Message Theme & Verses: Judges
Memory Verse: Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Happy Family Lesson:
From the time of Joshua until the time of Samuel, twelve judges ruled Israel. They were military deliverer in international affairs, the administrators of justice in national affairs, and the model covenant keeper in religious matters. Sadly, we see increasing depravity through the stories of the judges as they spiral down into idolatry. The purpose of Judges is to give an honest contrast of God’s faithfulness versus the people’s sin and to show their need for a godly king to lead them.
The book of Joshua ended with the people committing to follow God and keep His commandments. They were successful in beginning the conquest of the Promised Land but had not yet driven out all of the people. God appoints the tribe of Judah to finish the mission, but the people are quickly disobedient to their covenant responsibilities. Still, God is faithful and raises us the judges to free the people from their oppressors and restore rest.
God’s plan had always been to give His people a king, not a warrior like those of other nations, but a leader who would keep the law. Without a king to lead them, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” The people forgot about holiness and were seduced by Canaanite culture, committing adultery against God by whoring after false gods like Baal and Asherah.
The judges are far from perfect, yet God uses them to bring deliverance to His people. Judges is a collection of “hero stories” depicting a repeating cycle in a downward spiral. The people do what is evil in the sight of God. God then allows the people to be conquered and oppressed by outsiders. The people finally call out to God for help. This plea brings salvation as God, in His mercy, sends a judge to deliver His people. After each judge dies, the cycle repeats.
Read Judges 3
Stab a hard boiled egg to be Ehud vs. Eglon
Barkadang Lesson:
As we read through the judges our hearts start to long for a godly leader. The judges are increasingly sinful and though God uses them to deliver His people, we know that if they had a strong and godly king, he could teach them to follow the law. God promised in Deuteronomy to send a king who would be selfless and who would love God’s law. We are moving into the time of the monarchy and will learn next in Ruth the background of David, a king who would follow God’s heart. Though David is God’s chosen leader, it is One from His line who is the promised Messiah. Jesus, son of David, Son of God, will come and redeem His people forever, ruling and reigning with all of His enemies under His footstool.
Barkadang Questions:
Have you ever had to go before a Judge? How did it make you feel?
What is the most important trait a judge needs?
Who do you know who would make a good judge?
Are the leaders we have today godly law keepers?
Do you think it is good or bad for people to do what is right in their own eyes?
What did you learn about God and the people through the story of Ehud?
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