401105 Judges Finalpages

God’s Word for Today Judges

God’s Grace through Savior/Judges

Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Judges 2:16

by Gary Dunkeer

Copyright © 2007 Concordia Publishing House 3558 S. Jefferson Avenue St. Louis, MO 63118-3968 1-800-325-3040 • www.cph.org All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Written by Gary Dunker Edited by Robert C. Baker Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois. Used by permission. All rights reserved. This publication may be available in braille, in large print, or on cassette tape for the visually impaired. Please allow 8 to 12 weeks for delivery. Write to Lutheran Blind Mission, 7550 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63119-4409; call toll-free 1-888-215-2455; or visit the Web site: www.blindmission.org. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 Contents

Timeline...... 6 An Outline of Judges...... 7 Introduction ...... 8 Lesson 1— An Everlasting Covenant...... 9 Lesson 2— God Raises Up Judges ...... 14 Lesson 3— The First Judges ...... 19 Lesson 4— Deborah and Barak ...... 23 Lesson 5— Gideon...... 27 Lesson 6— Abimelech through Abdon ...... 32 Lesson 7— Meet Samson...... 37 Lesson 8— Samson’s Temper...... 42 Lesson 9— Samson and the Lord’s Triumph ...... 46 Lesson 10— Life Outside of God’s Covenant...... 50 Lesson 11— Civil War...... 55 Leader Notes...... 60 Preparing to Teach Judges Lesson 1...... 64 Lesson 2...... 66 Lesson 3...... 68 Lesson 4...... 70 Lesson 5...... 72 Lesson 6...... 74 Lesson 7...... 76 Lesson 8...... 78 Lesson 9...... 80 Lesson 10...... 82 Lesson 11...... 84 History Date (BC) Judges Hebrews wander in ca. 1446– the wilderness 1406 Construction of the Tabernacle 1446 (Exodus 25–30; 35–40) Moses and Aaron take census 1444 (Numbers 1:1–46); send spies to Canaan (Numbers 13:1–3; 26–29) Aaron dies on Mount Hor Moses dies on Mount Nebo 1406 (Numbers 33:38–39) (Deuteronomy 34) Joshua leads Hebrews into Canaan; conquest ensues (Joshua 1406–1400 1–3) Joshua dies (Joshua 24:29) 1399 1371–1049 Time of the judges Othniel judges Israel (Judges 3:7– 1371–1332 11) Amenhotep IV “Akhenaten,” father of 1352 Tutankhamen, becomes Pharaoh Deborah judges Israel (Judges 4– 1217–1178 5) Tiglath-Pileser becomes king 1115 of Assyria ca. 1030– Samson judges Israel (Judges 13– 1049 16) Samuel’s ministry 1060–1049 (1 Samuel 1–25:1) Saul becomes king 1048 (1 Samuel 13:1)

The Book of Judges covers the time following the death of Joshua (Joshua 24:29) until the prophet Samuel, who anointed David king over Israel. Covering almost 450 years, Judges shows how God faithfully sought after His people even after they broke His covenant with them. God commanded Israel to drive out the Canaanites from the Promised Land. However, Israel disobeyed and did not “destroy all their figured stones and destroy all their metal images and demolish all their high places” (Numbers 33:52). Instead, Israel “did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals” (Judges 2:11). In their disobedience, God’s beloved people forfeited many blessings and instead were visited by anarchy and chaos. Israel forgot God, but He never forgot them. He sought after them to restore His blessings to them. We call that grace. The Book of Judges presents many Christ-centered themes. Twelve judges show God’s desire to forgive the sins of His repentant people. Each judge foreshadows or offers a preview of God’s real Savior/Judge. This is Jesus Christ, who “put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). As you read the outline below, keep in mind that our study of the Book of Judges will focus on God’s assuring words found in its pages, “I will never break My covenant with you” (Judges 2:1). That covenant is fulfilled, offered, and delivered in the new covenant through His Son, Jesus Christ. I. An Everlasting Covenant (1:1–3:6) A. God’s Plan Left Undone (1:1–2:5) B. God’s Response (2:6–3:6) II. God Raised Up Judges (3:7–16:31) A. Othniel (3:7–11) B. Ehud (3:12–3:30) C. Shamgar (3:31) D. Deborah (4–5) E. Gideon (6–8) F. Abimelech, the Anti-judge (9) G. Tola (10:1–2) H. Jair (10:3–5) I. Jephthah (10:6–12:7) J. Ibzan (12:8–10) K. Elon (12:11–12) L. Abdon (12:13–15) M. Samson (13–16) III. Life outside God’s Covenant (17–21) A. Micah’s Corruption (17) B. Dan Deserts Its Inheritance (18) C. Levitical Apostasy (19) D. Civil War (20) E. Benjamite Brides (21)

As with many Old Testament Books detailing historical accounts, Judges takes its title from the book’s subject or, in this case, subjects. To deliver His wayward but repentant people from the hands of their oppressors, God sent judges to administer justice in Israel. In Hebrew, Judges is called Sepher Shophtim (seh-FEHR shof-TEEM), which simply means “The Book of the Judges.” In the Hebrew Old Testament, Judges appears as the second of four books contained within a section of Scripture called “The Former Prophets.” Although each of these books appears in our Christian Bible, in the Christian Old Testament Judges appears in a part Scripture called “The Historical Books.” Other books in this section include the Books of Moses (the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), Joshua, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. As you study Judges, keep in mind that the Israelites understood judges differently than we do today. In Bible times, judges did not wear long, black robes and preside in wood-paneled courtrooms. Instead, judges were occasional leaders whom God selected to deliver, or save, Israel from the hands of their oppressors. Judges warred against God’s enemies and freed them from evil rulers. After their wars were over, a time of peace followed. In a sense, each judge, although fully human and sinful, served as a “savior”—with a small “s.” As we read through the Book of Judges, ask, “Where do we see Jesus?” You will find Him. Sometimes with many faults and sometimes with few, each judge was sent by God to deliver His people. Thus, the judges point forward to Jesus Christ, God’s ultimate Savior/Judge. Judges presents a recurring theme. Time after time, Israel runs after foreign gods and forfeits God’s blessings. God sends foreign nations to afflict Israel. Yet, each time, as Israel comes to its senses, God sends a judge to reconnect His repentant people to Him. Whenever the Israelites call out for mercy, He delivers them with another judge. A period of rest then follows, and the cycle is repeated. We will detail this four-part cycle in Lesson 2. While Judges is an historical book (it presents a factual history of God’s people), its author remains a mystery. Jewish tradition says that Samuel is the author. In Samuel’s favor, Judges notes that “there was no king in Israel” (Judges 17:6; 21:25). This tells us that the author of Judges wrote after Israel had a monarchy. In that case, Nathan and Gad, who wrote accounts of King David’s reign (1 Chronicles 29:29), might also be likely candidates. This side of heaven, we may never know the name of the inspired writer of Judges. Nevertheless, God used him to record His faithfulness to His covenant people, His abundant mercy and patience, and, above all, His rich forgiveness and His love.

An Everlasting Covenant

Two boys spitting into their palms and shaking hands make a simple agreement, but such a gesture is not quite a covenant. A covenant involves two or more individuals who agree to do or, in some cases, not to do something. When signed or affirmed in the presence of witnesses, a covenant becomes legally binding. If an individual fails to keep his or her part of a covenant, lawsuits usually follow. Approximately seven hundred years before the events recorded in the Book of Judges, God made a covenant with Abram (later named Abraham). God said, “I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you” (Genesis 17:7). God added, “In your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 22:18). When God said these things to Abram, Abram trusted in God’s promise, which included the promise of his coming offspring, the Messiah. God’s covenant with Abram and his descendents was no haphazard agreement made between two boys; it was an everlasting covenant in which God bound Himself to His people forever. Before he died, Joshua, Moses’ successor, asked the Israelites to reaffirm their promise made to God, a promise to “drive out all the inhabitants of the land” of Canaan (Numbers 33:52), and to “fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness” (Joshua 24:14). Near the city of Shechem, the Israelites promised, “The LORD our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey” (Joshua 24:24). Setting the Stage Following Joshua’s death and the death of Eleazar, the high priest (Joshua 24:30–33), the Israelites wondered who would lead them. What would they do? Would they remain faithful to God and finish the conquest that had begun under Joshua, or would they break their promises to their covenant God? The first few chapters of Judges provide our answers. 1. Read Genesis 15:4–21. God’s covenant with Abram included an ancient custom that not only signified the covenantal oath but also put the covenant into effect. What was it?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 9 2. Genesis 15:18–21 provides a list of inhabitants who occupy Canaan when Abram’s descendants inherit it. Identify them. (Later, as you read the Book of Judges, you will note that the writer often gives these people the generic name Canaanites.)

Blessings and Curses Read Judges 1:1–26. Joshua has died. Leaderless, the Israelites ask God, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” (v. 1). God selected the tribe of Judah for this task (v. 2). The tribe of Judah occupied a spot in the middle of Israel and included the city of Jerusalem. 3. Where can you find proof of Israel’s initial faithfulness to God after Joshua died?

4. Which tribe agreed to help the tribe of Judah?

5. Name two important cities these two tribes capture (vv. 8, 10). Why are these cities important (see 2 Samuel 5:4– 5)?

6. Read Judges 1:4, 8–9, 11–13, 17–19, and 22–26. When the Israelites sought God’s guidance, He blessed them with victory. Over what cultures did God grant victory?

7. Read Deuteronomy 28:1–25. How might the promise of blessings keep God’s people from running after false gods? Why does God promise curses for disobedience?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 10 8. Two incidents involving God’s covenant find their way into accounts of victory (see Judges 1:21, 27). Identify these incidents.

9. Judges 1:27–36 brings bad news. Instead of a chain of unbroken victories, we read of only partial victories. Would partial victories concern God? Why or why not?

10. The author of Judges provides a reason why the victories are only partial. Identify that reason.

11. Read Judges 1:21, 27–33. Four words are continually repeated here. What are they? What is significant about these four words?

12. God commanded the Israelites to “drive out all the inhabitants of the land” of Canaan (Numbers 33:52). The Israelites promised to be faithful to God’s plan. What did the Israelites do to break their promise?

God Responds to Israel’s Disobedience Read Judges 2:1–5. In a scene like that in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:9–11), God immediately confronts His people in their sin. We see God’s abundant faithfulness—what blessed grace! 13. Many scholars believe that when God sent the “angel of the LORD” to condemn Israel for sinning, He sent the preincarnate Christ. What was Israel’s sin?

God’s Word for Today Sin separates us from God. In His mercy, however, He does not leave us in our sin. 15. Read James 1:12. Why does God want Christians to remain uncompromising in their faith?

16. Read Judges 2:1 and Matthew 28:20. God sums up His covenant by using these words: “I will never break My covenant with you.” How might God’s guarantee in Christ, seen in this passage from Matthew, strengthen you when tempted to compromise your faith?

In Closing Encourage participants to begin the following activities: • Consult a Bible atlas or map for additional information on the land occupied by each of the twelve tribes of Israel. • Consider God’s grace described in 1 Corinthians 10:13. • Read Judges 2:6–3:6 to prepare for the next session.

Close by singing/reading in unison the words of “I Walk in Danger All the Way” (LSB 716:1–2, 5; ELH 252; CW 431; LW 391; TLH 413). Note how this hymn summarizes our Christian life. In our lives, Satan seeks to compromise our faith. However, we find safety and security in the wounds of Christ, our Savior.

I walk in danger all the way. The thought shall never leave me That Satan, who has marked his prey, Is plotting to deceive me. This foe with hidden snares May seize me unawares If I should fail to watch and pray. I walk in danger all the way.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 12 I pass through trials all the way, With sin and ills contending; In patience I must bear each day The cross of God’s own sending. When in adversity I know not where to flee, When storms of woe my soul dismay, I pass through trials all the way. I walk with Jesus all the way, His guidance never fails me; Within His wounds I find a stay When Satan’s pow’r assails me; And by His footsteps led, My path I safely tread. No evil leads my soul astray; I walk with Jesus all the way.

Pray: Father of mercy, lead us to You. Forgive our sins of complacency. You desire the salvation of all humankind and call us to treat others as ourselves. Strengthen our understanding of Your great love for all people and the unsurpassable grace brought to us through Your Son’s sacrifice at Calvary. We pray in His name. Amen.

