Reference: Judges, The Book of
Fausets
The time comprised extends from Joshua to Eli. Divisions:
(1) Introduction (Judges 1 - 3:6). Judges 1, Israel's relations to Canaan, geographical and political, what the several tribes and houses achieved, or otherwise, in conquering the land; Judges 2 - 3:6, Israel's relations religiously to the Lord, this second portion tells us the reason of Israel's failure to drive out the Canaanite remnant and of their falling under oppressors, namely, apostasy; Jehovah leaving those nations in order to prove Israel whether they would obey Him. Hengstenberg suggests that Judges 1 presents the events before Joshua's death, Judges 2 the death itself and the events following it. The general lessons of the book are summed up in Jg 2:11 ff, namely, Israel's high calling and yet apostasy, Jehovah's chastening, and then raising up of judges because of His own pity for their groanings; then Israel's relapse into idolatry upon each judge's death.
(2) Jg 3:7-16. The opening formula (Jg 3:7) is resumed from Jg 2:11, "the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord," etc. Political events are subordinated to spiritual. Of the 13 judges, the account of six (Ehud, Deborah and Barak, Gideon, Abimelech, Jephthah, Samson) is full, that of the remaining seven very brief. In Gideon's case alone his sons' history is detailed, because it illustrates the great lesson of the book. His sin in making the ephod issued in his family's slaughter by Abimelech with the men of Shechem's aid, these in turn mutually punishing one another. Abimelech's was the first effort to substitute an earthly king for the Lord of the theocracy, Samson's history illustrates Israel's, whom he represents, strength and weakness, strength in separation to Jehovah, utter weakness when the consecration became severed, as Samson's locks, by lust. Othniel is the only representative of Judah; the greater number of judges belonged to northern and eastern Israel.
(3) Judges 17-21. The appendix. It records:
(1) Micah's idolatry in Mount Ephraim, and the Danite adoption of it in Laish, the conquest of which is narrated. A time "when there was no king in Israel" (Jg 19:1), before Samson's days (compare Jg 13:25 margin with Jg 18:12); also before Jabin, 150 years after Joshua, had established a strong Canaanite kingdom in the N., when Dan could not have taken Laish; perhaps shortly after Joshua's death (Jg 18:30). A comparison of Jg 18:1 with Jg 1:34; Jos 19:47, implies that this history occurred at the earliest part of the judges' period. The Danites set up Micah's graven image, and Jonathan's sons were its "priests until the day of the captivity of the land," i.e. the removal of the ark by the Philistines (compare Ps 78:59-64; Jer 7:12-14; 1Ch 16:34-35). Jehovah's giving up His glory (the ark) into captivity was a virtual giving over of Israel to captivity, i.e. to their enemy's power; for the sanctuary was the land's "kernel and essence" (Hengstenberg), and the completeness of Israel's prostration under the Philistines appears in 1Sa 13:19-23. No mention of the judges occurs in this appendix. The appendix records
(2) Gibeah's awful wickedness and Benjamin's countenancing it, and Israel's unitedly punishing almost to extermination the sinning tribe. The unanimity of the tribes implies an early date; also the mention of Aaron's grandson Phinehas (compare Jg 20:28 with Jos 22:13; 24:33). These two histories appended depict the spirit of the age morally and religiously.
HISTORIC TRUTH. The comparison with the heroic age of Greece is unwarrantable. Though the judges were heroes, it was an age preceded by the Mosaic legislation and the due settlement of the people by Joshua in their inheritance; not an age of lawless semi barbarism. Jahn (Hebrew Commonwealth) truly says the Book of Judges is a record of the exceptional diseases of the body politic, while the years of health are passed over in silence. The ability to write a description of the Succoth elders, 77 men, on the part of a young man taken at random implies it was no age of ignorance; contrast the Homeric age, in which only dubious traces of the existence of writing occur (Jg 8:14, margin). Israel's servitudes occupy 111 years, the time of peaceful independence 319 years (i.e. taking the whole period as 430). Hence, the oft recurring phrase, "the land had rest ... years" (Jg 3:11,30; 5:31; 8:28). Hence too in the millennial future restoration of Israel Isaiah (Isa 1:26) announces from God, "I will restore thy judges as at the first," as in Israel's most peaceable days: Joshua, the judges, and Samuel (compare Isa 32:1; Mt 19:28).
