AGENDA – THE LORD RAISED UP JUDGES

OPENING PRAYER - Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to read and study Your Word. Please guide our thoughts and open our hearts to understand the truths You want to reveal. In Jesus' name, Amen.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – The Lord Raised Up Judges
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – AFTER THE DEATH OF JOSHUA
POINT OF INTEREST - The Hebrew word often translated as judge (shofet) can also mean chieftain or leader. The judges we hear about in this book of the Bible were diverse leaders: Some were military leaders, some were lone warriors, some were prophets, and some were priests. God used all different kinds of people to lead.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – EGLON AND EHUD
POINT OF INTEREST - The first time the Israelites sinned, they served a foreign king for eight years. This time, their captivity lasts for eighteen years. Each time they wander farther from God in the book of Judges, the time of servitude increases.
SCENIC VIEW - This story is supposed to be humorous and even a little bit crass. After all, Eglon is killed in the bathroom! People are often surprised to find humor in the Bible, but the Bible contains the full gamut of human emotion, including a great deal of humor. 
Sarah laughed at God (Genesis 18:9-15, 21:1-7). 
Check out 1 Samuel 21:14-15 for a little bit of sarcasm or Numbers 22:21-35 for the silly story of a man and his talking donkey.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – DEBORAH, SISERA, AND JAEL
POINT OF INTEREST - In this story in Judges, women take a leading role in bringing about God's salvation. Deborah is a judge and prophet, leading the people, and Jael defeats General Sisera when the army fails.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – SAMSON AND DELILAH
TRAIL CROSSING - Nazirite vows are described in Numbers 6:1-21 and are a special way of setting people apart for service to God. 
Samuel (1 Samuel 1) and John (Luke 1:5-25) are two other special children dedicated as Nazirites before their birth.
AUDIBLE READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – SAMSON’S DEATH
Scripture Citations - JUDGES 2:6-23 | 3:7-30 | 4:1-10, 12-23 | 16:4-31 | 21:25
QUESTIONS FOR THE JOURNEY 
1.	The book of Judges tells the story of a continuous cycle of sin-judgment-repentance-forgiveness-sin, which gets played out over and over. 
What does this cycle tell us about the people of Israel? 
•	Apostasy/Sin: The Israelites fall into sin, primarily through idolatry and the worship of foreign gods like Baal.
•	Oppression/Judgment: As a consequence, God allows neighboring nations to conquer and oppress them.
•	Repentance/Supplication: In their misery, the Israelites cry out to God for mercy and deliverance.
•	Deliverance/Salvation: God raises up a "judge"—a charismatic military and spiritual leader—to rescue them from their oppressors.
•	Peace/Restoration: The land experiences a period of peace while the judge is alive.
•	Relapse: After the judge dies, the people quickly return to even more corrupt behavior, starting the cycle anew.
What does it tell us about God? 
•	He is Unwaveringly Faithful: Despite Israel's repeated and escalating unfaithfulness.
•	He is Compassionate and Merciful: The cycle is often triggered by God being "moved to pity" by the groaning of the oppressed. Each time the people cry out, He is ready to deliver them, demonstrating that His mercy abounds more than their sin.
•	He is Holy and Just: God does not allow sin to go unpunished. The periods of oppression are portrayed as divine judgment or "disciplinary judgment" intended to bring the people back to a state of repentance and right relationship with Him.
•	He is Patient (Long-suffering): The fact that the cycle repeats over centuries shows God's immense patience. He gives His people opportunity after opportunity to return to Him, rather than severing the relationship permanently.
•	He Uses Flawed Instruments: God works through unlikely and morally compromised individuals (such as Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson) to achieve His purposes. 
•	He is Sovereign Over History: The narrative shows that "accidents of history" like foreign invasions are actually tools God uses to chasten and refine His people, demonstrating His total control over all circumstances
Where have you seen this cycle in your life or the world today? 
In individual lives, the Judges cycle frequently mirrors the struggle with persistent habits or addictions. 
•	The Cycle: A person experiences a period of "peace," but gradually drifts into old patterns (sin/relapse). This leads to a loss of internal stability and negative consequences like broken relationships or health issues (judgment/retribution).
•	The Breaking Point: Eventually, the weight of the "oppression" leads to "hitting rock bottom," prompting a sincere cry for help (repentance).
•	Restoration: Many find deliverance through spiritual renewal or supportive recovery communities (rescue/forgiveness), only to face the risk of relapse if they do not remain vigilant. 
Commentators often compare the "darkest era" of Judges to modern societal shifts where absolute truth is abandoned for personal preference. 
•	Self-Referential Morality: The refrain "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" is frequently used to describe modern moral relativism. Today, this is often seen in political polarization, an erosion of public trust, and a decay of institutional integrity.
•	Institutional Decline: Just as Israel's lack of godly leadership led to cultural chaos, modern observers point to corruption in leadership as a catalyst for moral and spiritual decline.