God Raises Up Judges

God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendents forever. However, being sinners, God’s people could not keep their end of the covenant. God knew that this would happen. He expected it. That is why, even before the beginning of time, He determined to send His only Son to die for our transgressions. In the Old Testament, just as in the New, God was at work. Through discipline and times of testing—for Old Testament believers often at the hands of foreigners—God called His people to repentance. Through His means of grace—for Old Testament believers, through the Word, circumcision, and the Passover meal—He directed sinners to Christ’s future atoning sacrifice. Now that Christ has come, God still calls us to repentance and faith in our Savior, through the Law and through the Gospel in Word and Sacra- ment. The author of Judges uses a narrative technique typical for writers of his day. For several verses (Judges 2:6–3:6), he leaves the normal timeline in order to review the past. This particular passage provides further detail about Joshua’s death and what came after—much more than he described in 1:1. The author then tells us why, by His grace, God “raised up judges.” This technique of “recapping” and “high-lighting” the story should sound familiar. When Moses wrote Genesis, he described the creation of the universe ending with a description of man and woman. However, in Genesis 2, he provides a more detailed look at the Garden of Eden and its first residents: Adam and Eve. But back to our story about the judges. What caused Israel to compromise? Why would she abandon the God of the Exodus to follow false gods? We are about to learn. A Generation That Did Not Know God Read Judges 2:6–13. Under Joshua’s leadership, God had led a new generation into the Promised Land with military victories to prove His kingship to the people of Israel. (We can read a list of God’s successes in Joshua 12:1–24.) God used Joshua and this new generation to accomplish His will. But after Joshua’s death, things deteriorated. As is so often the case, when faced with a choice between their fathers’ God, who had promised them every grace and blessing on Mount Sinai, and the new and seductive gods and goddesses of the Canaanites, the Israelites allowed themselves to be led astray. God had warned their parents: “Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and He will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no fruit, and you will perish quickly off the good land that the LORD is giving you” (Deuteronomy 11:16–17). Sadly, this warning fell on deaf ears.

18. In God’s eyes, why is this failure as important as that of not “driving out” the Canaanites?

19. Read Deuteronomy 4:9; 6:7; and 32:46. God told the Israelites not to “forget the things that your eyes have seen” (4:9). What did God mean?

20. Read Proverbs 22:6. God wants us to pass on our beliefs to future generations. Write down some ways you might do as God commands.

The Israelites Break God’s Covenant Read Judges 2:6–13. Because the new generation following Joshua’s death “did not know the LORD”—that is, lacked faith—and did not know “the work that He had done for Israel” (v. 10)—that is, His gracious deeds and precious promises—Israel broke God’s covenant. 21. Give examples of how Israel broke God’s covenant (see vv. 11–13). What do Israel’s actions say about their perception of the First Commandment (Exodus 20:2–5a)?

22. Read Deuteronomy 28:7–8, 25–26. Think about the blessings God swore to Israel when they followed Him. Now, think about the curses if they did not. Blessings and curses were part of God’s covenant renewed at Shechem (Joshua 24:1–28). What did God have the right to do if the Israelites turned their backs on Him (v. 20)?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 15 A Time of Testing Read Judges 2:14–15. Because of their idolatry, brought about by their unbelief in God’s gracious deeds and promises, God allowed other nations to test Israel. He did this in order to bring them to repentance and faith. 23. How does God react to the disobedience of the Israelites?

24. Read Proverbs 3:12 and James 1:2. For what reason does God test those whom He loves?

A Time of Salvation Read Judges 2:16–3:4. Many scholars note a four-step cycle in Judges describing Israel’s relationship with God. First, Israel disowns God and goes after false gods. Second, God removes his blessings, resulting in Israel’s oppression at the hand of foreign nations. Third, God calls a judge to deliver His people from oppression. Fourth, Israel experiences a period of rest following their deliverance. 25. How does a similar cycle appear in our own lives? When we wander away from Him, God uses other believers to draw us back to Himself. If you are comfortable doing so, provide some examples.

26. God “was moved to pity by [the] groaning” of the Israelites (2:18). How does knowing that God cares deeply for us, even when we sin against Him, affect our relationship with Him?

God’s Word for Today Read Romans 6:23. Certainly, like the people of Israel, we deserved bondage and the everlasting oppression of sin, Satan, and death. Yet, God was “moved to pity” by our groaning to send His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

28. Read John 14:6. God’s Old Testament people compromised their faith. They did not follow God’s commands and worshiped false gods. How might Christians be tempted to compromise? How do Christ’s words strengthen you when you are tempted to compromise your faith?

In Closing Encourage participants to begin the following activities: • Consult your Bible dictionary for facts about the Philistines, the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, the peoples God will use to “test” Israel. • Using a Bible dictionary or other resource, discover the religions of the Canaanites. Especially take note of Baal and Ashtoreth worship. Think about why God would find these religions detestable. • Read Judges 3:7–31 to prepare for the next session.

Close by singing/reciting in unison the words of “Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds” (LSB 867; ELH 180; CW 512; LW 472; TLH 629).

Let children hear the mighty deeds Which God performed of old, Which in our younger days we saw, And which our parents told. So make to them His glories known, His works of pow’r and grace; And we’ll convey His wonders down Through ev’ry rising race. Our sons and daughters we shall tell And they again to theirs That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs. O teach them with all diligence The truths of God’s own Word,

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 17 To place in Him their confidence, To fear and trust their Lord, To learn that in our God alone Their hope securely stands, That they may never doubt His love But walk in His commands.

Pray: Lord God, keep us in true faith through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The First Judges

Apostasy, the denial of religious beliefs, struck throughout every Israelite tribe. Many Israelites fell into this apostasy during the half-done defeat of Canaan. Even though God repeatedly told them to defeat their enemies, the Israelites still left pockets of Canaanites in every tribal area. The Israelites sometimes bypassed whole towns, each of which had its own set of gods. The most common were Baal and Ashtoreth, but there were others, too, such as Molech and Dagon. Temple priests taught that bad luck came when anyone made Baal angry. Only human sacrifices made him happy again. Baal prized child sacrifice. So did Molech and Dagon. For Molech, priests put children onto the heated arms of his metal statue and slowly burned them to death. Baal had a mate. She was a fertility goddess named Ashtoreth. Just when ancient peoples began to worship her has eluded scholars. However, much of the ancient world worshiped her. She had different names depending on where she found worshipers. Had you lived long ago, you might have encountered one of her many temple prostitutes. Having sexual contact with them was said to bring good crops. What drew the ancient Israelites to worship false gods (Leviticus 18 and 20)? Perhaps nothing more than the most evil and sinful desire, that of making gods in their own image. But regardless of false gods’ appeal, God wanted His people back. By raising up judges, He saved His people from themselves and freely proved His intent to keep His everlasting covenant. A Loss of National Identity Time passes. The Bible does not say how long. Soon the Israelites living in Canaan begin to lose their national identity. How do we know? Review Judges 3:5–6. The Israelites “lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites” (v. 5). Not only did they live among them; “their daughters they took to themselves for wives, and their own daughters they gave to their sons, and they served their gods” (v. 6). If they kept intermarrying with the Canaanites, a God-pleasing, separate and distinct Israel would die out. How could they show God’s love to heathen nations if they no longer followed God’s laws? How could they stop worshiping false gods? God knew. By His grace, God provided judges. 29. Read Judges 3:7 and note the words that prove Israel was losing her national identity. How was this possible?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 19 30. Read Judges 3:8. Joshua died about 1399 BC. A few years later, Mitanni of Mesopotamia ran Cushan-Rishathaim out of his realm. Cushan settled in Israel and soon took control. In Hebrew, Cushan’s name means “doubly wicked.” What does “doubly wicked” tell you about Cushan’s eight-year takeover?

The Lord Provides Savior-Judges Read Judges 3:8–11. Before God called Othniel, His first judge, an important event happened. God “sold” Israel. In this case, God withdrew His blessings, and Cushan, a Mesopotamian king, ruled over Israel (v. 8). 31. What features set Othniel apart from other Israelites of his day?

32. God supplied Othniel with the gift of His Holy Spirit. How did Othniel use this gift?

33. Why do you suppose that many consider Othniel to be Israel’s “perfect judge”? How many years of rest did the land have under Othniel?

34. Read Judges 3:12–30 for the account of Israel’s second savior/judge. Why did God call this “judge”?

35. Read Genesis 20:36–37 and Deuteronomy 2:9, 26–29. How long did Eglon, king of Moab, rule over the Israelites? Compare the length of Eglon’s reign to that of Cushan (Judges 3:8). As we tour the list of Israel’s conquerors, the length of time under foreign rule grows. What might we learn from this fact?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 20 36. Who does God call to deliver Israel from the Moabites? Whether he was handicapped or simply grew up using his left hand does not matter. What surprises you the most about this judge?

37. Could we apply the term “perfect judge” to Ehud as we could Othniel? Why or why not? How long of a rest period followed Ehud’s defeat of Moab?

38. Israel’s third judge seems an afterthought. Name him (v. 31). What surprises you about this judge?

God’s Word for Today All of the judges have two things in common. First, original sin clings to them. Second, despite that sin, God worked through them to bless His people. God used sinful people like you and me to point to His perfect Judge, Jesus Christ. In Christ, we do not have an imperfect, temporary victory like those earned by Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Instead, all sinners receive an account paid in full through Jesus’ death and resurrection. 39. Read Hebrews 9:15. The author of Hebrews describes Christ as the “mediator of a new covenant.” What happens to your sin under this new covenant?

40. What comfort do you find in knowing that Christ offers eternal life to those whom God has “called”?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 21 In Closing Encourage participants to begin the following activities: • Discuss God’s selection of Shamgar, a foreigner and not a Jew, to deliver His people. • Locate the city of Hazor on your Bible map. (Israel’s next oppressor is from Hazor.) In whose tribe is Hazor located? • Read Judges 4–5 to prepare for the next session.

Close by singing/reading together the words of “The Gospel Shows the Father’s Grace” (LSB 580; ELH 233; CW 288; LW 330; TLH 297). The Gospel, whether found in the Old or New Testament, shows us God’s abundant mercy through Christ.

The Gospel shows the Father’s grace, Who sent His Son to save our race, Proclaims how Jesus lived and died That we might thus be justified. It sets the Lamb before our eyes, Who made the atoning sacrifice, And calls the souls with guilt oppressed To come and find eternal rest. It brings the Savior’s righteousness To robe our souls in royal dress; From all our guilt it brings release And gives the troubled conscience peace. It is the pow’r of God to save From sin and Satan and the grave; It works the faith which firmly clings To all the treasures which it brings. It bears to all the tidings glad And bids their hearts no more be sad; The weary, burdened souls it cheers And banishes their guilty fears. May we in faith its message learn Nor thanklessly its blessings spurn; May we in faith its truth confess And praise the Lord, our righteousness.

Pray: Almighty Lord, You are faithful. By Your powerful hand Israel found rescue. Foreign gods fell, crushed underfoot. By Your same powerful hand, You rescue us from death through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your rescue and for Your grace. Amen.

Deborah and Barak

With tender brush strokes, archeologists remove the sands of ancient Hazor, a once-bustling Canaanite city ten miles north of the Sea of Galilee. Long ago, 40,000 citizens made their home here. Early texts from as far away as Egypt and Syria tell of Hazor’s place in history as an international trade center. Digging here dates back to the 1950s. In the late 1960s, Yigael Yadin, one of the fathers of Israeli archeology, dug at the areas known as the Upper City and the Lower City—a total of 200 acres in all. Among the ruins is proof of a fire so intense that it cracked the palace walls. The blaze left behind ash up to three feet deep. Archeologists have also found proof of the willful destruction of statues of Canaanite and Egyptian rulers and heathen gods. At Hazor, ancient history supports the biblical ruin of Hazor and her king, Jabin, under Joshua (Joshua 11:13). Another building layer found on top of the old tells of Hazor’s later rebuilding and the reign of another king. This king’s name, Ibni Addu, appears elsewhere in Semitic words as “Yavin,” or “Jabin,” as the writer of Judges has it. This later king Jabin and his noted chief officer, Sisera, play the roles of winner and loser as God uses two judges, Deborah and Barak, in God’s drama of rescue. Old Habits Die Hard The Bible tells us that when Ehud died, Israel went back to her old habit of chasing after Canaanite gods (Judges 4:1). As the Angel of the Lord had said, these gods “snared” them (Judges 2:3). Israel strayed from God and in raced Jabin. In the blink of an eye, Canaanite raiders and sturdy chariots overran Israel, just as Cushan and Eglon had done. Jabin kept his nine hundred ironclad chariots at Harosheth Haggoyim, which means “metal forge of the foreign nations.” It is not hard to imagine that the Canaanites built these Old Testament “tanks” and sold them to other nations. Twenty years of cruel slavery followed (4:3). What could the Israelites do against such great forces? By themselves, nothing. With God, everything! Canaanite cruelty led to repentance, and, after twenty years, they prayed to God for deliverance. In mercy, He heard their prayers. 41. What comes to mind when you hear that God “sold” Israel into slavery (Judges 4:2)?

42. How does just knowing that God hears and answers your prayers give you comfort in your day-to-day walk with Him?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 23 God Calls Deborah and Barak Read Judges 4:4–11. God called Deborah and Barak, the only man/woman team to deliver Israel. Deborah was a prophetess who rendered justice over the tribe of Benjamin. God used her to call Barak. Even with God’s battle plan in hand, Barak still hesitated to put this plan into action. 43. God understands that at times you and I are reluctant to follow where He leads. What means did God use to encourage Barak (vv. 9, 14)?