The chequered history of Israel at this period is too modest to be the work of a forger to glorify Israel. The mention of the Canaanite chariots accords with the Egyptian accounts which make the Cheta chariots their main strength. A hieroglyphic inscription of Rameses II mentions Astert as the Cheta or Hittite divinity, so Jg 2:11-13. The Shasous in Egyptian monuments resemble in habits the Midianites and Amalekites (Judges 6-8). Philistine power increases in Judges and 1 Samuel parallel with Egypt's decline in the monuments. The usages, mutilation (Jg 1:6-7), blood feuds (Jg 8:19), the intermixture of ruling people and subject tribes (Jg 1:19-36), the hiding of the oppressed in caves (Jg 6:2), earrings worn by men (Jg 8:24-26), women peeping through the lattice (Jg 5:28), fables (Jg 9:7), riddles (Jg 14:12) to be solved at a forfeit, all accord with oriental usage, and occur so naturally and incidentally as to exclude suspicion of design.
DESIGN. The aim is not to give a continuous history of the period between Joshua and Samuel, but to illustrate in striking particular deliverances the divine principle of dealing with Israel laid down in Jg 2:16-19. The judges imperfectly realize the ideal. Each only delivered one part of Israel: Shamgar the region toward Philistia; Deborah and Barak northern Israel (Jg 4:10); so Gideon (Jg 6:35), Jephthah, eastern Israel; Samson, Judah, Dan and the region adjoining Philistia. Gideon corrupted the worship of God, Samson yielded to lust, Jephthah made a rash vow and took revenge upon Ephraim. The possession of inspired gifts did not always ensure the right use of them, just as the miraculous gifts at Corinth were abused (1 Corinthians 14). This is analogous to God's mode of dealing as to natural gifts; we are not judges of what God does, but learners from what He has done when He was pleased to create free agents. The time was one of transition before the kingly era.
As yet Israel developed itself freely under the Mosaic law and theocracy, which are taken for granted; each did what was "right in his own eyes" (Jg 17:6), thus giving scope, as a common central government could less do, to the operation of that particular providence which gave prosperity or adversity according to the obedience or disobedience, not only of the nation but of each tribe and family (Jg 1:1-19,21-33). The judges were God's vice-gerents in carrying out part of that particular providence which distinguished Israel's God from the idols of the pagan around. Historical facts not subserving the Spirit's design are passed by, as Ephraim's victory over Oreb and Zeeb (Jg 8:3; Isa 10:26). Eli and Samuel are not included, because Eli was high priest, and as such was officially judge, not, as the rest, especially called to be judges. Samuel was the Lord's prophet, delivering Israel, not by the sword, but by the word and by prayer (1Sa 7:3-10). Samson was the last extraordinary judge.
Samson was born during Eli's high priesthood, for before his birth the Philistines ruled Israel (Jg 13:5); "he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." Samuel completed Israel's deliverance from them which Samson began. Throughout the inspired writer views Israel's history in the light of God's law. Israel's unfaithfulness punished by the foe's oppression, and Jehovah's faithfulness in raising up judges to deliver them at their cry, are the two hinges upon which the history turns (Keil). Only the tribes oppressed at a particular time are noticed; the rest walking according to the law, and therefore at peace, do not come under considera
See Verses Found in Dictionary
One day Moses was taking care of the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock across the desert to Sinai, the holy mountain. There the angel of Jehovah appeared to him in a flame of fire coming from the middle of a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire but that it was not burning up. read more. This is strange, he thought. Why is the bush not burning up? I will go closer and see. Jehovah saw that Moses came closer. He called to him from the middle of the bush: Moses! Moses! Moses answered: Yes, here I am. God said: Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, because you are standing on holy ground. I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses covered his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
Jehovah went in front of them in a pillar of cloud to show them the way during the day. He went in front of them in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel at night.
