The book of Judges graphically illustrates the simple fact that human beings have an innate bias towards sin and that we need a Saviour.

Human Failure and divine Faithfulness

This book could well be subtitled ‘Chaos in Canaan’, because it tells of a period in Israel’s history when ‘there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes’ (21:25). Under Joshua’s leadership the land of Canaan had generally been conquered and occupied, but large areas remained yet to be possessed by individual tribes. 

The book tells of a series of instances of disobedience towards God, in which:

• sin is followed on every occasion by
• servitude – being overrun by an enemy;
• supplication – a cry for rescue;
• salvation – someone sent to deliver then; and
• security – a period of peace. 

The judges were those military and civilian deliverers who God raised up to save the people each time they cried out in their distress. 

An important truth to grasp from this book is that God never breaks covenant with his people. However many times they fail him, he is always eager for them to repent. We no longer need a series of deliverer-judges. God has provided the ultimate Saviour in Jesus Christ. What we do need is self-discipline, so that we are ready for the spiritual battles that will come our way. Obedience to God’s ways will line us up with the blessings he has in store for us.  To let down our guard, morally or spiritually, is to invite disaster, and those most used by God are often the most vulnerable to temptation.

Two Examples

Two of the best-known characters from Judges will serve to illustrate the point: Gideon and Samson. Both men were appointed and anointed for a specific purpose. Both achieved some spectacular successes when the Spirit of God was upon them. Both came to a sad end as a result of pride and presumption.

The Holy Spirit

It is worth noticing how the Holy Spirit is seen to operate in this book.  As so often in the Old Testament, he comes upon individuals for specific purposes, giving them supernatural wisdom and abilities to get the particular job done. It is not a general outpouring such as Joel prophesied, which has occurred from Pentecost onwards. It was the Spirit who equipped people like Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah and Samson to achieve great things for God in tough circumstances.  That is the same Spirit who lives in every born-again believer today and is eager to equip us with the supernatural resources we need in our circumstances.

Deborah

One of the outstanding figures in the book of Judges is Deborah, who is clearly recognised as a judge in chapter 4. She also has a prophetic ministry, by which God mobilises a task force to throw off the cruel oppression of a Canaanite king.  In the moment of victory, Deborah is quick to praise God. Her song occupies the whole of chapter 5. She is a helpful reminder to Christians that we should take every opportunity to worship and praise the God who has given us victory in Jesus Christ.  She is unique in the combination of roles she fulfilled. She is a fine role model for all of us who will allow the Holy Spirit to fill and form our lives in order to influence the world around us.

Leadership

Good leadership is always a major factor in the triumph of God’s purposes.  Judges underlines the need for godly leaders who speak with prophetic voices.  When there is a lack of leadership among God’s people, the people lead unrestrained lives guided by their own opinions rather than God’s Word and godly wisdom.  The Israelites were soon to be ruled by kings – some godly, others evil.  We should be so grateful that we have the King of kings to whom we can bow the knee and from whom we can receive so many blessings.