SCRIPTURE: Judges 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” (His parents did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.) [Judges 14:3-4] This passage exposes the sinful character…
modern day Nazirites
SCRIPTURE: Judges 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The angel of the LORD appeared to her and said, ‘You are sterile and childless, but you are going to conceive and have a son. Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean, because you will conceive and give…
burning with love
SCRIPTURE: Judges 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The men of Ephraim called out their forces, crossed over to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, ‘Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We’re going to burn down your house over your head.’ Jephthah answered, ‘I and my people were engaged in a great…
an example worth following
SCRIPTURE: Judges 11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me just as you promised, now that the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites. [Judges 11:36] I do find the response of Jepthath’s daughter – as sad as it is – somewhat inspiring. Her willingness to…
wounded love
SCRIPTURE: Judges 10 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: And because the Israelites forsook the LORD and no longer served him, he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, who that year shattered and crushed them. [Judges 10:6-8] God is not a cruel, vengeful God. He does not enjoy making people suffer. He…
dangerous connections
SCRIPTURE: Judges 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, `Come and be our king.’ The thornbush said to the trees, `If you really want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, then let fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of…
irreverend
SCRIPTURE: Judges 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The Israelites said to Gideon, ‘Rule over us–you, your son and your grandson–because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian.’ But Gideon told them, ‘I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you.’ [Judges 8:22-23] Our tendency is to reject…
dreamweaver
SCRIPTURE: Judges 7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped God. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, ‘Get up! The LORD has given the Midianite camp into your hands.’ [Judges 7:15] When God supports a cause, nothing can defeat it. Even with an army of 300, Israel could defeat…
a prayer for disturbance
Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little, when we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of things we possess, we have lost our thirst for the waters…
iconoclast
SCRIPTURE: Judges 6 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The men of the town demanded of Joash, ‘Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.’ [Judges 6:30] How things have digressed. Despite God’s warnings against idolatry and Baal worship, here we have the village leaders preparing to kill…