Then Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, captured the settlements in Gilead. He called them Havvoth Jair.
Do not behave the way we do here today, every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes.
About forty thousand, prepared for war, passed over before Jehovah to do battle in the plains of Jericho.
To Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of Jehovah to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron. From Hebron Caleb drove out the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai. read more. He went to the inhabitants of Debir. The name of Debir previously was Kirjath-sepher. Caleb said: I will give Achsah my daughter in marriage to the man who captures it and kills Kirjath-sepher. Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. She came to him and convinced him to ask of her father for a field. She dismounted her donkey and Caleb said to her: What do you wish? She answered: Give me a blessing. For you have given me a land in the south which includes springs of water. He gave her the upper springs, and the lower springs.
As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out. The Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.
They did not drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day, and have become forced laborers.
Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
The boundary of the children of Dan went too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, put it to the sword and occupied it. They lived there and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.
The boundary of the children of Dan went too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, put it to the sword and occupied it. They lived there and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.
Then the people of Israel sent Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, to the people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh in the land of Gilead.
Joshua sent the people away, and everyone returned to their own part of the land. After that, Jehovah's servant Joshua son of Nun died at the age of a hundred and ten. read more. They buried him on his own land at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim north of Mount Gaash. As long as Joshua lived, the people of Israel served Jehovah. After his death they continued to do so as long as those leaders were alive who had seen for themselves everything Jehovah had done for Israel.
Eleazar son of Aaron died and was buried at Gibeah, the town in the hill country of Ephraim that had been given to his son Phinehas.
After the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked Jehovah (YHWH), saying: Who will go first to fight against the Canaanites for us?
After the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked Jehovah (YHWH), saying: Who will go first to fight against the Canaanites for us? Jehovah said: Judah will go up. I have delivered the land into his hand. read more. Judah said to Simeon his brother: Come up with me to my allotted territory that we may fight against the Canaanites. I likewise will go with you to your territory. So Simeon went with him. Judah went up and Jehovah delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand. They killed ten thousand men at Bezek. They found Adoni-bezek in Bezek: and they fought against him. They killed the Canaanites and the Perizzites. Adoni-bezek fled and they chased him, caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his big toes.
Adoni-bezek fled and they chased him, caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. And Adoni-bezek said: Seventy kings with their big toes cut off have gathered food scrapes under my table. God has repaid me for what I have done. So they brought him to Jerusalem where he died.
And Adoni-bezek said: Seventy kings with their big toes cut off have gathered food scrapes under my table. God has repaid me for what I have done. So they brought him to Jerusalem where he died. The children of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it. They put it to the sword and set the city on fire. read more. Afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that lived in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley. Judah went against the Canaanites that lived in Hebron (previously called Kirjath-arba) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.
Judah went against the Canaanites that lived in Hebron (previously called Kirjath-arba) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai. From there they advanced against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher:
From there they advanced against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher: Caleb said: He that attacks Kirjath-sepher, and captures it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter for a wife.
Caleb said: He that attacks Kirjath-sepher, and captures it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter for a wife. Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife.
Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife. When she came to him she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey Caleb said to her: What do you wish?
When she came to him she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey Caleb said to her: What do you wish? She said: Give me a blessing: for you have given me a land south with spring water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
She said: Give me a blessing: for you have given me a land south with spring water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. The children of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah to the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the south of Arad to live with the people.
The children of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah to the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the south of Arad to live with the people. And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they attacked the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath and utterly destroyed it. The name of the city was Hormah. read more. Judah took Gaza with its territory, and Ashkelon with its territory as well as Ekron with its territory. Jehovah was with Judah. He drove out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.
Jehovah was with Judah. He drove out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. They gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had promised and he expelled the three sons of Anak.
They gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had promised and he expelled the three sons of Anak. The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem. The Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.
The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem. The Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.
The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem. The Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.
The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem. The Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day. The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel: and Jehovah was with them.
The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel: and Jehovah was with them. The house of Joseph sent men to spy out Bethel.