•	Crying Out for Reform: Modern social movements—such as those demanding a "moral reckoning" can be viewed as a society "crying out" against perceived oppression and systemic injustice, seeking a "deliverance" from harmful status quos.
The cycle often plays out across generations as historical lessons are forgotten. 
•	Spiritual Drift: Small compromises in one generation can lead to total moral corruption in the next.
•	Forgetfulness: A generation that experiences peace and prosperity may forget the struggles or values that built their foundation, leading them back into the "sin" phase of the cycle. 
2.	When the people have a leader in their lives, like Moses or Joshua or some of the judges, they find it easier to follow God. 
Who are some of the spiritual leaders in your life who have helped you to follow God more closely? 
Needs personal response
3.	God yearns for the people to turn to him as their leader, their judge, and their king, rather than needing earthly judges and kings to tell them how to live. 
Why do you think that is so difficult for the people? 
•	Desire for Tangible Leadership: Human nature often prioritizes visible, concrete solutions over abstract faith. In biblical accounts, such as 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites sought a physical king they could see leading them into battle, rather than relying on an invisible God.
•	Social Conformity: People frequently feel the pressure to "fit in" with surrounding cultures. For ancient Israel, this meant wanting a monarchy "like all the other nations" to gain perceived status and legitimacy, effectively rejecting their unique identity as a people set apart by God.
•	Security Anxiety: During times of crisis or perceived failure in existing systems—such as when the sons of the prophet Samuel were corrupt—people tend to gravitate toward centralized, earthly authority for a sense of predictable security.
•	Avoidance of Divine Accountability: Accepting God as King requires total submission to His moral standards. Earthly leaders can be influenced, bargained with, or even ignored, but divine governance demands a "law written on the heart," which can be challenging for those wanting to follow their own desires.
•	Misplaced Trust: There is a persistent human tendency to believe that a better government or a stronger human leader will solve systemic problems. This often results in "trading God's rule for man's rule," where people offer their resources and freedom to a human ruler in exchange for a sense of certainty.
How do we struggle with this same challenge in our day and time? 
Modern Challenges to Divine Leadership
•	Political Polarization and Idolatry: In the current era of heightened polarization, individuals frequently look to political leaders or parties as "saviors" who can fix systemic issues. This often leads to a shift in trust from an invisible Sovereign to a visible political throne, mirroring the ancient Israelite desire for a king to fight their battles.
•	Institutional Disappointment: As of early 2026, widespread distrust in media, courts, and government institutions has driven some toward desperation. This environment creates a temptation to seek more "strongman" styles of earthly leadership rather than resting in God's unchanging authority.
•	The Illusion of Control: Modern life is characterized by a drive for self-governance and autonomy. People often struggle to relinquish control over their careers, finances, or family outcomes, preferring to trust in their own efforts or human systems rather than a "divine plan" that may not provide immediate, tangible results.
•	Consumeristic Faith: Many modern religious settings have adopted "consumeristic" models, where people treat the church or God as a service provider rather than a King to be obeyed. This reduces God to a benefactor whose role is to fulfill personal goals rather than a leader whose will takes precedence.
•	Preference for Visible Security: Behavioral research in 2026 indicates that under conditions of uncertainty, people naturally gravitate toward "tangible" leadership. The "faith-based" nature of divine leadership can feel inadequate compared to the concrete (though often failing) promises of technology, economics, or legislation. 
Practical Manifestations of the Struggle
•	Decision-Making: We often make major life choices based on "market trends" or cultural pressure before seeking divine direction, treating God as a secondary consultant rather than a primary leader.
•	Source of Truth: In a "post-truth" society, many are tempted to align their worldview with whoever shouts loudest in the digital space rather than submitting to biblical truth, which remains unchanged by cultural shifts.
•	Relational Barriers: Pride often leads people to project an image of perfection to others rather than admitting the "agonizing pain" or inadequacy that would drive them to total dependence on God.

4.	The book of Judges has many stories that might seem more at home in a soap opera or blockbuster film: Ehud kills Eglon in the bathroom, then sneaks out the window; Jael kills the king after lulling him to sleep in her lap, and Samson falls for Delilah's ridiculous tricks again and again. 
How do you wrestle with these stories as part of our holy scriptures? 
Requires personal response.
What might the presence of these kinds of stories (and these kinds of people) tell us about salvation history? 
•	 Honesty over Hagiography: Unlike many ancient myths that "airbrush" their heroes, the Bible presents a brutally honest record of human depravity. This suggests that God does not work through a sanitized version of reality, but meets people in their actual "chaos and cruelty".
•	The Futility of Human Saviors: The "downward spiral" of the judges—who go from "okay to bad to worse"—proves that human leaders are woefully insufficient as permanent saviors. Each judge provides only temporary relief from suffering, not a cure for the underlying sin that caused it.
•	God Uses the "Unsavory" and Weak: Salvation history often involves God using unlikely, unexpected, or even "unsavory" individuals to deliver His people. Whether it is a left-handed assassin (Ehud) or a compromised strongman (Samson), these stories emphasize that deliverance comes from God's power, not the moral perfection of the messenger.
