquainted. Apparently Jephthah had not rejected the God of the people and family who had rejected him! Jephthah’ s letter to the Ammonite king was based on sacred history. He was well acquainted with the history of his people as well as God. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT Set your group the task of looking at Jephthah’ s background as described in Judges 11:1-8. In view of his traumatic background and his disadvantages, what kind of person would you expect him to become? After the group has developed its picture, discuss: “ How was your own background like, or unlike, Jephthah’ s? What in your own personality do you trace to your early background and experience?” Then study together Judges 11:9-31. What kind of person did he actually turn out to be? What qualities seem surprising? How do you account for them? Help your group members see that one’ s character and relationship with God do not depend on his circumstances alone, but on how he responds to them and to Him. Most attention is usually focused on the question of whether Jephthah, who vowed to sacrifice to the Lord “ whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph” (Judges 11:31), actually did sacrifice the daughter who ran to meet him. The answer is, no, he did not. How do we know he did not offer her as a human sacrifice? First, such sacrifice is forbidden in God’ s Law (Leviticus 18:21; Leviticus 20:2-5; Deuteronomy 12:31; Deuteronomy 18:10). Jephthah’ s letter to the Ammonites shows he was acquainted with sacred history, and would have known this basic worship principle. Second, no priest would have officiated at such a sacrifice, and Jephthah was not qualified by family line to serve as a priest. Third, there is an alternative established in Old Testament Law. A person or thing might be dedicated to the Lord for a lifetime of service (cf. Exodus 20:9; 1 Samuel 1:28; Luke 2:36-37). Fourth, the text indicates this in that the daughter asked for time to weep “ because I will never marry” (Judges 11:37). She was not looking forward to death, but to a celibate life dedicated to serving the Lord. For all these reasons, we can be confident that Jephthah did not kill his daughter or offer her as a burnt offering in thanksgiving for Israel’ s victory over the Ammonites.

Samson: Judges 13:1-16:31 Samson, unlike Jephthah, began life with every advantage. His birth was announced by an angel, and he was given a godly up bringing by loving parents. In fact, from birth Samson was set apart to God. He was to live under the most special of all Old Testament vows, that of a Nazarite (see Numbers 6:1-27). Yet scanning the story of Samson reveals a tragic story. Though the Lord blessed young Samson (Judges 13:24), this youth with every spiritual advantage was a spiritual failure. First, Samson was dominated by sensual desire. That passion led Samson to desire a Philistine woman as a wife, which was strictly forbidden by God’ s Law. In addition, that passion led him to liaisons with prostitutes, like the one with the woman Delilah who betrayed him for money. Second, Samson was motivated by pride and the passion for revenge. He was more moved by anger at personal affronts to strike out at the Philistines than he was moved by the suffering of the people he was supposed to lead (cf. Judges 14:19-20; Judges 15:7-8; Judges 16:28). Third, Samson led Israel for 20 years “ in the days of the Philistines” (Judges 15:20). Samson, unlike other judges who gave their generations rest from their enemies, never threw off the enemy yoke. During his rule the Philistines still dominated Israel. We can hardly imagine what Samson, with his great strength and godly heritage, might have been. If only he had lived out daily the formal commitment to God expressed in that Nazarite vow. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT Why not have your group compare and contrast Jephthah and Samson? Ask them to look at three things: Advantages (early life), Actions (mature choices), and Achievements (results of their judgeship). Then develop a list of lessons to apply.

Teaching Guide Prepare Consider: Which of the judges examined in this unit are you most like?

Explore

1. You might make this a very special session by assigning, a week before your group meets, each of the judges to one of four teams. Give each team suggestions of how to study their character drawn from “ link-to-life” ideas in this unit. Ask them to meet together as a team before your group meets. Then during your group time, have each team share what Christians can learn from the life of its judge.
2. Or, select one of the four judges to study together. Review each judge and the teaching suggestions in this unit. Then think about which of the four will relate most closely to the lives or experiences of your particular group.
3. Or, take four weeks for this study, and explore the life of one of these judges each time you meet. Such biographical studies can help Christians gain fresh insight and inspiration for their own personal walk with the Lord.