The house of Joseph sent men to spy out Bethel. The spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said to him: Show us the entrance into the city, and we will show you mercy.
The spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said to him: Show us the entrance into the city, and we will show you mercy. When he showed them the entrance into the city, they struck the city with the edge of the sword. But spared the man and all his family.
When he showed them the entrance into the city, they struck the city with the edge of the sword. But spared the man and all his family. The man went into the land of the Hittites and built a city. He called it Luz, which is its name this day.
The man went into the land of the Hittites and built a city. He called it Luz, which is its name this day. Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites wanted to live in that land.
Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites wanted to live in that land.
Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites wanted to live in that land. When Israel was strong they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor. They did not completely drive them out.
When Israel was strong they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor. They did not completely drive them out.
When Israel was strong they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor. They did not completely drive them out. Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that lived in Gezer. But the Canaanites lived among them in Gezer.
Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that lived in Gezer. But the Canaanites lived among them in Gezer.
Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that lived in Gezer. But the Canaanites lived among them in Gezer. Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became forced laborers.
Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became forced laborers.
Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became forced laborers. Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:
Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob: But the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out.
But the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out. Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth-anath; but he lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and of Beth-anath became forced laborers to them.
Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth-anath; but he lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and of Beth-anath became forced laborers to them.
Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth-anath; but he lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and of Beth-anath became forced laborers to them. And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain. They would not allow them to come down to the valley.
And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain. They would not allow them to come down to the valley. But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became forced laborers.
But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became forced laborers. The boundary of the Amorites was from the Ascent to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.
An angel of Jehovah came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: I led you out of Egypt and brought you to the land about which I swore to your fathers that I would never break my covenant with you.
An angel of Jehovah came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: I led you out of Egypt and brought you to the land about which I swore to your fathers that I would never break my covenant with you. You will make no covenant with people of this land. You will throw down their altars. You have not obeyed my voice. Why have you done this?
You will make no covenant with people of this land. You will throw down their altars. You have not obeyed my voice. Why have you done this? I also said: 'I will not drive them out from before you. They will be thorns in your sides. Their gods will snare (trap) you.'
I also said: 'I will not drive them out from before you. They will be thorns in your sides. Their gods will snare (trap) you.' When the angel of Jehovah spoke these words to all the children of Israel the people wept loudly.
When the angel of Jehovah spoke these words to all the children of Israel the people wept loudly. They called that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there to Jehovah. read more. When Joshua let the people go the children of Israel went, every man, to his inheritance to possess the land. The people served Jehovah all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works Jehovah did for Israel. Joshua son of Nun, the servant of Jehovah, died at the age of a hundred and ten years old. They buried him on the border of his inheritance in Timnath-Serah, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of Gaash hill.
The children of Israel did evil in the sight of Jehovah, and served Baalim:
The children of Israel did evil in the sight of Jehovah, and served Baalim:
The children of Israel did evil in the sight of Jehovah, and served Baalim: They forsook Jehovah God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt. They followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them. They bowed to them and provoked Jehovah to anger. read more. They forsook Jehovah and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
Nevertheless Jehovah established judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Yet they would not listen to their judges, but prostituted themselves to other gods. They worshiped them. They turned quickly, out of the way in which their fathers walked obeying the commandments of Jehovah. read more. When Jehovah established judges he supported each judge. He delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days the judge lived. He had compassion for them as they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted them. When the judge was dead they returned and corrupted themselves more than their fathers. They followed other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them. They did not give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.
The people of Israel forgot Jehovah their God. They sinned against him and worshiped the idols of Baal and Asherah.
The people of Israel forgot Jehovah their God. They sinned against him and worshiped the idols of Baal and Asherah. Jehovah became angry at Israel and let King Cushan Rishathaim of Mesopotamia conquer them. They were subject to him for eight years. read more. The Israelites cried out to Jehovah, and he sent someone to free them. This was Othniel, the son of Caleb's younger brother Kenaz. The Spirit of Jehovah came upon him, and he became Israel's leader (judge). Othniel went to war, and Jehovah gave him the victory over the king of Mesopotamia.
