Uncovering the Riches of the Book of Judges
In the period between the leadership of Moses and Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, the nation faced a crisis of leadership and faithfulness to their covenant with God. This tumultuous time is described in the book of Judges, where we read, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judg. 17:6). This statement not only highlights the lack of leadership but also the spiritual decay that had set in among the Israelites.
A Nation in Decline
The generation that had witnessed God’s great signs and wonders under Moses and Joshua had passed away, leaving behind a new generation that did not know the Lord or His works (Judg. 2:10). As a result, Israel began to do “what was evil in the sight of the Lord” (Judg. 2:11), descending into idolatry and becoming like the surrounding nations. By the end of the book, Israel had become as corrupt as Sodom and Gomorrah (Judg. 19).
Why Study a Book with Such Graphic Content?
At first glance, the book of Judges may seem like an unlikely choice for study, given its graphic descriptions of violence, human sacrifice, and immorality. However, it is precisely this raw and unvarnished portrayal of human nature that makes Judges so relevant. The book shows us that life is messy and complicated, and that our own sin creates problems. But it also points us to the solution: God’s great salvation in Christ.
Finding Jesus in the Book of Judges
As we read the book of Judges, we must do so through the filter of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God’s salvation (John 5:39). The narratives in Judges were written to bear witness to the person and work of Jesus, and to highlight the need for a faithful King who would rule God’s people in righteousness. The book of Hebrews shows us how to read Judges in this light, highlighting the faith of judges like Gideon, Barak, and Samson, who conquered kingdoms and obtained promises through their trust in God (Heb. 11:32-34).
Looking Forward to the King of Kings
As we study the book of Judges, we are ultimately pointed to the coming of the King of Kings, who will deliver God’s people from sin and corruption. We look forward to the King who delights to do the will of His Father in heaven (John 6:38-40), and who will give rest to God’s people and secure their inheritance. In the book of Judges, we find a powerful reminder of God’s great salvation in Christ, and a call to fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.
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