When The Judges Ruled Israel

When The Judges Ruled Israel Biblical Studies From Judges & Ruth

Concluding The 2nd Intro Judg 3:1-6 • Because Israel was unfaithful, God would no longer drive out the Canaanite nations vv. 1, 4 2:21 • God left them to “test Israel” 2:22 • The nations left were those remaining after Joshua’s initial campaigns Josh 13:1-6

Othniel’s Judgeship Judg 3:7-11 • The stories of Israel’s judges begin here • Their purpose for being revealed isn’t really to highlight the nation’s unfaithfulness • The purpose for these inspired records is to emphasize the faithfulness & mercy of God… His willingness to forgive penitent sinners

Othniel’s Judgeship Judg 3:7-11 • Israel did evil in God’s sight v. 7 • Forsook the Lord…served the Baals • God’s response v. 8 • Delivered Israel to a pagan oppressor (Cushan-rishathaim of Mesopotamia) • Servitude lasted 8 years

Othniel’s Judgeship Judg 3:7-11 • God’s anger was justified…even instructive • He would not allow His people to remain comfortable in their sinful choices Rom 1:24, 26, 28 1 Cor 5:5 • Such “jealousy” will not allow Him to totally let go of His people Ex 20:5 Josh 24:19

Othniel’s Judgeship Judg 3:7-11 • Israel cried out for help v. 9a • God heard their cry…sent Othniel v. 9b • Connected to the previous generation (Caleb’s nephew) • Also was the one to take up Caleb’s challenge in Judah’s conquests 1:11-13

Othniel’s Judgeship Judg 3:7-11 • God delivered Cushan-rishathaim into the hands of Othniel…oppression ended v. 10 • The land had rest for 40 years…Othniel died v. 11

Ehud’s Judgeship Judg 3:12-30 • Israel would remain faithful as long as her “judge” (deliverer) was alive 2:19 • Following Othniel’s death, Israel again forsook the Lord v. 12a • God delivered her into the hands of Eglon, king of Moab vv. 12b, 14

Ehud’s Judgeship Judg 3:12-30 • Eglon’s “coalition” v. 13 • Ammonites [Israel’s relative through Lot, like Moab – Gen 19] • Amalekites [Esau’s grandsonGen 36:16 Former defeated enemy of IsraelEx 17:8-13]

Ehud’s Judgeship Judg 3:12-30 • Israel cried out for deliverance v. 15a • God heard her cry…raised up Ehud v. 15b • A Benjamite who was left-handed • Some students believe the civil war re: Benjamin had already occurred Judg 20 • Ehud similarly described Judg 20:16

Ehud’s Judgeship Judg 3:12-30 • Ehud’s deliverance vv. 15c-23 • Israel had to pay annual tribute to Eglon • Ehud apparently was a messenger of such • Beforehand, Ehud prepared a cubit-long dagger and strapped it to his right thigh (easier to conceal)

Ehud’s Judgeship Judg 3:12-30 • Ehud’s deliverance vv. 15c-23 • After paying the tribute, Ehud returned to tell Eglon he had a secret message from God • Ehud used the private audience to fatally stab the fat king with his dagger…he then locked the king’s chamber doors & escaped

Ehud’s Judgeship Judg 3:12-30 • Eglon is discovered v. 24-25 • The king’s guards assumed the king was relieving himself inside his chamber • When he wouldn’t come out, they entered and found him dead on the floor

Ehud’s Judgeship Judg 3:12-30 • Ehud rallies Israel v. 26-30 • After escaping Eglon’s palace, Ehud arrives in Seirah (hill country of Ephraim) • He sounded the trumpet and called Israel to battle…Israel captured the fords of the Jordan opposite Moab & did not allow anyone to cross

Ehud’s Judgeship Judg 3:12-30 • Ehud rallies Israel v. 26-30 • Israel struck down 10,000 Moabites • Israel enjoyed rest for the next 80 years

Shamgar’s Judgeship Judg 3:31 • What is not stated is that Israel again became unfaithful to the Lord • God delivered them over to the Philistines • God raised up Shamgar to rescue Israel • Not a Hebrew name • He slew 600 Philistines with an ox-goad

Israel’s enemies so far… • Mesopotamians (Canaanites)3:8 • Moabites 3:14 • Philistines 3:31

When The Judges Ruled Israel