44. Do you have a “Deborah,” someone who encourages you to follow the Lord’s call for your life? Do you have a “Barak” to encourage? If you feel comfortable doing so, share a time when you were encouraged or were an encourager.

45. God’s deliverance included a third person who was not considered a judge. Who was she (v. 17)?

46. God gave Deborah and Barak special skills, or gifts, in order to serve His people. Take some time to discuss the special skills God has given you or members of your group to serve the body of Christ.

Victory over Jabin, King of Canaan Read Judges 4:12–23. Six Israelite tribes provided the ten thousand fighting men who served under Barak’s command. Members of the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, Makir (from the tribe of Manasseh), Zebulun, Napthali, and Issachar responded to Barak’s request for troops. The other six tribes sent no one. Sisera’s fighting men and ironclad chariots were aligned against Barak’s forces. Victory over Sisera came swiftly, for God “routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army before Barak” (v. 15). 47. How did God use Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, to complete His victory?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 24 A Victory Song Read Judges 5. The finer points of Sisera’s shocking defeat find words in the Song of Deborah and Barak. The Canaanites believed that their god Baal controlled rain, so Sisera put his troops and chariots near the Kishon River. 48. In this battle, we see the almighty power of God displayed in creation. How are you comforted knowing that God is in control of all things?

God’s Word for Today God used Deborah and Barak—and, to a lesser degree, Jael—to deliver Israel. On a broader scale, the battle was one between the God of salvation and those forces arrayed against His plan of salvation. 49. Read Ephesians 6:10–12. Paul commands Christians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (v. 10) because our battle is “against the spiritual forces of evil” (v. 12). How does Christ’s victory over death give you confidence in God’s strength?

In Closing Encourage participants to begin the following activities: • Discuss how God uses wives and mothers like Deborah and Jael to serve His purposes. • Research the Midianites in a Bible dictionary or other resource. • Read Judges 6–8 to prepare for the next session.

Close by singing/saying together the words of “Not unto Us” (LSB 558; CW 392). Note how the hymnist gives glory to God much like Deborah and Barak do in their victory song (Judges 5:3–5). Not unto us, not unto us be glory, Lord; Not unto us but to Your name be praise; Not unto us but to Your name all honor be giv’n For matchless mercy, forgiveness, and grace. Amazing grace—that chose us ere the worlds were made; Amazing grace—that sent Your Son to save; Amazing grace—that robed us in Your righteousness And taught our lips to sing glory and praise.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 25 O faithful love—that shepherded through faithless years; Forgiving love—that led us to Your truth; Unyielding love—that would not let us turn from You But sent us forth to speak pardon and peace. Not unto us but to Your name be glory, Lord, For grace so rich, so wide, so high, so free. Abide with us till trav’ling days are over and done, And pilgrim feet lead us home, Lord, to You.

Pray: Lord, thank You for Your many mercies and Your everlasting faithfulness, made known daily. Strengthen us now by Your Holy Spirit and send us into the world—men and women working together in the vocations You provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Gideon

Never have so few defeated so many. These few words summarize the skillful military plan used by our next judge, Gideon. As He did with other judges before him, God used Gideon to save the Jewish people and turn them away from “what was evil in the sight of the LORD” (Judges 6:1). Gideon battled against the Midianites (v. 2). These were Abraham’s offspring by his concubine Keturah (Genesis 25:2), who lived in the Arabian Peninsula. During the time of Moses, Israel went through the land of Moab. As they did, Balak, their king, called upon the “prophet” Balaam to curse them (Numbers 22:4–7). He failed. However, Balaam caused Israel to worship the god Baal at Peor (Numbers 25:1–3). After Israel began serving Baal, Phinehas, the high priest’s son, killed an Israelite man and the Midianite woman he took as a wife (vv. 7–8). Just before God called Gideon as judge, the Midianites joined the Amalekites and “the people of the East” (Judges 6:3). Annually they invaded Israel and made the Jews flee their homes to live in dens and caves (v. 2). Jewish harvests became the pickings of those who “devoured the produce of the land” (v. 4). Like clockwork, each year at harvesttime the Midianite hordes swarmed over the land, “like locusts in number—both they and their camels could not be counted—so that they laid waste the land” (v. 5), leaving Israel little to eat. After seven years of raids, God called Gideon. God Sends a Prophet Judges 6:6 recalls Judges 3:9. At that time, Cushan ruled Israel. For eight years, the heathen gods Baal and Asheroth took God’s place. Jews intermarried with pagans (3:6). In His time, God “raised up” Othniel, the first judge. Othniel fought Cushan and won (3:10). This time, unlike the earlier times, God did not raise up a judge right away. This time He sent an unnamed prophet to Israel. This prophet recalled God’s rich grace with a four-verse sermon. “I saved you from your Egyptian oppressors. I commanded you to worship Me only. But you didn’t listen.” Hardships came. The Midianites saw to that. They raided on camelback and left nothing. Israel needed a “deliverer.” God said, “Not yet! Trust Me and My covenant.” 50. Read Judges 6:7–10. What point does God make in this four-verse sermon?

Gideon’s Call Read Judges 6:11–24. When we meet him for the first time, we find Gideon doing everyday things. In secret, he threshes a small amount of grain in a winepress (v. 11). 52. We see Gideon’s lack of confidence in verse 15. What words and signs does God provide to encourage him? Write your answer after each passage listed below. 6:12

6:14

6:19–21

6:23

53. Read Judges 6:25–35. Gideon, his family, and his people worshiped pagan idols. What happened when Gideon tore these idols down?

Deliverance through Gideon Read Judges 6:36–7:8. Gideon’s faith flags. God provides Gideon another sign, then God begins downsizing Gideon’s army.

55. Read Judges 7:9–25. God knows Gideon’s heart. What does God do to strengthen him?

56. How does it feel knowing that God knows you as intimately as He knew Gideon?

57. Read Ephesians 2:8–9. The victory Gideon claimed over the Midianites belonged to God. How does Christ’s victory at Calvary show the futility of Christians boasting about saving themselves by works?

A New Idolatry Read Judges 8:1–35. Gideon defeated Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian, for refusing to supply food for his men. In court-martial style, Gideon took their symbols of power, crescent ornaments (v. 21). Muslims later put this crescent symbol on their flags, where it remains to this day. 58. Conflict reigned throughout Israel. How do we see that in the actions of Zebah and Zalmunna?

59. God provided several victories in Gideon’s life (see Judges 6:32; 8:22–25). Sadly, he used the spoils of war to make a gold ephod (v. 27). A new era of idolatry began. What might the name of Gideon’s son, Abimelech, which means “my father is king” (v. 31), indicate?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 29 60. Gideon dies and Israel goes back to worshiping false gods. How does this show the difficulty of breaking old habits?

God’s Word for Today God knows Gideon well. He knows us as well. He gives us permission to call on Him in our struggles and bolsters our weak faith. 61. Read Psalms 50:15. How do these words strengthen your faith?

62. Read Matthew 26:26–28 and Romans 6:4. At times our faith in God flags like Gideon’s. What does God use to strengthen our faith?

In Closing Encourage participants to begin the following activities: • Talk about how power led Gideon away from God. • Read Hebrews 11:32–33 and discuss Gideon’s response to God’s grace. • Refresh your memory on the importance of repentance in the life of a believer. • Read Judges 9–12 to prepare for the next session.

Close by singing/reciting together the words of “Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won” (LSB 490; ELH 353; CW 145; LW 139; LBW 133; TLH 201).

Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won! Death no longer can appall me; Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done! From the grave will Christ recall me. Brighter scenes will then commence; This shall be my confidence.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 30 Jesus lives! To Him the throne High above all things is given. I shall go where He is gone, Live and reign with Him in heaven. God is faithful; doubtings, hence! This shall be my confidence. Jesus lives! For me He died, Hence will I, to Jesus living, Pure in heart and act abide, Praise to Him and glory giving. All I need God will dispense; This shall be my confidence. Jesus lives! I know full well Nothing me from Him shall sever. Neither death nor pow’rs of hell Part me now from Christ forever. God will be my sure defense; This shall be my confidence. Jesus lives! And now is death But the gate of life immortal; This shall calm my trembling breath When I pass its gloomy portal. Faith shall cry, as fails each sense: Jesus is my confidence!

Pray: Lord of all, I am tempted by the devil, the world, and my sinful flesh. Strengthen my faith and keep me in the one true faith, through Christ Jesus. Amen.

Abimelech through Abdon

By God’s grace, the Bible records that “the land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon” (Judges 8:28). Gideon’s courage in destroying the altar of Baal and his successful battles against God’s enemies left an enduring legacy. However, in creating the golden ephod (Judges 8:22–27), Gideon unwittingly paved the way for further idolatry among God’s people. As we have seen with the other judges, who were human just like you and me, only God is the true hero. The focus of God’s story now shifts to Shechem. Once, long before the time of the judges, Abraham rested here (Genesis 12:6). Joshua’s farewell address took place at Shechem (Joshua 24). At Shechem, the Israelites responded faithfully to God’s covenant using these words: “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods” (Joshua 24:16). Shechem’s soil received the hallowed bones of Joseph, buried after the long journey of the Exodus (Joshua 24:32). Sadly, Shechem, the city so long revered in Jewish culture, now housed a temple to Baal- berith (“god of the covenant”), another false god. Sadly, Shechem’s fall from grace continued under Gideon’s successor. When Gideon died, his son by a concubine made big plans to rule Israel. He would focus his plans on Shechem. Under Abimelech, murder and intrigue paid a return visit to Shechem to stay until the time of King David. Abimelech, the Anti-judge Although Baal-berith means “lord of the covenant,” this was a counterfeit god, as counterfeit as calling Abimelech “judge.” While previous judges delivered Israel from the hands of oppressors like Cushan (Judges 3:8), Eglon (3:14), the Philistines (3:31), Jabin, king of Canaan (4:2), and the Midianites (6:6), Abimelech usurped power from his brothers and oppressed his fellow countrymen. With a nation’s collective eyes turned away from God, a man like Abimelech appears wise in suggesting that only one of Gideon’s sons rule over Israel (9:2). With his mother’s relatives speaking on his behalf, Abimelech found all the support he needed among the leaders of Shechem (9:3). Abimelech listened to friendly shouts of acclamation. “He is our brother,” they shouted. Yes, Shechem bore Abimelech, but as the city painfully discovered, he had no loyalty to Shechem. God is always faithful; Abimelech never was. Read Judges 9:4–21. With money from the offering given Baal-berith, Abimelech gathers a gang of thugs (v. 4), and his “reign of terror” begins. Abimelech came into power through the use of murder. 63. All the citizens of Shechem and those serving at Baal-berith (also called Beth-millo) turned out for Abimelech’s coronation (v. 6). The location of Abimelech’s coronation has special significance. What occurred there (Joshua 24:26)? Identify this event’s significance.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 32 64. Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal flank Shechem. During Joshua’s first covenant renewal ceremony, God promised blessings from Mount Gerizim and curses from Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27). How does Jotham, Abimelech’s half-brother, use Mount Gerizim?

Abimelech’s Downfall and Other Judges Read Judges 9:22–57. Abimelech became infamous. Unlike other judges, Abimelech did not deliver God’s people; he enslaved them. 65. To other judges, God gave His Spirit. What about Abimelech’s “spirit” (v. 23)?

66. Describe Abimelech’s encounter with the cities of Shechem (vv. 26–49) and Thebez (vv. 50–57).

67. Read Judges 10:1–5. Two judges find quick mention in these verses: Tola and Jair. How long did each of these men judge/deliver Israel?

God’s Grace through Jephthah Read Judges 10:6–11:28. Israel did evil in God’s sight and returned to idol worship. To cause them to repent, God sent the Philistines and the Ammonites against them (10:7). When the time was right, God called a new judge. 68. Israel’s new judge is Jephthah. In a message to the Ammonite king, Jephthah recounts Jewish history and appeals to God, the true Judge, to settle the dispute between Israel and the Ammonites (11:27). What was the king of Ammon’s response?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 33 69. Speaking God’s truth in love is not easy. If you feel comfortable doing so, share a story about a time when you spoke God’s truth in love to someone who needed to hear it. What happened?

Jephthah’s Vow and Three Minor Judges Read Judges 11:29–12:15. Without thinking, Jephthah made a horrible vow with tragic results—the sacrifice of his own daughter. 70. When confronted with the consequences of her father’s vow, Jephthah’s daughter willingly submits to her own death. How do her words point us to Christ?

71. Read 1 John 1:9. As horrible as Jephthah’s sin is, God forgives him. How do you feel knowing that, just as Jephthah was forgiven, Christ’s blood has covered all your sins?

