A Summary of the Book of Judges | GotQuestions.

In today's video, we're going to survey and briefly summarize the Book of Judges. Then afterwards, as always,

I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around to the end. As for the author, the

Book of Judges does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that the prophet

Samuel was the author of Judges. Internal evidence indicates that the author of Judges lived shortly after the period of the

Judges. Samuel fits this qualification. As for the date of writing, the

Book of Judges was likely written between 1045 and 1000 B .C. As for the purpose of writing, the

Book of Judges can be divided into two sections. First, chapters 1 -16, which gives an account of the

Wars of Deliverance, beginning with the Israelites' defeat of the Canaanites and ending with the defeat of the

Philistines and the death of Samson. And second, chapters 17 -21, which is referred to as an appendix and does not relate to the previous chapters.

These chapters are noted as a time when there was no king in Israel. The Book of Ruth was originally a part of the

Book of Judges, but in A .D. 450 it was removed to become a book of its own. Here are some key verses.

Judges 2, verses 16 -19, Then the Lord raised up judges who saved them out of the hands of these raiders.

Yet they would not listen to their judges, but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshipped them.

Unlike their fathers, they quickly turned from the way in which their fathers had walked—the way of obedience to the

Lord's commands. Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge, and saved them out of the hands of their enemies, as long as the judge lived, for the

Lord had compassion on them as they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted them.

But when the judge died, the people were turned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers, following other gods and serving and worshipping them.

They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. Judges 10, verse 15,

But the Israelites said to the Lord, We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.

Judges 21, verse 25, In those days Israel had no king.

Everyone did as he saw fit. As for a brief summary, the book of Judges is a tragic account of how

Yahweh, or God, was taken for granted by His children year after year, century after century.

Judges is a sad contrast to the book of Joshua, which chronicles the blessings God bestowed on the

Israelites for their obedience in conquering the land. In Judges, they were disobedient and idolatrous, leading to their many defeats.

Yet God has never failed to open His arms in love to His people whenever they repent from their wicked ways and call upon His name.

Judges 2, verse 18, Throughout the fifteen Judges of Israel, God honored

His promise to Abraham to protect and bless his offspring. Genesis 12, verses 2–3.

After the death of Joshua and his contemporaries, the Israelites returned to serving Baal and Asherah.

God allowed the Israelites to suffer the consequences of worshiping false gods. It was then that the people of God would cry out to Yahweh for help.

God sent His children judges to lead them in righteous living, but time after time they would turn their backs on God and return to their lives of wickedness.

However, keeping His part of the covenant with Abraham, God would save His people from their oppressors throughout the 480 -year span of the book of Judges.

Probably the most notable judge was the twelfth judge, Samson, who came to lead the Israelites after a forty -year captivity under the rule of the ruthless

Philistines. Samson led God's people to victory over the Philistines, where he lost his own life after twenty years as judge of Israel.

As for foreshadowings, the announcement to Samson's mother that she would bear a son to lead

Israel is a foreshadowing of the announcement to Mary of the birth of the Messiah. God sent

His angel to both women and told them they would conceive and bear a son who would lead

God's people. God's compassionate delivery of His people despite their sin and rejection of Him presents a picture of Christ on the cross.

Jesus died to deliver His people, all who would ever believe in Him, from their sin. Although most of those who followed

Him during His ministry would eventually fall away and reject Him, still, He remained faithful to His promise and went to the cross to die for us.

Some Practical Application Disobedience always brings judgment.

The Israelites present a perfect example of what we are not to do. Instead of learning from experience that God will always punish rebellion against Him, they continue to disobey and suffer

God's displeasure and discipline. If we continue in disobedience, we invite

God's discipline, not because He enjoys our suffering but because the Lord disciplines those

He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son. Hebrews 12, verse 6.

The book of Judges is a testament to God's faithfulness. Even if we are faithless,

He will remain faithful. 2 Timothy 2, verse 13, Though we may be unfaithful to Him, as the

Israelites were, still, He is faithful to save us and preserve us. 1 Thessalonians 5, verse 24,

And to forgive us when we seek forgiveness. 1 John 1, verse 9,

He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord is faithful.

1 Corinthians 1, verses 8 -9. Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video!

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