•	The Need for a Perfect King: These "blockbuster" failures serve as a "prophetic mirror," pointing toward the necessity of a King who does not do "what is right in his own eyes". By highlighting the total moral collapse of human-led tribalism, the book creates a longing for the ultimate, unchanging Judge—Jesus Christ—who delivers people permanently from sin rather than just temporary oppressors.
•	A Warning Against Self-Determination: The recurring refrain "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" acts as a warning for 2026 and beyond. It illustrates that when humanity rejects divine leadership, they inevitably descend into a "cycle of sin" that leads to internal corruption and external oppression.
NEXT STEPS 
• One of the judges in the Bible, Gideon, takes a bit of persuading before he trusts God. Read Gideon's story in Judges 6:11-8:28. 
What do you notice? 
Key Observations in Gideon’s Story
•	The Unlikely "Mighty Warrior": When the Angel of the Lord calls Gideon a "mighty warrior," Gideon is actually hiding in a winepress to thresh wheat, terrified of the Midianites.
•	A "Downward Spiral" of Character: While the story begins with Gideon tearing down his father's idols, it ends with him creating his own golden ephod (idol) that leads Israel back into sin.
•	Relational Conflict: Unlike earlier judges who focused on external enemies, Gideon’s later years are marked by internal strife, including him killing fellow Israelites from Succoth and Peniel who refused to help him. 
How does Gideon compare to other judges we read about? 
Comparison to Other Judges
•	Faith vs. Fear: Compared to Othniel, who demonstrated simple and immediate obedience, Gideon is defined by hesitation and a need for tangible proof.
•	Moral Trajectory: He is often categorized between the "good" judges (Othniel, Ehud, Deborah) and the "bad" judges (Jephthah, Samson). Unlike Deborah, who was an inspirational and prophetic leader, Gideon's leadership style is heavily rooted in his own insecurity and personal temper.
•	Refusal of Kingship: Gideon famously refuses the title of king, stating only God should rule (Judges 8:22), yet he lives like a king, amassing many wives and much gold.
How does God respond to Gideon's tests?
God’s Response to Gideon’s Tests
God’s interaction with Gideon is noted for its extreme patience and kindness. 
•	Gracious Condescension: God does not rebuke Gideon for his doubts or his demand for signs (such as the wet/dry fleece). Instead, He condescends to meet Gideon in his fear to strengthen his weak faith.
•	Reducing Reliance on Self: In response to Gideon’s tests, God sets His own "test" by whittling Gideon’s army from 32,000 down to just 300 men. This ensures that the victory is attributed to God’s power rather than human strength.
•	Proactive Reassurance: Before the final battle, God offers Gideon an unrequested sign—overhearing a Midianite soldier’s dream—to give him the final courage needed to lead the attack. 
• We often have a deep discomfort with the idea of being judged. Yet the Bible is clear that God will judge us. Read Psalm 51 and Romans 14:1-13. 
How might we hear God's judgment as good news?
Why God's Judgment is Good News
•	A Guarantee of Final Justice: For those who have suffered abuse, genocide, or systemic oppression, the promise of God’s judgment means that every wrong will eventually be righted and no evil will escape justice.
•	Vindication and Rescue: In the Bible, "judging" often means "saving" or "delivering". Just as the Old Testament judges were sent to liberate Israel, God’s final judgment is His way of rescuing the world from the "cancer of sin" and ending suffering forever.
•	A Sign of Infinite Value: Divine judgment proves that our lives are consequential. As a professor grading a paper shows they care about the student's work, God’s assessment of our lives confirms that we matter to Him and are not met with indifference.
•	The Foundation of Grace: Psalm 51 shows that acknowledging God's right to judge is the first step toward receiving His mercy. When we stop defending our sin and agree with His judgment, we find that He is "ready to forgive, to cleanse, and to transform".
How might turning to God instead of earthly judges bring us deeper peace?
Deeper Peace Through Divine Leadership
•	Release from Vengeance: Because God promises to "repay" and bring perfect justice (Romans 12:19), we are freed from the exhausting burden of seeking personal revenge or enacting our own flawed justice.
•	Freedom from Human Approval: Romans 14:1–13 teaches that each person stands or falls before their own Master. This brings peace by releasing us from the "tyranny of others' opinions" or the need to judge our neighbors, as we trust that only God knows the secrets and motivations of the heart.
•	Forensic Acquittal: For believers, the "verdict" of the final judgment has already been delivered in advance through Christ. Turning to God brings peace because our standing is based on His "blazing grace" rather than our own performance, removing the weight of guilt.
•	Perfect Fairness: Earthly judges are often biased or lack full information. God’s judgment is uniquely peaceful because it is perfectly fair; He sees all circumstances and "secrets of the heart," ensuring a resolution that is altogether righteous.
CLOSING PRAYER - Lord, thank you for this time of study and for Your Word. As we leave, please help us to carry the truths we've learned into our daily lives and to live out Your teachings. May we continue to grow in faith and reflect Your love to others. Amen.