72. Three judges served after Jephthah. Name them and list how long each judged.

God’s Word for Today Wandering away from God often brings horrible consequences. The removal of God’s blessings brings suffering and pain. Thankfully, God does not withdraw His blessing forever. We have God’s guarantee of His forgiveness in Christ’s blood. 73. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God announced, “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). How does knowing that God readily forgives you bring you comfort?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 34 74. Read Colossians 3:12–13. God’s forgives our sins in Christ and commands us to do likewise. Why is forgiving others sometimes so difficult?

75. Read Ephesians 1:7. How does Holy Communion remind you that God’s forgiveness reached its climax in Christ?

In Closing Encourage participants to begin the following activities: • Reread Luther’s explanation of the Fifth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer in the Small Catechism. • Discuss the Lord’s faithfulness to His covenant. • Read about Samson in Judges 13–14 to prepare for the next session.

Close by singing/saying in unison the words of “Salvation unto Us Has Come” (LSB 555:1– 3, 9; ELH 227; CW 390; LW 355; LBW 297; TLH 377).

Salvation unto us has come By God’s free grace and favor; Good works cannot avert our doom, They help and save us never. Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone, Who did for all the world atone; He is our one Redeemer. What God did in His Law demand And none to Him could render Caused wrath and woe on ev’ry hand For man, the vile offender. Our flesh has not those pure desires The spirit of the Law requires, And lost is our condition. It was a false, misleading dream That God His Law had given That sinners could themselves redeem And by their works gain heaven. The Law is but a mirror bright

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 35 To bring the inbred sin to light That lurks within our nature. Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone And rests in Him unceasing; And by its fruits true faith is known, With love and hope increasing. For faith alone can justify; Works serve our neighbor and supply The proof that faith is living.

Meet Samson

What comes to mind when you hear the name Samson? For some people, the name Samson presents the image of a man with shoulder-length hair and bulging muscles who is able to take on a dozen men at once and toss them about like so many rag dolls. We recall Samson’s strength. Now, let us look at how God used him and made Samson into a great hero of the Bible. The story of Samson, the real story found in the pages of Judges, offers a fascinating story of a multidimensional human being. First, Samson was entrusted into the Lord’s service as a child. Next, he was a disobedient man at odds with his parents, a breaker of vows, a strong slayer of men, a loner, a tempter of God, an adulterer, and a man without sight. Lastly, Samson was a destroyer of temples and a man who through his own death brought destruction to the Lord’s enemies. We will examine Samson’s life over the next three lessons. Throughout, God teaches the lesson of dependence and obedience. At the end of Samson’s life, when he was sapped of strength and placed between the pillars of Dagon’s temple, we see God at His finest. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Christians, long after Samson’s death, we can almost picture Samson, although Paul’s words best reflect Christ: “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Let us return to Judges and begin our search for the real Samson, the last judge found within its pages. Setting the Background Read Judges 13:1. Although it is only thirty words long, forty years of Israel’s history unfold here before our eyes. Following Abdon’s eight years of deliverance, Israel returned to its old sinful ways, a reoccurring theme. Are we watching the story of our lives unfold as well? Don’t our lives consist of one sinful episode after another? Thanks be to God! Although we fail miserably, He still remembers His covenant. In our case, God’s Law reminds us of what God expects, and we see that we have again “missed the mark.” But then His Gospel causes us to rest in Christ. To the Israelites, God sent the Philistines who settled in Canaan during Abraham’s lifetime (Genesis 21:32, 34). Forty years of enslavement followed. 76. Have you ever thought of Samson as a sinner? How might God use sinners to achieve His purposes?

Samson’s Unique Call Read Judges 13:2–25. Samson’s parents live in the city of Zorah in the territory occupied by the tribe of Dan. 78. From what you learn about Samson’s mother (v. 2), what was so incredible about Samson’s birth? Name another woman or women who gave birth under similar circumstances.

79. Read Genesis 18:1–15 and Luke 1:5–38. Samson had the distinction of a dramatic pronouncement from God, a distinction shared by three other men. List the other three.

80. Read Numbers 6:1–21 and Acts 21:24. A Nazarite vow had three parts: a Nazarite could not drink wine or intoxicating beverages, cut his or her hair, or touch a dead body or animal carcass. The cutting of hair signaled the end of an individual’s vow. Who is ending his Nazarite vow in Acts 21:24?

81. What event confirmed for Samson’s father and mother the extraordinary circumstances of Samson’s birth?

82. Samson shared a like announcement with Samuel (1 Samuel 2:26) and Jesus (Luke 2:52). Explain.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 38 Samson’s Wedding Read Judges 14:1–20. On a visit to Timnah, Samson falls in love with a Philistine woman, even though Hebrew law condemned intermarriage with pagans (Deuteronomy 7:3–4). 83. Read Exodus 20:12. How does Samson’s behavior toward his parents violate the Fourth Commandment?

84. Read Romans 6:17. Samson sins and sins again. In Romans, Paul notes that before Christ came into our lives, we were “slaves of sin.” How do we see in our own lives that sin produces more sin?

85. Archaeologists have learned that the Philistines brewed beer. If the Hebrew word for “feast” in Judges 14:10 is drawn from the word drink, what sin may Samson have committed by “feasting”?

86. Gambling occurred at Philistine feasts, and the Philistines enjoyed solving riddles (v. 12). Discuss Samson’s wager and his riddle.

87. Although God considers Samson’s actions leading up to and involving his wedding sinful, He used Samson to strike the Philistines at Ashkelon (v. 19). How?

God’s Word for Today We have seen Samson in a completely new light. Yet God has plans for Samson even though he is a sinner just like us.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 39 88. The prophet Isaiah once heard these words from God: “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose. . . . I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it” (Isaiah 46:10–11). How do God’s words bring you comfort?

89. Read 2 Corinthians 5:18–20. If we are “ambassadors for Christ,” how should our lives reflect our ambassadorship?

In Closing Encourage participants to begin the following activities: • Discuss the significance of 1 Peter 2:24 and how it relates to sin. • Discuss the importance of spouses being of the same faith. • Read Judges 15 to prepare for the next session.

Close by singing/saying together the words of “The God of Abraham Praise” (LSB 798:1–4, 9; ELH 69; LW 450; LBW 544; TLH 40).

The God of Abr’ham praise, Who reigns enthroned above; Ancient of everlasting days And God of love. Jehovah, great I AM! By earth and heav’n confessed; I bow and bless the sacred name Forever blest. The God of Abr’ham praise, At whose supreme command From earth I rise and seek the joys At His right hand. I all on earth forsake, Its wisdom, fame, and pow’r, And Him my only portion make, My shield and tow’r. The God of Abr’ham praise, Whose all-sufficient grace Shall guide me all my pilgrim days In all my ways. Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 40 He deigns to call me friend; He calls Himself my God. And He shall save me to the end Through Jesus’ blood. He by Himself has sworn; I on His oath depend. I shall, on eagle wings upborne, To heav’n ascend. I shall behold His face; I shall His pow’r adore And sing the wonders of His grace Forevermore. The whole triumphant host Give thanks to God on high. “Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!” They ever cry. Hail, Abr’ham’s God and mine! I join the heav’nly lays: All might and majesty are Thine And endless praise!

Pray: Father, we see ourselves in Samson. Though You call us Your ambassadors, we shirk our duties. Guide and protect us, dear Lord. Through Word and Sacrament, recall us into Your service that others may learn of Your mercies. Through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Samson’s Temper

The Bible paints a complete picture of human beings—warts and all. In the case of Samson, the Bible never glosses over his temper. When Samson’s parents objected to his choice in a daughter-in-law, we read about it. Like a spoiled child, Samson sassed his parents, breaking the Fourth Commandment in the process (Judges 14:1–3). Through the biblical narrative, God uncovers a side of Samson overlooked in casual reading. By placing Samson too quickly on a pedestal, we easily miss the reality that God made Samson a hero. Judges records Samson’s deception of his wedding party for “thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes” (Judges 14:13). We see Samson’s anger when his wife entices him to reveal the answer to the riddle “Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet” (v. 14). The riddle’s answer: honey taken from a lion’s carcass (v. 18). We watch Samson skulk off to Ashkelon to strike down “thirty men of the town” for their clothes in order to pay his debt (v. 19). God never allows the writer of the Book of Judges to hide Samson’s breaking of his Nazarite vows or the murders he commits. God wants us to watch as Samson’s reality-show life plays out before our eyes. The Bible is God’s stage. God loves Samson. God loves you. His love flows from the wounds of His dear Son to cover all sin. Our Sinful Nature Our sinful nature embraces anger like a long-lost brother. The fire lit by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is all-consuming. Fanned by Satan, angry flames leap out of control from person to person. View the entries under the word anger in a Bible concordance and you might be surprised at the staggering number of entries. Anger happens. Except for his choice in clothes, Samson probably would fit right in with today’s culture. He supplies a flesh-and-blood example of the words of James, who wrote, “Desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:15). 90. Discuss a recent news event that demonstrated the sinful nature of humanity.

91. Read Proverbs 15:1. How does this verse help us to under-stand that we should avoid sin when experiencing strong emotions?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 42 Samson and the Foxes Read Judges 15:1–8. The Philistine father “gave” his daughter to Samson’s friend (review Judges 14:20). Later, Samson returned for his bride to learn that only her sister was available to him. His anger raged. He caught three hundred foxes, tied them in pairs, attached torches and released them to set fire to “the stacked grain and the standing grain” (Judges 15:5). 92. How did Samson’s actions fuel the anger of the Philistines?

93. Samson struck back with “hip and thigh” (v. 8), a vicious move some scholars describe as resembling martial arts. Samson thrust out his leg and thigh. Catching his victim by the arm, Samson threw his foe over his head. Where did Samson hide after his fight? (Later, Rehoboam, Solomon’s son and successor, fortified this site southwest of Bethlehem; see 2 Chronicles 11:5– 12.)

“The Jawbone of a Donkey” Read Judges 15:9–20. Samson hid, living alone in Etam’s rocky “clefts” (v. 8). A group of Philistines learns where Samson is hiding and raids nearby Lehi (v. 9). 94. The men of Judah came down to “bind” Samson (v. 12). Why would two new ropes make a difference in securing him?

95. God provided Samson with the immense strength we see demonstrated in his battle with the Philistines (vv. 14–16). What could Samson do that ordinary men could not? For what purpose does God use Samson?

96. Twice more Samson breaks his Nazarite vow. What two actions break it? Can you think of a reason why God might leave the breaking of this vow unpunished?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 43 97. The ancient Jews erected memorials to remind them of God’s faithfulness to His covenant. One was erected at the Jordan River crossing (Joshua 4:1–3), and another marked the covenant renewal ceremony at Shechem (Joshua 24:26). The Jews also marked God’s feats through Samson. What did they memorialize (Judges 15:17, 19)?

God’s Word for Today The mighty Samson appears before us, a strong man filled with anger. He felt betrayed by both the Philistines and his fellow Israelites. No matter where he went, his reputation arrived ahead of him. Samson still is not ready to turn his life over to God. His anger stands in his way. However, God has not given up on Samson. God has only begun to use this strong man to deliver His people, and, in the process, He will soften Samson’s heart. 98. Read Colossians 3:8. God calls Christians to “put away” anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk. What changes does God work in us through repentance and faith?

99. God gave Samson incredible strength. It is hard to imagine the agility needed to tie foxes’ tails together or to slay a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. How are you comforted by knowing that God has provided a true strong man in Jesus Christ, one who has “overcome the world” (John 16:33)?

In Closing Encourage participants to begin the following activities: • Learn more about the Philistine god Dagon in a Bible diction-nary. • Discuss why the destruction of the Philistines is an important part of God’s covenant. • Read Judges 16 to prepare for the next session.

Speak or sing together the words of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (LSB 686:1–3; LBW 499).

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 44 Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. While the hope of endless glory Fills my heart with joy and love, Teach me ever to adore Thee; May I still Thy goodness prove. Here I raise my Ebenezer, Hither by Thy help I’ve come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wand’ring from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood. Oh, to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be; Let that grace now like a fetter Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee: Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.