The Spirit of Jehovah came upon him, and he became Israel's leader (judge). Othniel went to war, and Jehovah gave him the victory over the king of Mesopotamia. There was peace in the land for forty years until Othniel died.
There was peace in the land for forty years until Othniel died. The people of Israel sinned against Jehovah again. Because of this Jehovah made King Eglon of Moab stronger than Israel. read more. Eglon joined the Ammonites and the Amalekites. They defeated Israel and captured Jericho, the city of palm trees. The Israelites were subject to Eglon for eighteen years. Then the Israelites cried out to Jehovah. So he sent someone to free them. This was Ehud, a left-handed man, who was the son of Gera, from the tribe of Benjamin. The people of Israel sent Ehud to King Eglon of Moab with gifts for him. Ehud made himself a double-edged sword about a foot and a half long. He fastened it on his right side under his clothes.
That day the Israelites defeated Moab. There was peace in the land for eighty years.
Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots, and he ruled the people of Israel with cruelty and violence for twenty years. The people of Israel cried out to Jehovah for help.
Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men under his command. Deborah went with him.
There was war in the land when the Israelites chose new gods. Of the forty thousand men in Israel, did anyone carry shield or spear?
The leaders of Issachar came with Deborah. Issachar came and Barak too, and they followed him into the valley. But the tribe of Reuben was divided; they could not decide to come. Why did they stay behind with the sheep? Did they listen to shepherds calling the flocks? Yes, the tribe of Reuben was divided; they could not decide to come. read more. The tribe of Gad stayed east of the Jordan. The tribe of Dan remained by the ships. The tribe of Asher stayed by the seacoast. They remained by the shore.
Sisera's mother looked thru the window. From behind the lattice she looked. Why is his chariot so late in coming? She asked. Why are his horses so slow to return?
May all your enemies die like that, Jehovah, may your friends shine like the rising sun! There was peace in the land for forty years.
The Midianites were very oppressive over Israel. So much so that the people of Israel hid from them in caves and other safe places in the mountains.
The people of Israel cried out to Jehovah for help against the Midianites. Then Jehovah sent a man, a prophet, to the Israelites. He said to them: Jehovah, the God of Israel says, 'It was I who brought you out of slavery in Egypt. read more. I rescued you from the Egyptians and from the people who fought you in this land. I drove them out as you advanced. I gave you their land. I said to you: 'I am Jehovah your God. You should not worship the gods of the Amorites, whose land you are now living in. But you have not listened to me.' The angel of Jehovah came to the village of Ophrah. He sat under the oak tree that belonged to Joash, a man of the clan of Abiezer. His son Gideon was secretly threshing wheat in a wine press, so that the Midianites would not see him.
The Spirit of Jehovah took control of Gideon. He blew a trumpet to call the men of the clan of Abiezer to follow him. He sent messengers throughout the territory of both parts of Manasseh to call them to follow him. He sent messengers to the tribes of Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they also came to join him.
God delivered the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb, to you. What was I able to do in comparison to you? Then their anger toward him subsided at what he said.
He captured a young man from Succoth and questioned him. He described the princes of Succoth, and the elders and even seventy-seven men.
He said: They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As Jehovah lives, if you had saved them alive, I will not kill you.
He also said: Let me ask one thing of you. Every one of you must give me the earrings you took. (The Midianites wore gold earrings.) They answered: We will gladly give them to you. They spread out a cloth, and everyone put the earrings that he had taken on it. read more. The gold earrings that Gideon got weighed over forty pounds. This did not include the ornaments, necklaces, and purple clothes that the kings of Midian wore. It also did not include the collars that were around the necks of their camels.
Midian was defeated by the Israelites and was no longer a threat. The land was at peace for forty years, until Gideon died.
Jotham heard about this. He stood on top of Mount Gerizim and shouted out to them: Men of Shechem, listen to me and God may listen to you!
The olive tree answered: 'I would have to stop producing my oil in order to govern you. My oil is used to honor gods and human beings.'
He had thirty sons who rode thirty donkeys. They had thirty cities in the land of Gilead. They are called the villages of Jair.
