So what do you think of when you hear the word "judge"? Arbitration perhaps? Sentencing? See if you still agree with that definition when we finish the reading of this book.
After the death of Joshua, Isreal lacks strong leadership. Isreal will go into a decline because of the choices they make. God will raise up individuals when Isreal repents...there will be six periods in this particular book in which Isreal declines and is rescued.
How the Isrealites are governed will change...you had strong spiritual leaders; now the judges will be between the strong spiritual leaders and a monarchy. Have you noticed how all the pagan lands had kings? This book will span 325 years. The setting of this book is Canaan...the Promised Land....it will later be called Isreal.
The author of this book is not certain....possibly scholars think it is Samuel.
When I hear " judge" , I thik of deciding right or wrhong....or making a decision....deciding your consequence..... basically making a decision on right or wrong....
ReplyDeleteMy Bible intro says this is different from Joshua because the people in Joshua were a obedient and faithful people, but people in Judges are disobedient and idolatrous people and they suffer time and time again.