Samson and the Lord’s Triumph

With this lesson, it might be good to review the source of Samson’s strength. The Angel of the Lord, the preincarnate Christ, had told Samson’s mother that Samson would “begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5). Consecrated already in the womb, Samson was destined by God for His service. At an early age, “the Spirit of the LORD began to stir” Samson (v. 24). When Samson and his parents were traveling to Timnah, a lion lunged at Samson, but “the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces” (14:6). It was the Spirit, too, that came upon Samson when he struck down the thirty men in Ashkelon (v. 19) and when he struck down a thousand men with the donkey’s jawbone (15:14–17). Clearly, there was more to Samson’s physical strength than just his muscles. Much more! Following this tremendous victory, we see more of Samson’s humanity. Being very thirsty, he gave thanks to the Lord for God’s gift of victory over Israel’s enemies, but he also pleaded for water to quench his thirst (v. 18). Sometimes prideful, sometimes disobedient, and, as we shall see, sometimes guilty of grave sin, Samson still recognizes that he is the Lord’s servant and that the source of his strength, the true Source, is none other than the Spirit of God Himself. That he should lapse into moral turpitude by rejecting that same Spirit and the gift of faith stands to warn all of us of the dangers of pride in our own abilities and accomplishments. Another Feat of Strength Read Judges 16:1–3. Samson goes back to Gaza and spends a night with a prostitute. After giving lip service to God, he then lives a life contrary to God’s desire. We have seen this person before. Sometimes a similar person stares back at us from our own mirror. The citizens of Gaza control all escape routes. Samson cannot escape. He does not know it yet, but the Philistines have Samson in their sights. Unknown to either party, God casts a wider net. What happens next sets in motion the humbling of Samson and the fall of the Philistines. He performs another feat of strength in front of an entire city, and the search for Samson’s strength gets under way. 100. How does Samson once again demonstrate his disloyalty to God?

Prelude to a Fall Read Judges 16:4–22. In Hebrew, the first three letters of Delilah’s name can describe an amorous woman, while the last four spell night. 102. How does Delilah show that she loves money more than she loves Samson? What danger is there when we love money more than we love God (see Luke 16:13)?

Note: The Philistines held five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron. Supposing each city’s lord put in “1,100 pieces of silver” (v. 5), Delilah would receive about 5,500 pieces of silver for her betrayal. 103. Put yourself in Samson’s sandals. How would you react if someone continually asked you about the source of your strength and then sought to prove your answer? What did Samson do instead?

104. Match the following verses with the methods used to subdue Samson. a. Shaving Samson’s head ______verse 11

b. Weaving seven locks of Samson’s hair ______verse 7

c. Binding him with new ropes ______verse 17

d. Binding him with seven fresh bowstrings ______verse 13

105. Read Deuteronomy 6:16 and Matthew 4:7. How did Samson “put God to the test,” which is forbidden in Deuteronomy and repeated by Christ?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 47 106. Samson’s parents placed him under a Nazarite vow. What did cutting Samson’s hair do to that vow? Explain what happened to Samson when the Philistines shaved off “the seven locks of his head” (Judges 16:19).

God’s Strength through Samson’s Weakness Read Judges 16:23–31. Samson’s foes rejoice. Sightless, in “bronze shackles” (15:21) and lacking the Spirit’s power, Samson is only half the man he was. And yet, God has Samson where He wants him. The Philistines gather to “offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god” and thus mock Samson’s God (16:23–24). 107. Read Judges 14:3; 15:18; and 16:28. Compare and contrast the words of Samson found here. What has God done in Samson’s life?

108. Through Samson’s weaknesses, how does God prove to the Philistines, to the Jews of Samson’s day, and to you and me His power to deliver His people from oppression?

God’s Word for Today God uses Samson’s weakness to deliver His people from the Philistines. The climax to Samson’s story is spectacular: “the house [the Philistine’s temple to Dagon] fell upon the lords” (Judges 16:30). 109. Samson committed the last measure of his will to God (v. 30) as Christ did on the cross (see Luke 23:46). Christ willingly died on the cross for you. Which of your enemies did He defeat through His sacrificial death?

110. Read 1 Peter 1:6–7. How does Peter put trials and temptations into perspective?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 48 111. Read Galatians 5:25. Like the ancient Israelites, we often find ourselves oppressed. We cannot free ourselves from the grip of sin, death, and the devil no matter how hard we try. At Calvary, Jesus exchanged His sinless life for our sinful ones. In His Passion (His time of torment, agony, and death on the cross), Jesus Christ paid for all sins—including those of Samson. How does God wish us to live our lives in response to His deliverance?

In Closing Encourage participants to begin the following activities: • Discuss the phrase “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” You will run across this phrase often in the remaining lessons. • In a Bible dictionary, look up the meaning of the word ephod. • Read Judges 17–19 to prepare for the next session.

Sing or say together the words of “Holy Spirit, Light Divine” (LSB 496; CW 183; LW 166; LBW 257; TLH 234). Holy Spirit, light divine, Shine upon this heart of mine; Chase the shades of night away, Turn the darkness into day. Let me see my Savior’s face, Let me all His beauties trace; Show those glorious truths to me Which are only known to Thee. Holy Spirit, pow’r divine, Cleanse this guilty heart of mine; In Thy mercy pity me, From sin’s bondage set me free. Holy Spirit, joy divine, Cheer this saddened heart of mine; Yield a sacred, settled peace, Let it grow and still increase. Holy Spirit, all divine, Dwell within this heart of mine; Cast down ev’ry idol throne, Reign supreme, and reign alone.

Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, please remove the sin of self-sufficiency and pride from me. If it pleases You, make Your powerful grace and forgiveness known to others through me, a poor, miserable sinner. Send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen me and to lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Amen. Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 49 Lesson 10

Life Outside of God’s Covenant

Beginning with Judges 2, we have read an account of how God’s cherished people turned their backs on His love and made concessions in their beliefs. Yet, because of His love, time after time, God sent judges into their lives to save them and lead them back to Him. These judges were sinners, and yet God in His grace used them for His purpose. The story of the judges doesn’t end with this book, however. The cycle of sin, revolt, oppression, deliverance, and rest does not end with the death of Samson; it continues into the pages of 1 Samuel. There we meet four other judges: Eli (1 Samuel 4:18), Samuel (7:15), and Samuel’s two inept sons (8:1–3). For the time being, however, we will look at the remaining three chapters in the Book of Judges. Here we see further evidence of the decline of the spiritual life of Israel. When we rely on ourselves and trust in other gods, God may remove His blessings. We will see it as we study a family, a tribe, an incident, and, in the last chapter, a civil war. “Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes” When God is absent, sin fills the void. Whatever we place our faith and confidence in becomes our god. Money, possessions, and even we ourselves can become our god. The Canaanites followed gods they believed they could manage and manipulate with sacrifices and ritual prostitution (their works). Before long, the Israelites felt the same. A little compromise and soon everyone asked Satan’s Garden of Eden question, “Did God actually say . . . ?” (Genesis 3:1). Read Judges 17:1–13. 112. What thoughts come to mind when you read, “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (v. 6)? Are there any parallels in our modern world?

113. If you ever found yourself among those who “did as he saw fit,” whom did God send to bring you back to Himself? Was it a parent, a teacher, a pastor? If you feel comfortable doing so, share your story.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 50 A Dysfunctional Family A man named Micah lived in Ephraim. Two stories grab our attention: that of 1) Micah, his mother, and his son (Judges 17:1–6); and 2) Micah and a Levite (vv. 7–13). 114. In the first story (vv. 1–6), what do we learn about Micah? about his mother?

115. Read Exodus 20:1–11. How have Micah and his mother sinned against the First Table of the Law?

116. God called Old Testament priests to serve His people (see Leviticus 8–9). What does Micah’s appointment of his son as priest tell you about his faith in God?

117. How did Micah and his son show by their actions that they had no regard for the First Table of the Law?

118. The second story (Judges 17:7–13) involves a Levite (a man legally bound to God’s covenant and to making it known to God’s people; see Numbers 18:1–7). What did the Levite do that he should not have done?

The Tribe of Dan Moves Read Judges 18. In Canaan, God gave land to each tribe. Drawn by lot, Dan received its land inheritance last (see Joshua 19:40–48). The tribe of Dan became unhappy with the land God had given them, so they moved.

120. During their search for land, Danite spies found the Levite priest that Micah (from our previous story) had hired. The spies stole Micah’s priest and Micah’s household idols. Why did the spies steal them (note Judges 18:31)?

Death of a Levite’s Concubine Read Judges 19. A Levite traveled to retrieve his concubine. On their return north, they stopped in Gibeah for the night. Men surrounded the place where they were staying and demanded to have sex with the man inside. The Levite forced his concubine outside where they “abused her all night” (v. 25). The concubine died. The Levite carried her body home and sent parts of her throughout Israel, demanding revenge. 121. How do you think the actions of the Levite, a man of God, repulsed the people of Israel?

122. Compare Genesis 19:4–11 to Judges 19:1–30. What are the similarities in these two accounts?

God’s Word for Today God withdraws His hand of blessing when His people turn their backs on Him. In love, He wants people to see their sin, repent of it, and return to Him in faith. 123. Read Romans 1:22–27. We read, “God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity” (v. 24). How does this compare to Judges 17:6?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 52 124. Read Acts 22:16. The people we read about in Judges are spiritually dead in their sin. What power does God supply through Baptism that can make the spiritually dead come to life again?

In Closing Encourage participants to begin the following activities: • Discuss how God proves His faithfulness to His covenant in the Book of Judges. • Determine the significance of Proverbs 22:6 as it relates to the Book of Judges. • Read Judges 20–21 to prepare for the next session.

Say or sing together the words of “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (LSB 700; ELH 407; CW 365; LW 286; LBW 315; TLH 351).

Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav’n, to earth come down! Fix in us Thy humble dwelling, All Thy faithful mercies crown. Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love Thou art; Visit us with Thy salvation, Enter ev’ry trembling heart. Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit Into ev’ry troubled breast; Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us find Thy promised rest. Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be; End of faith, as its beginning, Set our hearts at liberty. Come, Almighty, to deliver; Let us all Thy life receive; Suddenly return, and never, Nevermore Thy temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, Serve Thee as Thy hosts above, Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, Glory in Thy perfect love.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 53 Finish then Thy new creation, Pure and spotless let us be; Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in Thee, Changed from glory into glory, Till in heav’n we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before Thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise!

Pray: Father in Heaven, we thank You for your faithfulness to your covenant. Because of Your Son’s work and by the power of Your Holy Spirit, we have the certain hope of life everlasting. Amen.

Civil War

The events described in Judges 19 serve as a prelude for the remaining two chapters, 20 and 21. The horrible event described in 19:29 makes us want to turn our eyes away from this bloody account in disgust. Would people be so cruel as to sexually abuse a woman to the point of her death? Would a Levite really cut up his concubine (to whom he was legally married) and send pieces of her body, with notes, throughout Israel? “Horrible!” we say. “No sane person would do that!” And yet, reading about the Levite’s horrible deed causes us to look more closely at these last three chapters of Judges. It will be of great benefit to us. In reality, the events of chapters 19– 21 take place early in the period of the judges, not at the end. As he did in chapter 2, which served to highlight and accentuate chapter 1, in chapters 19–21 the author of Judges does not follow a normal timeline. If he had, chapters 19–21 would follow chapters 1 and 2. How do we know? The name Phinehas gives us a clue. As grandson of Aaron, the first high priest, Phinehas struck down a sinning couple at Peor (Numbers 25:7–8), which was before the Israelites crossed into Canaan (Joshua 3). Phinehas’s father died around the time of Joshua (Joshua 24:29, 33), making Phinehas high priest. It is this Phinehas that we will meet in Judges 20:28. Also, Bethel (Judges 20:18) appears to be the primary place where people inquired of God, not Shiloh as in the later Canaanite period. A Call to Arms Revenge. This motive alone has fueled many wars through the ages. It now fuels a war unprecedented in Israel’s history. The tribes of Israel pit their forces against one another. With sword and sling, they slaughter. Whole towns vanish in smoke. When forces collide head-on, one wonders about the presence of God. Sometimes sin runs a tragic course before participants stop long enough to listen to Him. He already knew His course of action. He already knew their need for judges. He already knew their need for a Savior. He knows our needs as well. Read Judges 20:1–17. 125. With Israelite forces gathered at Mizpah, the Levite, whose concubine had died, addressed them. Compare and contrast his account in this passage with Judges 19:22–30.

127. How many troops did Israel gather? Benjamin?

The Battle Begins Read Judges 20:19–28. Israel outnumbered the Benjamite forces more than thirteen hundred to one. Note that the Benjamites win the opening battles of this civil war although Israel is the one who “inquired of God” (vv. 18, 23). 128. What is the difference between Israel’s first two “inquiries” and their last (vv. 26–28)?

129. Israel “inquired of God.” In what city did they do so (v. 26)?

Note: While the ark of the covenant (dwelling place of God) moved from place to place, the tabernacle (Tent of Meeting) did not. It stayed at Shiloh until king David moved it to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). Two Views of Israel’s Victory Read Judges 20:29–42. Israel’s victory involved deception much like that of the battle of Ai early during the conquest of Canaan. 130. Read Joshua 8:1–22 and compare the victory at Ai with Israel’s capture of Gibeah.

131. Man’s mistreatment of his fellowman, brought about by “original sin” (Genesis 3:1–7), becomes painfully clear in Israel’s victory. Explain.

133. Read Joshua 6:17, 24 and Judges 1:17. Israel warred with the Benjamites until “all the towns that they found” were burned (Judges 20:48). Against whom did God permit the tactic of burning towns? Does such burning take revenge too far? Explain your answer.