The Ammonites crossed the Jordan to fight the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim. Israel was greatly distressed. The children of Israel cried out to Jehovah: We sinned against you. We left our God and served the Baals.
The children of Israel cried out to Jehovah: We sinned against you. We left our God and served the Baals. Jehovah answered: Did I free you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, and the Philistines?
Jehovah answered: Did I free you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, and the Philistines? Did I save you from the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites? They oppressed you and you cried out to me.
Did I save you from the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites? They oppressed you and you cried out to me.
Did I save you from the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites? They oppressed you and you cried out to me. You still left me and worshiped other gods. I am not going to rescue you again.
You still left me and worshiped other gods. I am not going to rescue you again. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them save you in your time of trouble.
Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them save you in your time of trouble. But the people of Israel said to Jehovah: We have sinned. Do to us what seems best to you, only please, save us today! read more. So they removed the foreign gods and worshiped Jehovah. He could bear the distress of Israel no longer.
Israel has occupied Heshbon and Aroer for three hundred years, and the towns around them, and all the cities on the banks of the Arnon River. Why did you not retake them during that time?
The Spirit of Jehovah came upon Jephthah. He went through Gilead and Manasseh and returned to Mizpah in Gilead and went on to Ammon.
Jehovah's angel appeared to her and said: You have not been able to have children, but you will become pregnant and have a son. Do not drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food. read more. After your son is born never cut his hair. This is because from the day of his birth he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite. He will begin the work of delivering Israel from the Philistines.
After your son is born never cut his hair. This is because from the day of his birth he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite. He will begin the work of delivering Israel from the Philistines.
After your son is born never cut his hair. This is because from the day of his birth he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite. He will begin the work of delivering Israel from the Philistines. Then the woman told her husband: A man of God came to me. He looked as frightening as the angel of God. I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not tell me his name. read more. He told me I would become pregnant and have a son. He told me: 'Do not drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food. This is because the boy is to be dedicated to God as a Nazirite as long as he lives.' Then Manoah prayed to Jehovah: Please, Jehovah, let the man of God that you sent come back to teach us what we must do with the boy when he is born. God did what Manoah asked. His angel came back to the woman while she was in the field. Her husband Manoah was not with her, She ran to tell him, The man who came to me the other day appeared to me again. Manoah followed his wife to the man and asked, Are you the man who talked to my wife? Yes, he answered. Manoah said: When your words come true, what must the boy do? What kind of a life must he live? Jehovah's angel answered: Your wife must be sure to do everything I told her. She must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine. She must not drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food. She must do everything I told her to do. Not knowing that it was Jehovah's angel, Manoah said: Please do not go yet. Let us cook a young goat for you. The angel replied: If I stay I will not eat your food. But if you want to prepare it, burn it as an offering to Jehovah. Manoah replied: Tell us your name. We want to honor you when your words come true. The angel asked: Why do you want to know my name? It is 'Wonderful.' (Isaiah 9:6) So Manoah took a young goat and some grain, and offered them on the rock altar to Jehovah the God who works wonders. While the flames were going up from the altar, Manoah and his wife saw Jehovah's angel go up toward heaven in the flames. They did not see the angel again. Manoah knew then that the man was Jehovah's angel. He and his wife fell on their faces to the ground. Manoah told his wife: We will die, for we have seen God (a God-like being)! His wife answered: If Jehovah wanted to kill us he would not accept our offerings. He would not have shown us all this or told us these things. The woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The child grew and Jehovah blessed him. Jehovah's power strengthened him while he was between Zorah and Eshtaol in the Camp of Dan.
Jehovah's power strengthened him while he was between Zorah and Eshtaol in the Camp of Dan.
Samson said to them: Let me tell you a riddle. If you can tell me the meaning before the seven days of the wedding feast are over, I will give each of you a piece of fine linen and a change of fine clothes. Tell us your riddle, they said: Let us hear it.
