This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we move from the Pentateuch into the second section of the Old Testament, the Historical Books.
What Is Judges? The book of Judges chronicles the period after Joshua’s death, which was characterized by an ongoing cycle of Israel’s sin, God’s judgment, and His deliverance. This deliverance came through twelve leaders, known as judges.
How Judges Fits Into the Story: Judges records how the nation of Israel survived the dark days of the judges entirely by the grace of God. In His mercy, God sent oppressors as reminders of their rebellion, responded to their cries, and raised up deliverers. Judges demonstrates the fundamental problem of the human heart—when God’s people forget His saving acts, they go after other gods. In the end, the book of Judges illustrates an eternal truth: in spite of our sin and rebellion, the Lord will continue to build His kingdom.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does God’s response to the destruction and disobedience described in today’s reading tell you about the nature of His kingdom?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
Jennifer Anapol and Grace Rodriguez, I’m praying your moves will go well.
Free Indeed, I’m praying for your grandparents, especially your grandmother.
Caitlyn, SRT did a study on Judges as well many of the other book of the Old Testament. If you look under reading plans you can find them and read them along with the Bible.
Mari V., Corinne Gilardi, Cheryl Williams, Jane K. and Sheridan Covington part or all of your comment I would like to pass on if you don’t mind, especially to my sister.
Please pray for my nephew, Jake, he goes to court tomorrow. Apparently, he attacked some one. He is finally realizing he has some mental health issues and is willing to take his medicine. He is finally coming around which is easing a burden off my sister. Please continue to pray for her, Carol, and that she get the help she needs for her depression.
A couple years ago on a different devotional, a lady said that we must desire God’s character more than His actions. To desire the Creator more than His creations, the healer more than the healing. This reminded me of this generation in Judges. I’m sure some families still reminded their children of what God did for them in the past and His ongoing covenant, but these and many more probably did not know God for Who He is. This is what will keep us going during our darker and lonely periods. When we can’t see God, we trust in His heart is what another lady wrote. The Israelites ran around looking for everything else and only looked to God when His actions were convenient for them.
To be honest, I have never touched some Old Testament books because of their difficulty (Leviticus and Judges for example). I’ve been challenging myself to read the books we’re going through each day (because I have the time, and some books do carry on the next day), but I’m so thankful for this study because the Bible shouldn’t be scary to me, and I’m finding out that it really isn’t. I thought I would be bored out of mind while reading Leviticus but I was actually intrigued and now reading 7 books in a row, I have a better understanding of the Bible and its themes and New Testament connections. I hope if anyone has time in their day or Sabbath to read their Bibles because it’s so worth it.
That being said, I know I can make Bible reading an idol so easily and me becoming a Pharisee is a slippery path.
Ashley M that’s exactly what I saw today. A whole generation didn’t know the greatness of the God of the Israelites! Add to that the creeping in of the pagan cultures around them (because utter destruction—like God commanded—didn’t happen)…and the chosen people of God don’t know right from left, good from evil, Truth from lie. You better believe I went and grabbed my 10 year old and showed him this verse. We have to keep talking to our kids about God’s Truth. There’s too many sneaky tactics awaiting them from the Father of Lies.
Lydia V praying for your father.
MaryAnn Graves, I’m praying for you, addiction can be hard. I have seen several family members deal with it but with the Lord’s help and pray and help of family and friends you can overcome it.
Sharon, Jersey Girl, praying for George’s family. May God be with them in the coming days, weeks and years.
Alexis remember god has a plan for you. You may have to wait a little bit to find out what it is.
1. What does God’s response to the destruction and disobedience described in today’s reading tell you about the nature of His kingdom?
God shows His anger in His people’s lack of faithfulness and acts just and righteous towards them. God is God in that we will not step out of His character and covenant with His people to coddle them yet He is merciful and gracious to us when the consequences should be worse. God is about His truth and keeping His promise.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
God doesn’t make mistakes in allowing His people to have free-will. He wants what’s best for us (Himself) but if we do not choose God, or seek Him, and prostitute ourselves with other gods/pleasures of this world/idols that say we are all powerful to live our lives independent from God, then He has nothing to give other then optional mercy and reaping the fruits of our foolishness. My husband and I have been reading Proverbs lately and with our life right now we are seeing that God is setting us apart from foolish people that can potentially become a danger if we are not removed. God will always want to protect His children but He can not make His children want Him. Still don’t know how God pursues us yet allows things to happen as a result of our actions but He’s faithfully there. He is there to see it all happen is wants to be wanted and praised and obeyed and loved.
Carleigh Bright, I love that connection between a teacher discipline her students out of love and how God disciplines his children! I just graduated college and am changing direction a bit from my major, and am considering getting my masters and becoming an elementary school teacher. I feel like I would be prone to be a little too nice and not balance it with discipline when the time comes. It’s beautiful how God loves us so much to bring us back to him. It’s not a forced love, but he knows ultimately, that he is where the joy is. (Shout out to the Bible Recap ;)
Amen Taylor. I have similar struggles- the idols of my heart seem impossible to shake sometimes but I know that God who is faithful will complete the work of changing me