Israel Weeps over Her Sin Read Judges 21:1–25. One man’s lie (a sin) after the death of his concubine took a horrific toll with sixty-five thousand dead on both sides, an entire Jewish tribe nearly destroyed. 134. Read Psalm 51:14. The bitter realization of what has just happened (God’s Holy Spirit at work) caused Israel to travel to Bethel. Why did they travel there?

135. What proved Israel’s sincerity when she “wept bitterly” (Judges 21:4)?

136. Read John 8:11. Although Israel’s bitter weeping showed contrition (genuine, heartfelt sorrow) for their sins, their repentance is short-lived. They devise two plans for getting wives for the Benjamite men (Judges 21:8–12, 17–21). Explain their plans and the important point they miss as stated by Christ in John 8:11.

137. How does the last sentence of this chapter—and of the book—summarize a life apart from God’s grace in Christ?

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 57 God’s Word for Today Throughout Judges, we have seen evidence of God’s faithfulness. He remains faithful to this day. 138. How are you comforted knowing that God is faithful to His covenant (see Judges 1:2; Matthew 26:26–28)?

139. Read John 5:39. Referring to the Holy Scriptures, Jesus said, “It is they that bear witness about Me.” From what you have learned in this study, how did the judges bear witness, or point to, Jesus Christ?

140. In the Lord’s Supper, God continues not only to deliver but also to strengthen our faith in the new covenant (or testament) of Christ’s body and blood. Take some time now to discuss how God’s promises comfort you in light of what you have learned in the Book of Judges.

In Closing Sing or speak together the words of “Beautiful Savior” (LSB 537; ELH 54; CW 369; LW 507; LBW 518; TLH 657).

Beautiful Savior, King of creation, Son of God and Son of Man! Truly I’d love Thee, Truly I’d serve Thee, Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands, Robed in flow’rs of blooming spring;

Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight, Bright the sparkling stars on high; Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer Than all the angels in the sky.

Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations, Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, Praise, adoration Now and forevermore be Thine!

These notes are provided as a “safety net,” a place to turn for help in answering questions and for enriching discussion. They will not answer every question raised in your class. Please read them, along with the questions, before class. Consult them in class only after exploring the Bible references and discussing what they teach. Please note the different abilities of your class members. Some will easily find the Bible passages listed in this study; others will struggle. To make participation easier, team up members of the class. For example, if a question asks you to look up several passages, assign one passage to one group, the second to another, and so on. Divide the work! Let participants present the answers they discover. Preparing to Teach Judges To prepare to lead this study, read through the Book of Judges. You might secure a good commentary on the book and read it over, or read the introduction to the book in The Concordia Self-Study Bible or a Bible handbook. Several maps of the Old Testament world around 1,300– 1,000 BC would also be helpful. The materials in these notes are designed to help you in leading others through this portion of the Holy Scriptures. Nevertheless, this booklet is to be an aid to—and not a substitute for— your own study of and preparation for teaching the Book of Judges. If you have the opportunity, you will find it helpful to make use of other biblical reference works in the course of your study. These two commentaries can be very helpful: Arthur E. Candall and Leon Morris, Judges and Ruth, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP, 1968); and John C. Lawrence, Judges/Ruth, People’s Bible Commentary (Milwaukee: Northwestern Publishing House, 1997; reprinted by Concordia Publishing House, 2005). Although it is not strictly a commentary, the section on Judges in The Word Becoming Flesh by Horace Hummel (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1979) also contains much that is of value for the proper interpretation of this biblical book. Group Bible Study Group Bible study means mutual learning from one another under the guidance of a leader. The Bible is an inexhaustible resource. No one person can discover all it has to offer. In any class, many eyes see many things and can apply them to many life situations. As the leader, you should resist the temptation to “give the answers” and so act as an “authority.” This teaching approach stifles participation by individual members and can actually hamper learning. As a general rule, the teacher is not to give interpretation but to develop interpreters. Of course there are times when you should and must share insights and information gained by your study and by your class members through the lesson. And you’ll want to engage class members in meaningful sharing and discussion at all points, leading them to a summary of the lesson at the close. As a general rule, don’t explain what the learners can discover by themselves. Have a chalkboard and chalk or newsprint and marker available to emphasize significant points of the lesson. Rephrase your inquiries or the inquiries of participants as questions,

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 60 problems, or issues. This provokes thought. Keep discussion to the point. List on the chalkboard or newsprint the answers given. Then determine the most vital points made in the discussion. Ask additional questions to fill gaps. The aim of every Bible study is to help people grow spiritually, not merely in biblical and theological knowledge, but in Christian thinking and living. This means growth in Christian attitudes, insights, and skills for Christian living. The focus of this course must be the church and the world of our day. The guiding question will be this: What does the Lord teach us for life today through the Book of Judges? Teaching the Old Testament Teaching the Old Testament can degenerate into mere moralizing in which “do-goodism” becomes a substitute for the Gospel and sanctification gets confused with justification. Actually, the justified sinner is not moved by God’s Law but by God’s grace to a totally new life. His or her faith in Christ is always at work in every context of life. Meaningful personal Christianity consists of faith flowing from God’s grace in Christ and is evidenced in love for other people. Having experienced God’s free grace and forgiveness, the Christian daily works in his or her world to reflect the will of God for humanity in every area of human endeavor. The Christian leader is Gospel oriented, not Law oriented. He or she distinguishes Law from Gospel. Both are needed. There is no clear Gospel unless we first have been crushed by the Law and see our sinfulness. There is no genuine Christianity where faith is not followed by life pleasing to God. In fact, genuine faith is inseparable from life. The Gospel alone creates in us the new heart that causes us to love God and our neighbor. When Christians teach the Old Testament, they do not teach it as a “law book,” but instead as books containing both Law and Gospel. They see the God of the Old Testament as a God of grace who out of love establishes a covenant of grace with His people (Deuteronomy 7:6–9) and forgives their sins. Christians interpret the Old Testament using the New Testament message of fulfilled prophecy through Jesus Christ. They teach as leaders who personally know the Lord Jesus as Savior, the victorious Christ who gives all believers a new life (2 Corinthians 5:17) and a new mission (John 20:21). Pace Your Teaching The lessons in this course of study are designed for a study session of at least an hour in length. If it is the desire and intent of the class to complete an entire lesson each session, it will be necessary for you to summarize the content of certain answers or biblical references in order to save time. Asking various class members to look up different Bible passages and to read them aloud to the rest of the class will save time over having every class member look up each reference. Also, you may not want to cover every question in each lesson. This may lead to undue haste and frustration. Be selective. Pace your teaching. Spend no more than 5–10 minutes opening the lesson. During the lesson, get the sweep of meaning. Occasionally stop to help the class gain understanding of a word or concept. Allow approximately five minutes for closing the lesson and announcements. Should your group have more than a one-hour class period, you can move at a more leisurely pace. But do not allow any lesson to drag and become tiresome. Keep it moving. Keep it alive. Keep it meaningful. Eliminate some questions and restrict yourself to those questions

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 61 most meaningful to the members of the class. If most members study the text at home, they can report their findings, and the time gained can be applied to relating the lesson to life. Good Preparation Good preparation by you, the leader, usually affects the pleasure and satisfaction the class will experience. Suggestions to the Leader for Using the Study Guide

The Lesson Pattern This set of lessons is designed to aid Bible study, that is, to aid a consideration of the written Word of God, with discussion and personal application growing out of the text at hand. The typical lesson is divided into these sections: 1. Theme verse 2. Objectives 3. Questions and answers 4. Closing The theme verse and objectives give you assistance in arousing the interest of the group in the concepts of the lesson. Here is where you stimulate minds of the class members. Do not linger too long over the introductory remarks. The questions and answers provide the real spadework necessary for Bible study. Here the class digs, uncovers, and discovers; it gets the facts and observes them. Your comments are needed only to the extent that they help the group understand the text. The questions in this guide, corresponding to sections within the text, are intended to help the participants discover the meaning of the text. Having determined what the text says, the class is ready to apply the message. Having heard, read, marked, and learned the Word of God, it can proceed to digest it inwardly through discussion, evaluation, and application. This is done, as these notes suggest, by taking the truths found in Scripture and applying them to the world and Christianity in general and then to one’s personal Christian life. Class time may not permit discussion of all questions and topics. In preparation you may need to select one or two and focus on them. Close the session by reviewing one important truth from the lesson. Remember, the Word of God is sacred, but this study guide is not. The notes in this section offer only guidelines and suggestions. Do not hesitate to alter the guidelines or substitute others to meet your needs and the needs of the participants. Adapt your teaching plan to your class and your class period. Good teaching directs the learner to discover for himself or herself. For you, the teacher, this means directing the learner, not giving the learner answers. Directing understanding takes preparation. Choose the verses that should be looked up in Scripture ahead of time. What discussion questions will you ask? At what points? Write them in the margin of your study guide. Involve class members, but give them clear directions. What practical actions might you propose for the week following the lesson? Which of the items do you consider most important for your class? How will you best use your teaching period? Do you have 45 minutes? An hour? Or an hour and a half? If time is short, what should you cut? Learn to become a wise steward of class time.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 62 Plan a brief opening devotion, using members of the class. Be sure to take time to summarize the lesson, or have a class member do it. Remember to pray frequently for yourself and your class. May God the Holy Spirit bless your study and your leading of others into the comforting truths of God’s Christ-centered Word.

An Everlasting Covenant

Theme verse: I will never break My covenant with you. Judges 2:1 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • learn about God’s everlasting covenant; • discover that God can and may withdraw His blessings when we disobey; • learn that God offers forgiveness and restoration to His people. Setting the Stage 1. Review God’s covenant with Abram (Genesis 15:4–21). Read about the ancient practice of “cutting a contract.” Halves of animals lay opposite each other. Both parties walked between the halves to seal their part of the agreement; in effect, they were saying, “May I end up like these animals if I don’t live up to the agreement.” God walks between the halves, vowing an everlasting covenant with Abraham. 2. God vowed to give the Promised Land to Abraham. The Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaim, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites will be in the land when Israel arrives centuries later. Blessings and Curses 3. Judges 1:1 has proof of initial Jewish faithfulness with the words “Israel inquired of the Lord.” 4. Simeon agreed to help Judah drive out the Canaanites (v. 3). 5. These two tribes capture Jerusalem and Hebron. Jerusalem becomes Israel’s capital under King David. Hebron has rich roots in Jewish history. Hebron houses the tombs of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives. 6. God granted victory over the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Canaanites in the hill country, inhabitants of Debir, the Canaanites in Zephath, and the inhabitants of Bethel. 7. In these words, we understand that God cares for His people. He supplies everything— children, crops, livestock, and food. By His grace, God showers blessings on Israel, providing them with everything they need. God drives out Israel’s enemies before them (Deuteronomy 28:1–14). On the other hand, God may withdraw these blessings. Such a withdrawal brings the

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 64 counter-effect with a lack of children, crops, livestock, and food (Deuteronomy 28:15–25). Israel brings this withdrawal of blessings upon themselves when they willfully disobey God to chase after false gods. God’s curses call Israel back to Himself. 8. During the Canaanite conquest, the tribe of Benjamin and the tribe of Manasseh fail to complete their missions. The resulting heathen resistance later sways Benjamin and Manasseh away from God. 9. Yes, they would concern God because He commanded His people to destroy their enemies completely (Deuteronomy 7:2; 12:3). Note that these partial victories happen in each tribe. 10. The tribes fail to “drive out the inhabitants.” Any time strong resistance occurred, Israel gave up instead of seeking the Lord’s guidance. Found in Judges 1:27–35, this disobedience made its way through all twelve tribes. 11. The four words “did not drive out” are continually repeated. This means Israel takes a live-and-let-live approach to the pagan nations living in Canaan. 12. By failing to drive out the Canaanites, Israel walked away from God and went off in their own direction. In so doing, they forfeited God’s blessings. God Responds to Israel’s Disobedience 13. Israel disobeyed God’s command to destroy the pagan worship centers to prevent them from leading God’s people astray (Judges 2:2). 14. As a way to bring His people back to Him, God says that pagans will continue to live among them and that their false religions will “snare” them and continue to lead them astray (v. 3). The reason? So that His people can see their corruption, repent, and return to Him. In God’s plan, we see both Law and Gospel. Seeing the sinfulness of false worship functions as the Law. Repentance and the restoration bring with them God’s grace, the Gospel. God’s Word for Today 15. Even in the trials of life God is blessing us Christians. It is only through God’s blessing of forgiveness, life, and salvation that we are able to persevere. God wants Christians to remain faithful to Him and to each other, not only for His own glory, but also because He gives them the ability to do so through faith in Christ. 16. We have God’s sure promise of His gracious presence. He alone strengthens us. His promise to be with us always comes sealed in His Son’s precious blood and carries more certainty than the hand-shake between the boys we read about at the beginning of this lesson.