The Philistines came and camped in Judah. They attacked the town of Lehi. The men of Judah asked: Why do you attack us? They answered: We came to take Samson prisoner and to treat him as he treated us. read more. These three thousand men of Judah went to the cave in the cliff at Etam and said to Samson: Do you know that the Philistines are our rulers? What did you do? He answered: I did to them just what they did to me. They replied: We have come here to tie you up and hand you over to them. Samson said: Give me your word that you will not kill me. They said: We are only going to tie you up and hand you over to them. We will not kill you. So they tied him up with two new ropes and brought him back from the cliff. When he got to Lehi, the Philistines shouted and ran toward him. Suddenly Jehovah's power made him strong. He broke the ropes around his arms and hands as if they were burnt flax.
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did whatever he or she wanted to do.
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did whatever he or she wanted to do.
There was no king in Israel in those days. The tribe of Dan was looking for territory to claim and settle in because they had not yet received any land of their own among the tribes of Israel.
There was no king in Israel in those days. The tribe of Dan was looking for territory to claim and settle in because they had not yet received any land of their own among the tribes of Israel.
There was no king in Israel in those days. The tribe of Dan was looking for territory to claim and settle in because they had not yet received any land of their own among the tribes of Israel.
So the five men left and traveled to the town of Laish. They saw how the people there lived in security like the Sidonians. They were a peaceful, quiet people, with no argument with anyone. They had all they needed. They lived far away from the Sidonians and had nothing to do with any other people.
They went up and camped west of Kiriath Jearim in Judah. That is why the place is still called Camp of Dan.
The Danites set up the idol to be worshiped, and Jonathan, the son of Gershom and grandson of Moses, served as a priest for the Danites. His descendants served as their priests until the people were taken away into exile.
The Danites set up the idol to be worshiped, and Jonathan, the son of Gershom and grandson of Moses, served as a priest for the Danites. His descendants served as their priests until the people were taken away into exile.
The Danites set up the idol to be worshiped, and Jonathan, the son of Gershom and grandson of Moses, served as a priest for the Danites. His descendants served as their priests until the people were taken away into exile. Micah's idol remained there as long as the Tent where God was worshiped was at Shiloh.
Micah's idol remained there as long as the Tent where God was worshiped was at Shiloh.
There was still no king in Israel. There was a Levite who lived in the remote area of Mount Ephraim. He took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.
There was still no king in Israel. There was a Levite who lived in the remote area of Mount Ephraim. He took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.
The people asked Jehovah: Should we go to battle against our brothers the Benjaminites again, or should we cease? Jehovah answered: Fight. Tomorrow I will give you victory over them.
This man went to Shiloh every year to worship and to make offerings to Jehovah (YHWH) of Hosts. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas were the priests of Jehovah at Shiloh.
Jehovah continued to appear in Shiloh, since Jehovah revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh through the word of Jehovah. And Samuel spoke to all Israel.
The army of Israel retreated to their camp. The leaders of Israel asked: Why has Jehovah used the Philistines to defeat us today? Let us get the Ark of Jehovah's Covenant from Shiloh so that he may be with us and save us from our enemies.
Samuel told the entire nation of Israel: If you return to Jehovah with all your hearts you must get rid of the foreign gods you have, including the statues of the goddess Astarte. You must dedicate your lives to Jehovah and serve him only. Then he will rescue you from the Philistines. So the Israelites got rid of their idols of Baal and Astarte. They worshiped only Jehovah. read more. Samuel called all the Israelites to meet at Mizpah. He told them: I will pray to Jehovah for you there. The Israelites gathered at Mizpah. They drew some water, poured it out in front of Jehovah and fasted that day. They confessed: We have sinned against Jehovah. So Samuel judged Israel in Mizpah. The Philistines heard that the Israelites gathered at Mizpah. So the Philistine rulers came to attack Israel. The Israelites heard about the Philistine plan and were afraid of them. The Israelites said to Samuel: Do not stop crying to Jehovah our God for us! Ask him to deliver us from the Philistines! Samuel killed a young lamb and burned it whole as a sacrifice to Jehovah. Then he prayed to Jehovah to help Israel. Jehovah answered his prayer.
