The Book of Judges

 The Book of Judges was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

JUDGES 1:1-15

 

Introduction:

The obvious question that confronts us as we launch into Judges is why did God commission Israel to invade the land of Canaan and kill or drive out the existing inhabitants? Could this be the "God of love" that the liberals love to embrace? Consider the following:

A. The inhabitants of the land had spent several hundred years practicing idolatry, occult religion and offering their own children as sacrifices to their pagan gods. (Deut. 18:9-12; Jer. 7:30-31; 2 Kings 17:17-18, 21:1-6)

B. God purposely allowed Israel to endure 400 years of servitude in Egypt to permit the Canaanites space to repent. (Gen. 15:13-16)

C. The land was so morally polluted that there was no other recourse. (Psa. 106:34-39; Lev. 18:28)

 

I. The first waves of troops (vs. 1-8)

A. Judah goes first as a type of Christ at the Second Advent. (Gen. 49:8-10; Rev. 5:5)

B. David, also of the tribe of Judah and a type of Christ, has ten thousands ascribed to him. (1 Sam. 18:7-8)

C. Adonibezek means "lord of lightning," so It is no mystery who he is a type of. (Luke 10:18)

D. The principle of sowing and reaping is obviously in effect here with loss of Adonibezek's thumbs and toes. (Gal. 6:7)

 

II. The inheritance of a medal of honor winner (vs. 9-15)

A. Caleb is one of twelve spies sent to scout out the land 40 years previous. He and Joshua are the only ones who believe by faith that land can be conquered. (Num. 13:6,30)

B. A promise of possession is given Caleb based on his spirit. (Num. 14:24,30; 32:11-13)

C. Joshua gives Caleb Hebron for an inheritance (Josh. 14:13) which is a wonderful picture of the Christian winning his inheritance at tile Judgment Seat of Christ. (Luke 19:15-19; Col. 3:23-25)

D. Othniel gets the girl and a nice piece of real estate because of his willingness to fight. This correct spirit results in him being a future deliverer and judge over Israel. (Jud. 3:9-11; 1 Tim. 6:12)

JUDGES 1:16-36

FAILURE TO OBEY EXPRESS INSTRUCTIONS

 

I. The difficulty of iron chariots (vs. 16-20)

Judah, along with his brother Simeon, is successful in destroying the enemy, but does not defeat the Canaanites which possess the chariots of iron. This in itself is very instructive - consider:

A. Giants are associated with iron. (Deut. 3:11; josh. 17:14-18)

B. Giants were on the earth in Noah's day as a result of mixed seed. (Gen. 6:4)

C. A mixed seed generation that is connected with iron is forecasted for the future. (Dan. 2:40-43)

D. Caleb appears to be the only one here successful in expelling the giants.

Moses had done so in a previous generation. (Deut. 3:1-11) David and his men slay the last group of giants mentioned in Scripture. All of these men know how to use the shield of faith. (Eph. 6:16)

The physical is always a shadow of the spiritual which follows.

 

II. The failure of Benjamin (vs. 21)

A. The Jebusites were a thorn in the side of Israel "unto this day." We always find them in the vicinity of Jerusalem. (2 Sam. 5:6-8)

B. God demonstrates His grace to Israel at the door of their disobedience. (2 Chron. 21:14-30)

 

III. The consistency of Joseph (vs. 22-26)

The name Joseph brings up images on enduring, resisting sin and wisdom. He is rewarded by inheriting Jacob's birthright at the very place where he received it. (Gen. 28:10-22) Talk about roots!

 

IV. Manasseh prefers compromise (vs. 27,28)

When you put something "to tribute," you take what was once considered an enemy and make it work for you, convincing yourself that you are now better off. In other words, you relieve your own work load by allowing the articles of compromise to do it for you. There was a time when the church considered rock music, entertainment and country club socialization the enemy… but now? It is all done in the name of progress.

 

V. Popular vote prevails (vs. 29-36)

The remainder of the tribes seem willing to follow the lead of Manasseh and Benjamin even though Joseph gave them a better example. Spiritual gravity pulls down a great many more than those who find the will to resist. Coexistence and compromise seem to be the mantra for Israel as a whole. Dan is so weak that they would have no victory at all if it weren't for the fortitude of his brother, Joseph. (vs. 34,35)

There are many Christians today who are hanging on by the thread of someone else's superior prayer life.

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