God Raises Up Judges

Theme verse: Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Judges 2:16 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • learn that God’s sinful people break His covenant; • God calls His people back to Him through times of testing; • discover how in His grace, God “raised up judges” to lead His people back to Him. A Generation That Did Not Know God 17. This generation did not teach their children about God’s rich blessings, how God had rescued them from bondage in Egypt, and how, by His mighty hand, God led them through the desert, brought them into the Promised Land, and drove out the Canaanites. Perhaps this generation failed to teach the younger to observe Passover, which incorporates the rich history of God’s grace throughout the Exodus. 18. When we fail to teach succeeding generations about God, a whole generation loses sight of God’s grace and blessings. This new generation may feel that they delivered themselves from oppression. In such cases, they worship self before God and break the First Commandment (Exodus 20:2–3). 19. God’s deliverance came with many signs and wonders—the parting of the Red Sea, the pillar of fire and the cloud that guided Israel by night and day, the parting of the Jordan River— to reinforce the fact that their deliverance came by His hand and not their own. As Christians, we have Christ’s Sacraments as signs of our deliverance. When we forget what God has done, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper present to our senses living, life-giving, and sin-forgiving “memorials” to Christ’s finished work on our behalf. 20. We might do as God commands by taking part in daily devotions in our homes and by faithfully attending worship and Bible studies. Participation in the Lord’s Supper also teaches our children and grandchildren the importance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. For single adults, regular participation in these same functions also shows their faithfulness to others. Honoring God for what He has done comes from a desire to thank Him for His salvation.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 66 The Israelites Break God’s Covenant 21. Israel found itself led astray by the religious practices of the Canaanites. Instead of remaining faithful to almighty God, the Israelites were influenced to worship the Canaanites’ pagan god known as Baal. Israel shows contempt for God’s First Commandment. 22. God retains the right to remove blessings from those who disobey Him. Understand that this removal of blessings has as its chief objective bringing sinners back to God so that He might again shower them with His blessings. Behind the removal of blessings, we find God’s grace. A Time of Testing 23. God withdraws His blessings and thus ushers in a time of testing. Through this time of testing, God desires to lead those He loves back to Him for a restoration of His blessings. 24. God permits times of testing to humble us so that we may know again that He alone supplies our every need. Note that throughout the Book of Judges times of testing follow times of abandoning God. Times of repentance follow times of testing, and times of deliverance and rest follow times of repentance. You will see this drama repeatedly played out beginning with God’s first judge, Othniel. A Time of Salvation 25. Just as Israel did, we sin, and God withdraws His blessings. Through His Word we recognize and confess our sin, and God delivers us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Yes, God uses others to draw us back to Himself. Allow the class a few moments to provide examples of how God has used others to bring them back to Him. 26. God will likewise have pity on us. When we cry out to God for salvation, we may take comfort in knowing that God hears our cries for mercy for the sake of His Son, Jesus Christ. In answer to our moaning, He sent us our Savior. God’s Word for Today 27. Our rightful wage for our sin is eternal death; our underserved gift in Christ is eternal life. 28. Plenty of false gods still exist to lure us away from Christ. They carry interesting names such as New Age, which proposes that all men are god; and universalism, which states that every religion worships the same god. Perhaps you can think of others. All of these are false religions. Christ’s own words strengthen us (John 14:6). Christ teaches that these religions are false, for He and He alone restores sinful people’s relationship with God.

The First Judges

Theme verse: The LORD raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them. Judges 3:9 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • discover that God uses ordinary people filled with His Holy Spirit to do extraordinary things; • witness how God’s deliverance comes in surprising ways; • learn how God uses imperfect people to point to His perfect Son. A Loss of National Identity 29. We read that Israel did evil in God’s sight and abandoned the worship of the one true God to worship the stone idol of Baal and the wooden poles of the goddess Asheroth. Instead of remaining a separate and distinct culture, they blended into the pagan culture of their day. In the New Testament, John warns Christians to remain apart from their sinful culture when he writes, “Do not love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15). Christians are to influence the world for Christ. Christ’s Spirit guards us against the influence of the world. 30. We may assume that Cushan-rishathaim’s reign filled Israel with unbridled sin and debauchery, although the text remains silent. The Lord Provides Savior-Judges 31. Of his own, Othniel had no features to set him apart from others. 32. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit could Othniel deliver God’s people by warring against Cushan and defeating his army (Judges 3:10). 33. God reveals no sinfulness in Othniel as He does in later judges. But although no sins are mentioned, Othniel was no less a sinner than you or I. Othniel delivered God’s people only by the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s victory through Othniel brought about a period of rest lasting forty years. 34. God called a second savior/judge because after Othniel died, Israel went back to idol worship and sin. Eglon, king of Moab, became God’s instrument of testing (Judges 3:12). 35. Eglon reigned over Israel for eighteen years while Cushan only ruled over Israel for eight years. Israel fell so far away from God that it took eighteen years before the people cried out to God for mercy.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 68 36. God called Ehud to deliver Israel. What surprises us is Ehud’s deception and murder of Eglon. The writer of Judges does not attempt to cover Ehud’s sin. 37. We cannot apply the term “perfect judge” to Ehud because of his sin. Following Ehud’s death, the land had eighty years of rest. 38. God’s third judge, Shamgar, surprises us by killing six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad (a stick used to prod oxen). What an unusual weapon! Samson later kills a thousand Philistines using only the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:15–17). In Shamgar, we see God’s awesome power to deliver His people. God’s Word for Today 39. Jesus Christ redeemed us from the sin we commit against the Ten Commandments just as God’s Old Testament judges delivered God’s people from their oppressors. This deliverance gives those “called” the “promised eternal inheritance,” life everlasting (Hebrews 9:15). 40. We take comfort in knowing that God’s promise of eternal life is guaranteed through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Deborah and Barak

Theme verse: When new gods were chosen, then war was in the gates. Judges 5:8 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • learn that God calls whom He desires; • witness how God calls a variety of people for His saving purpose; • discover that those God calls, He qualifies. Old Habits Die Hard 41. God considered Israel as His beloved bride. He bought her from enslavement and battled for her against the Canaanites. Yet, she was unfaithful. Because of that unfaithfulness, God “sold” her into slavery. He will buy her back through the judges. 42. Answers will vary. Knowing that God hears and answers our prayers helps us stand up to trials and temptations in our lives. God cares for us so deeply that He sent His Son to answer our need for a Savior. God Calls Deborah and Barak 43. God used Deborah. She willingly said, “Very well. I will go with you,” and thus overcame Barak’s reluctance (Judges 4:9). Although not married to Barak, Deborah worked closely with him, offering both encouragement and rebuke. 44. Our “Deborahs” or “Baraks” may be our husbands, wives, friends, relatives, or, at times, perfect strangers. God knows when we need encouraging, and we often find our “Deborahs” when we least expect them. Allow some time for the class to share stories of their “Deborahs” or “Baraks” if they are comfortable doing so. 45. Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, completes God’s three-person team (v. 17). 46. God has provided many special skills. Discuss how He uses the special skills spread throughout your class. Victory over Jabin, King of Canaan 47. Jael killed Sisera by driving a tent stake through his head, fulfilling Deborah’s foretelling that the Lord would “sell Sisera into the hand of a woman” (v. 9).

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 70 A Victory Song 48. God fought as a divine warrior from heaven (v. 20). His power over nature provides comfort in our knowing that He watches over us and cares for us. When He commands, all the forces of nature must obey (see Matthew 8:23–27). God’s Word for Today 49. If God can rout Sisera and bring about destruction through the forces of nature, He can deliver us from the power of Satan. In fact, Christ’s victory on the cross has provided our victory.

Gideon

Theme verse: And the angel of the LORD appeared to [Gideon] and said to him, “The Lord is with you. . . .” Judges 6:12 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • discover how God sought out and then called Gideon; • learn how God’s grace brings deliverance; • see how God delivers you and me through Christ who comes to us in God’s Word and Sacraments. God Sends a Prophet 50. In this four-verse sermon, we hear God reminding Israel that He alone shepherded them through the Exodus and drove out the Canaanites from before them. He reminds them that He told them not to fear the gods of the Amorites (another name synonymous with the Canaanites), but Israel disobeyed Him. Although they now cry out for His deliverance (v. 6), He wants them to know they have disobeyed. For the time being, He withholds His blessings. 51. The Angel of the Lord addresses the whole of Israel in chapter 2 and delivers a message like that found in His four-verse sermon. He deliberately speaks to them to let them know why God has withdrawn His blessings. Gideon’s Call 52. 6:12—Knowing Gideon’s lack of courage, God begins His work on Him by complimenting Gideon as “a man of valor.” 6:14—Again God works on Gideon’s courage. This “might of yours” to which God refers comes only by the power of the Holy Spirit, already at work, stirring Gideon’s heart to great deeds. God knows Gideon well. He knows us just as well. 6:19–21—Here the Angel of the Lord touched His staff to Gideon’s offering and “consumed” it, whereupon He disappears. 6:23—In this verse we read how God spoke directly to Gideon. God provided these signs to strengthen Gideon’s faith. 53. Gideon was threatened with death for tearing down these idols and was given the nickname Jerubbaal, which means, “Let Baal sue!” or, in other words, “Let Baal deal with Gideon’s defiance.”

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 72 Deliverance through Gideon 54. Most likely, we would have worried about what God was doing. Our natural instinct is to want more troops for the battle ahead, not fewer. 55. God took Gideon near the Midianite camp so that he could overhear the conversation of two men, one of whom had a dream. The second interpreted his dream, saying that God “has given into [Gideon’s] hand Midian and all the camp” (Judges 7:14). 56. It feels wonderful knowing that God works to provide all needful things in our lives. He strengthens us in our times of fear and doubt. 57. The defeat of death cannot come by our own hand. We needed a deliverer. God sent Jesus Christ whose atoning death secured for us eternal life. Our works do not earn salvation. Christ did that on the cross. His resurrection on Easter Sunday stands as testimony to His great victory for us. A New Idolatry 58. Instead of providing help and assistance to Gideon’s troops, they refuse to do so. 59. God strengthened Gideon to deliver Israel, but now Gideon has set up an idol for the Israelites to worship. This ephod can never deliver Israel. It has become another false god for Israel to worship. Although Gideon refused to become Israel’s king, perhaps he wants that position because he names his son Abimelech, which means, “My father is king.” 60. It is very difficult to break old habits. We seek God’s assistance through prayer, lest they return. God’s Word for Today 61. God desires that we call upon Him in our times of need. In all situations, God wants to receive the credit for His work of deliverance. Our works do not merit salvation. We should not worship ourselves. Instead, we should bow before almighty God who delivered us from our sins through the sacrificial work of His Son. 62. God provides His Word and His Sacraments as signs of His ongoing commitment to strengthen and preserve us in true faith through Christ.

Abimelech through Abdon

Theme verse: The people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. Judges 10:6 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • learn about Abimelech, the anti-judge, and his evil ways; • discover that there is no bargaining with God; • rejoice that salvation came through Christ and is received through the gift of faith. Abimelech, the Anti-judge 63. Ironically, the renewal of God’s covenant took place at Shechem (Joshua 24:26). At the time of Joshua, Israel pledged to follow God; now they commit to following Abimelech at that same location. 64. Jotham uses the mount of blessing (Mount Gerizim) to issue curses against his brother and those who follow him. Abimelech’s Downfall and Other Judges 65. God never gave His Spirit to Abimelech. This allowed an evil spirit to possess Abimelech. The words murderous and treacherous sum up Abimelech’s three-year reign. 66. Abimelech attacks and destroys Shechem and tries to do the same at Thebez. However, a woman tosses a millstone from a city tower that strikes and fatally wounds Abimelech. One of Abimelech’s armor-bearers strikes the blow that kills him. 67. Tola judged for twenty-three years, while Jair judged for twenty-two years. God’s Grace through Jephthah 68. The king of the Ammonites did not listen to Jephthah’s words (Judges 11:28). 69. Answers will vary. Jephthah’s Vow and Three Minor Judges 70. In Jephthah’s daughter we see Jesus Christ’s acceptance of God’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:42). 71. Jephthah came before the Lord with a repentant heart and undoubtedly received God’s forgiveness. That same forgiveness comes to you and me. All who seek God’s forgiveness in Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 74 Christ have God’s guarantee of eternal life, sealed by Christ’s blood. What a comfort this brings all sinners; God’s grace through Christ covers our sin! 72. God sent the judges Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon who judged for seven, ten, and eight years, respectively. God’s Word for Today 73. Apostasy creates an open wound festering with sin. We find comfort in God’s grace, which cauterizes the wound, binds it, and heals it. Thanks be to God. Sin finds healing in Christ. God’s grace runs counter to our normal behavior when someone harms us. 74. Christians reflect God’s forgiveness by forgiving as God does. Sometimes hurt feelings can hinder us from wanting to forgive someone who has sinned against us. However, we should never withhold our forgiveness of others. Rather, in Christ God enables us to be a forgiving people, just as Christ has forgiven us. From the cross His words echo, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). 75. In Christ’s blood we find forgiveness. Christ has redeemed us and bought our ransomed souls back from death. Christ’s blood offers forgiveness of every sin through all time. What a loving God we serve!

