Judges

BY She Reads Truth

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.