How to Read Judges

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You can read Judges as a collection of heroic stories, the most famous of which are Gideon’s and Samson’s. But together the tale tells a less heroic story.

Read Judges, therefore, on two levels at once. On one level focus on the new beginning God repeatedly offered by sending a judges to rescue Israel. These are character stories with great fascination. You can gain a great deal by studying the strengths and weakness of the individual judges.

On another level, read of the deterioration of a nation that quickly forgot what God had done for it. This will help you understand why, in the next stage  Israel’s history, God gave the Israelite a king. For background on this change of government, read “The first King,”. Another interesting study is the book of Ruth, a lovely story from the time of Judges that shows a softer, more hopeful side.

People You’ll Meet in Judges
  • Deborah
  • Gideon
  • Samson

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