Samuel killed a young lamb and burned it whole as a sacrifice to Jehovah. Then he prayed to Jehovah to help Israel. Jehovah answered his prayer. While Samuel was offering the burnt sacrifice, the Philistines moved forward to attack. Just then Jehovah thundered from heaven against them. They became completely confused and fled in panic.
While Samuel was offering the burnt sacrifice, the Philistines moved forward to attack. Just then Jehovah thundered from heaven against them. They became completely confused and fled in panic. The Israelites marched out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and drove them back as far as Bethcar. They killed them along the way. read more. Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He said: Jehovah helped us all the way. He named it: Stone of Help. The Philistines were defeated. Jehovah prevented them from invading Israel's territory as long as Samuel lived. The cities between Ekron and Gath that the Philistines took from Israel were returned to Israel. Israel recovered the territory controlled by these cities from the Philistines. There was also peace between Israel and the Amorites.
No blacksmith could be found in all of Israel. In this way the Philistines kept the Hebrews from making swords and spears. Everyone in Israel had to go to the Philistines to sharpen the blade of his plow, his mattock, ax, or sickle. read more. The charge for sharpening plowshares and for the mattocks, and for the mattocks, and for the three-pronged forks, and for the axes was a pim. So in the day of battle there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people with Saul and Jonathan. But with Saul and with his son Jonathan there was found sword and spear.
So in the day of battle there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people with Saul and Jonathan. But with Saul and with his son Jonathan there was found sword and spear. The garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
He sent a warning to the Kenites, a people whose ancestors had been kind to the Israelites when they came from Egypt: Go away and leave the Amalekites. That way I will not kill you along with them. So the Kenites left.
The king and his men went to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived in that region. The Jebusites told David: You will never get in here. Even the blind and the lame could turn you away. In other words he could not enter there.
Who killed Jerubbesheth's son Abimelech? Did a woman on the wall of Thebez throw a small millstone at him and kill him? Why did you go so close to the wall? If the king asks this, tell him: 'Your man Uriah the Hittite is also dead.'
Baalath, Tamar in the wilderness of Judah, the cities where his supplies were kept, the cities for his horses and chariots, and everything else he wanted to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and elsewhere in his kingdom. read more. Solomon used the descendants of the people of Canaan whom the Israelites had not killed when they took possession of their land as his forced labor. These included Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Their descendants continue to be slaves down to the present time. Solomon did not make slaves of Israelites. They served as his soldiers, officers, commanders, chariot captains, and cavalry.
David left Zadok and his priestly relatives to serve in Jehovah's Tent at the place of worship in Gibeon.
Jehovah's tent that Moses made in the desert and the altar for burnt offerings were at the worship site at Gibeon.
When God heard, he became furious. He greatly abhorred Israel. He abandoned his dwelling place in Shiloh, the tent where he had lived among humans. read more. He allowed his power to be taken captive and handed his glory over to an oppressor. He let swords kill his people. He was furious with those who belonged to him. Fire consumed his best young men, so his virgins were not given in marriage. His priests were cut down with swords. The widows of his priests could not even weep for them.
I will give you judges like you had long ago, advisers like you had in the beginning. After that you will be called the Righteous City, the Faithful City.
Jehovah of Hosts will stir up enemies against you as when he struck down Midian at the rock of Oreb. His wrath will come by way of the sea, as he did in Egypt.
Some day there will be a king who rules with integrity, and national leaders who govern with righteousness. Princes will rule for the sake of justice.
He said: They are my people, sons who will not lie to me. So he became their Savior. In all their difficulty he was concerned, and he was the messenger who saved them. In his love and compassion he reclaimed (redeemed) them. He always held them and carried them in the past.
But go to my place in Shiloh, where I made my name dwell from the beginning, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. For the reason that you did all these things, says Jehovah, I spoke to you. I rose up early and spoke. But you did not hear, and I called you but you did not answer. read more. Consider what I will do to the house that is called by my name. It is the house in which you trust. It is the place I gave you and your fathers, as I did to Shiloh.
Jesus replied: Truly I say to you, when all things are made new, and the Son of man is seated in his glory, you who have come after me will be seated on twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.