Meet Samson

Theme verse: And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. Judges 13:24 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • explore Samson’s unique call; • discover that, although pledged to God, Samson remained a sinner; • learn that God used Samson despite his propensity to sin. Setting the Background 76. Answers will vary. What comes to mind often glosses over Samson’s sinfulness. We picture Samson easily killing a lion, defeating Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, losing his hair by Delilah’s deception, and toppling the temple with his bare hands. God uses sinners all the time to achieve His purposes. He uses you and me by our actions, words, and deeds to witness to the salvation made available through His Son. 77. Answers will vary. Samson’s Unique Call 78. Samson’s mother was barren. Perhaps the name Sarah comes to your mind. Like Samson’s mother, she was barren before she gave birth to Isaac (see Genesis 21:1–3). 79. The three other men include Isaac, John the Baptist, and Jesus Christ. 80. The reference in Acts shows that Paul made a Nazarite vow and fulfilled it. 81. The miraculous appearance of the Angel of the Lord confirmed and heralded Samson’s extraordinary birth (Judges 13:3). 82. Samson, Samuel, and Jesus each received a similar pronouncement that they grew and the Lord blessed them. Samson’s Wedding 83. Samson fails to honor his father and mother by insisting on marrying a Philistine against their wishes (Judges 14:3). 84. Answers will vary. Most often, when we sin, we lie about it or deny its existence, and that leads to a compounding of sin. 85. It is possible that Samson drank intoxicating beverages in violation of his Nazarite vow.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 76 86. Samson made this wager: If the Philistines solved his riddle, Samson would provide each of them with thirty sets of clothes. If his riddle remained unsolved, the Philistines would provide Samson with thirty sets of clothes. 87. After Samson lost his wager, he killed thirty men in Ashkelon and took their clothes to pay off his debt. God’s Word for Today 88. It is comforting to know that God will also work His purpose in our lives. God can and does use sinners to further His kingdom. 89. Christ calls us as His ambassadors. We respond to that call by taking God’s Word into a sinful world where we proclaim the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. Daily we should recall how, through Baptism, God drowned our sins. Likewise, we should come to the altar and “take and eat” the body and blood of Christ, given and shed for the forgiveness of our sins. This message we should willingly take into the world, that others may come to know Christ and receive the blessing of His salvation.

Samson’s Temper

Theme verse: And he found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, and put out his hand and took it, and with it he struck 1,000 men. Judges 15:15 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • learn how Samson’s violent temper led to a continual breaking of his Nazarite vow; • understand that Samson’s strength came by God’s grace; • rejoice that God’s grace through Samson is memorialized as a reminder of what God does for His people. Our Sinful Nature 90. Answers will vary. 91. Answering an angry word with a soft reply helps to prevent arguments from escalating. You may find this technique difficult at first. Practice. The Lord gives sound advice. Samson and the Foxes 92. The Philistines turned their anger against Samson’s father-in-law and murdered him and his daughter (Samson’s wife). 93. Samson hid “in the cleft of the rock of Etam” (v. 8). “The Jawbone of a Donkey” 94. A new rope is less worn and thus less apt to break. The men of Judah want to make sure Samson did not escape when they delivered him to the Philistines. Two new ropes bind Samson, making what he is about to do incredible. 95. Samson could easily free himself from the two new ropes, tear the jawbone from a dead donkey, and use it to kill a thousand Philistines. God uses Samson to deliver His people from Philistine captivity. 96. By touching the jawbone of the dead donkey and killing the Philistines, Samson breaks his Nazarite vow. God leaves Samson’s sin unpunished in order to fulfill His will, the deliverance of His people.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 78 97. The Jews memorialized Samson’s victory by naming the area Ramath-lehi, meaning “jawbone heights” (v. 17). They also memorialized the spot where Samson received water from God, calling it En-hakkore, meaning “the spring of the one who called out” (v. 19). God’s Word for Today 98. If anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk ended, the world would find peace— peace comparable to that found before man first sinned in the Garden of Eden. The ending of these traits among us Christians would in the eyes of people set us apart from the rest of the world. 99. Answers will vary.

Samson and the Lord’s Triumph

Theme verse: So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life. Judges 16:30 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • witness as God removes His blessing of strength; • learn that when we are weakest, God is strongest; • learn that in His weakness, Christ conquered sin, death, and the devil on our behalf. Another Feat of Strength 100. Samson sleeps with a prostitute (Judges 16:1). 101. Samson removes the city gate and places it on a hill for all to see (v. 3). Prelude to a Fall 102. Delilah gladly accepted money in exchange for revealing the source of Samson’s strength. We risk the danger of making money our god and losing our soul in the process. 103. If we were Samson, Delilah’s curiosity should have roused our suspicion. We would wonder about Delilah’s motives for continually asking about the source of our strength. Perhaps these thoughts raced through Samson’s mind, but he ignored them. Samson may have thought himself invincible; after all, God protected him. On the other hand, perhaps self-pride crept in, and Samson thought he could handle any situation. Whatever the reason, Samson did not stop Delilah’s little game. 104. Match answers. a. verse 17; b. verse 13; c. verse 11; d. verse 7 105. Samson put God to the test by challenging God to protect him while he played a game of cat-and-mouse with Delilah. 106. By cutting his hair, Samson ended his Nazarite vow. Samson’s hair symbolized God’s hand of blessing through Samson’s strength. God removed His blessing of strength at the cutting of Samson’s hair. God’s Strength through Samson’s Weakness 107. The first two verses show us a selfish Samson. He wants what he wants and he demands his way. In Judges 16:28, we find that through trial, God has molded Samson into a

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 80 man willing to surrender his will to God’s purpose. Notice the use of the word “please” twice in this verse, and the phrase “only this once.” God has won Samson’s heart, turning him from self- centered to God-centered. 108. No strength remained in Samson. In his weakness, he prays to God for deliverance. God answers his prayer and provides enough strength to topple the temple of Dagon, crushing everyone inside. In one feat of strength, God delivers Samson and Israel from Philistine hands. God’s Word for Today 109. We take comfort in knowing that Christ willingly completed God’s plan of salvation. His death was purposeful. He is God’s ultimate strongman. Jesus defeated sin, death, and hell for us. 110. Peter teaches that God uses trials and temptations to strengthen our faith. Sometimes God places us in situations where we can share how He saw us through trials, and He thus uses us to minister to others. 111. God wants us to walk humbly before Him. In the last days of his life, Samson modeled this humility for us. The once-proud Samson turned to God and humbly asked for His help. Knowing what God has done for us through Christ, we humbly seek His will in our prayers.

Life Outside of God’s Covenant

Theme verse: In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 17:6 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • discover that God may remove His blessings when we rely on ourselves and/or trust other gods; • learn that lives lived outside of God’s covenant are conflicted and immoral; • understand that God raised up judges in order that He might again shower His blessings upon His people. “Everyone Did What was Right in His Own Eyes” 112. Answers will vary. In these words we find utter chaos, with everyone doing as they pleased. 113. Answers will vary. A Dysfunctional Family 114. Micah has stolen from his mother and hidden it from her. Only his mother’s curse against the person who has stolen her money brings about Micah’s confession (Judges 17:2). Micah and his mother worship idols (v. 4). 115. The First Commandment prohibits the worship of false gods. Micah and his mother did that by having “carved” and “metal” images of their god in their homes. 116. Micah wanted his own religion that he could manipulate to please him. 117. By appointing his son as priest, Micah assumed God’s role in the call process, violating the First Table of the Law. 118. The Levite became the exclusive priest for one man’s family when he should have remained among all of God’s people. God never meant Levites to bow to one man’s wishes but to make God’s covenant known to all. The Tribe of Dan Moves 119. The Danites sent out five spies to look for another place to settle (Judges 18:2).

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 82 120. The tribe of Dan began a new community north of the Sea of Galilee at Dan. With the Levite and idols stolen from Micah, they set up their own place of worship instead of traveling to Shiloh where the Tent of Meeting was the true center of Jewish worship. Micah’s sin erupted into a cauldron of disbelief among the tribe of Dan. Death of a Levite’s Concubine 121. Here is a man of God who should protect life instead sinning and causing death. We may feel further repulsed when he cuts up the concubine and sends her parts throughout Israel. 122. The Genesis account relates the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Men like those appearing on the pages of Judges surround Lot’s home. Unlike the story in our main text, two angels prevented Lot from sending his daughters out to the men. God’s Word for Today 123. Romans 1:22–27 shows the sinful side of life apart from God’s grace. Notice the corruption that follows the removal of God’s hand of blessing. Lustful desires result. In these verses, we see Judges 17:6 come to life. 124. Through the water of Holy Baptism, God washes away our sins and grants us new life in Christ.

Civil War

Theme verse: Then the people of Israel rose in the morning and encamped against Gibeah. Judges 20:19 Objectives By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word, we will • mourn as a lack of faith manifests itself in tribal warfare; • learn that moral decay began in the Garden of Eden; • discover how God has countered the hideous effects of sin with the healing balm of the Gospel. A Call to Arms 125. The Levite never mentions the sinful offer of his concubine to assuage the men surrounding the house. In this account, the Levite paints himself as the victim, when in reality his concubine was the victim. The Levite never takes responsibility for her death. Apostasy has grown to the point that even the Levites, the men of God, are no longer God-fearing. 126. He might do so to hide his sin in forcing his concubine outside so the men could have their way with her. 127. Israel gathered 400,000 men, while the tribe of Benjamin gathered 26,700. The Battle Begins 128. After twice coming before the Lord, the Israelites assembled, fasted, and offered sacrifices before coming to the Lord the third time (Judges 20:26–28). 129. Israel assembled at Bethel to “inquire of God.” Two Views of Israel’s Victory 130. In both cases, troops leave their city stronghold falsely thinking that they have routed their enemy. When they leave, troops hidden nearby enter the city to destroy it. When the city is set on fire behind them, the troops of both Ai and Gibeah realize the deception. 131. In this battle, tribe fights against tribe in a much larger version of Cain and Abel’s brother-against-brother struggle. Sin that began as wanting to be like God has become full-blown idolatry, then has grown into sexual immorality, and has come into full bloom in hatred of one’s fellowman.

Reproducible by purchaser only. © 2007 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV® 84 132. The Benjamites can thank God that He did not allow the hatred of the Israelites to destroy their tribe. Six hundred Benjamite men survive. 133. God allowed the Jews to use this tactic only to destroy Canaanite cities, not each other. Certainly, the tribes of Israel became judge, jury, and executioner in their battle with Benjamin. Never waiting for an explanation, Israel killed first and asked questions later. Israel Weeps over Her Sin 134. The Israelites came to Bethel to mourn what they had done. In their zeal, they had almost wiped out an entire tribe of their own countrymen (v. 3). Coming before their God, they desire Him to wipe away their guilt (Psalm 51:14). 135. Israel follows their bitter weeping with the building of an altar at Bethel in order that they might sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings (v. 4) as prescribed in Leviticus (1:1–17; 3:1–17). Dr. John W. Kleinig states, “The burnt, grain, and peace offerings were to be presented so that the Lord would give His approval and demonstrate His benevolence to the people who had brought them” (Leviticus, Concordia Commentary Series, © 2003 CPH, p. 35). By bringing these sacrifices, the Israelites demonstrated their desire to have God restore the blessings He has removed. They seek a restored relationship with their God. 136. After sinners repent, Christ commands them: “Go, and from now on sin no more” (John 8:11). But instead of not sinning, Israel turns to two sinful plans for providing women for the remaining Benjamite men. The first involved killing everyone from Jabesh-gilead except four hundred virgins. Because this plan left them two hundred women short of providing wives for all six hundred men from Benjamin, they developed a second plan. During a festival at Shiloh, the Benjamite men were to hide. When the daughters of the celebrants came out to dance, the men would kidnap them. Remember that Shiloh is the center of religious activities at this time. 137. The author uses the words “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25) to sum up the events in Judges. God’s Word for Today 138. We are comforted by knowing that God is faithful to His old covenant, and that, when Christ speaks of a new covenant in His blood, we know for certain that everlasting life is ours. 139. In each judge, we see a deliverer who points ahead to the ultimate Judge and Deliverer, Jesus Christ. These judges could only deliver the Jews from the hands of their oppressors, while Jesus Christ delivered sinners from the wages of sin and death. Unlike the deliverers who walk about the pages of Judges, Jesus Christ has no sin. He is our perfect, unblemished Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). 140. We take comfort in knowing that God is faithful in delivering us from sin just as He was faithful in delivering His people from the apostasy during the time of the judges. With thanksgiving in our hearts, let us seek God in His Word and Sacraments, never forgetting to tell the next generation what God has done! By the power of His blood, we have complete and total victory over sin and death.